Steep Conditioned Mill

Question 1

What is the duration of the steeping process in steep conditioned mills?

Answer 1

30-60 seconds

Steeping refers to soaking the malt in water for a short time.

Question 2

How do steep conditioned mills differ from full steep wet mills?

Answer 2

Grain is wetted in a chamber between the hopper and the mill rather than in the hopper

This affects the moisture uptake and control of the steeping process.

Question 3

What is the typical temperature range for water used in steep conditioned mills?

Answer 3

55 to 70°C

Higher temperatures can denature enzymes and increase moisture uptake.

Question 4

What enzyme is implicated in the production of stale beer flavor that can be affected by temperature?

Answer 4

Lipoxygenase (LOX)

LOX activity can be reduced by using higher temperatures during steeping.

Question 5

What is the moisture level in the husk after conditioning in steep conditioned mills?

Answer 5

18-22%

The endosperm remains largely unchanged during this process.

Question 6

What regulates the flow of malt in the steeping chamber?

Answer 6

A feed roller

This ensures that water can access the grain efficiently.

Question 7

What can be adjusted to increase or reduce the steeping time of the malt?

Answer 7

The speed of the feed roller

This directly impacts the residence time of the malt in the steeping chamber.

Question 8

What is the typical diameter range of crushing rollers in steep conditioned mills?

Answer 8

290 to 420 mm

Roller speed and gap can be adjusted based on the malt’s degree of modification.

Question 9

What is the typical gap range between crushing rollers?

Answer 9

0.25 to 0.4 mm

This gap is crucial for effective crushing and hydration of the malt.

Question 10

True or False: The risk of oxidation in steep conditioned mills is lower than in full steep wet mills.

Answer 10

False

The risk of oxidation is greater, but can be mitigated using deoxygenated water.

Question 11

What materials are used to construct the crushing rollers and steeping chamber?

Answer 11

Chrome-nickel steel

This material choice helps resist corrosion.

Question 12

List one advantage of steep conditioned mills.

Answer 12

• Less husk damage compared to dry mills
• Improved extract recovery compared to full steep wet mills
• Easier to control than a full steep wet mill
• Improved wort separation compared to dry mills
• Possible to add lactic acid during operation
• Reduced risk of explosion versus dry mills

Advantages enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the milling process.

Question 13

List one disadvantage of steep conditioned mills.

Answer 13

• Oxygen control is harder than in full steep wet mills
• Corrosion can be a problem
• More difficult to keep clean than a dry mill
• Higher water use and effluent production than a dry mill
• Plansifter for grist analysis cannot be used

These disadvantages can impact operational efficiency and maintenance.

Question 14

What happens to the mill after the crushing process?

Answer 14

The mill is flushed with water to remove malt/grist residue

This cleaning process is essential to maintain mill performance.