Process Objectives of Wort Separation

Question 1

What is the primary process involved in wort separation?

Answer 1

Separating liquid wort from a slurry of insoluble malt husks and plant materials

The slurry contains approximately 20% solids known as spent grain.

Question 2

What is spent grain?

Answer 2

The remaining solids after wort separation, consisting of insoluble malt husks and plant materials

Spent grain is approximately 20% of the mixture after mashing.

Question 3

Why is it important to ensure the separated wort is clear?

Answer 3

To prevent the presence of tannins and lipids that can affect flavor stability and shelf-life

Tannins are polyphenols that contribute bitterness and reduce shelf-life.

Question 4

What process is used to wash out residual sugars from spent grain?

Answer 4

Sparging

Sparging involves rinsing spent grain with hot brewing water.

Question 5

What is the most common wort separation device worldwide?

Answer 5

Lauter tun

The lauter tun is the predominant device for wort separation in brewing.

Question 6

What is becoming increasingly popular in larger scale brewing operations?

Answer 6

Mash filter

The mash filter is gaining popularity for wort separation in larger scale breweries.

Question 7

What is a dual-purpose vessel in brewing?

Answer 7

A vessel that serves both mashing and wort separation functions, such as an infusion mash tun

After saccharification, wort separation can occur directly from the mash tun.

Question 8

What are the three process objectives of wort separation?

Answer 8

1. Produce a clear wort
2. Maximise wort recovery
3. Achieve this consistently in the required time

These objectives ensure efficiency and quality in brewing.

Question 9

What is the first stage of wort separation?

Answer 9

Forming a spent grain filter bed and pre-clarifying first worts

This stage sets the foundation for effective wort separation.

Question 10

What does the second stage of wort separation involve?

Answer 10

Collecting clarified strong worts and sparged diluted worts

Strong worts are the first worts, while weak worts are those collected after sparging.

Question 11

What is the final stage of wort separation?

Answer 11

Removing and disposing of spent grain

This step involves managing the by-products of the wort separation process.