Whirlpool Flashcards
(17 cards)
What is the primary technology used for removing trub?
Whirlpool
The whirlpool is widely used in brewing to separate trub from wort.
What is the design characteristic of whirlpools that makes them effective?
Simple design with no moving parts
Some whirlpools may have rotary jets to assist in trub removal.
What action creates the whirlpool effect?
Tangential entry of wort
The tangential entry causes mass flow and rotation of the wort.
Who solved the tea leaf paradox related to whirlpool action?
Albert Einstein in 1926
The paradox explains why tea leaves gather at the center of a cup.
Describe the process of whirlpooling.
Wort is pumped tangentially, causing rotation and mass flow, leading to trub formation
This includes centrifugal force pulling liquid to the walls and secondary rotation effects.
What happens to trub particles during the whirlpooling process?
They collide, agglomerate, and settle into a cone
Agglomeration increases particle size and inertia, aiding in settling.
What are torus currents in whirlpool operation?
Troublesome eddies that disrupt whirlpooling action
They can be prevented by adding lattice rings or ring structures.
What is the typical velocity of wort entering the whirlpool?
3.5 m/s
This velocity drives the whirlpool motion effectively.
What is the purpose of recirculating wort in the whirlpool?
To establish whirlpooling motion
Once established, the pump can be stopped to allow the formation of the trub cone.
What is the ideal duration for the whirlpool stand?
15-25 minutes
During this time, the trub cone forms and wort clarifies.
What is the typical diameter:height ratio of whirlpools?
Around 3:1
Ratios can range from 1:1 to 5:1, with 3:1 balancing settling distance and vessel footprint.
Why can’t Stokes’ law be applied directly to whirlpool operation?
Whirlpool effect complicates solid removal beyond simple sedimentation
Forces in the whirlpool are analogous to gravity affecting clarification rates.
What factors can lead to poor trub removal in the whirlpool?
Excessive velocity, failing to reach 3.5 m/s, poor wort separation, and whirlpool design issues
Other factors include inadequate coagulation and poor quality malt.
Fill in the blank: The whirlpool effect can be described by the _______.
tea leaf paradox
True or False: The whirlpool process can include the use of high-shear pumps.
False
Low shear pumps are recommended to prevent damage to trub flocs.
What is the role of hop pellets in whirlpool operations?
To stabilize the trub cone
They help improve the coagulation process during brewing.
What should be done when casting out from a whirlpool?
Slow flowrate as the trub cone is exposed
This prevents contamination of the wort by spreading trub.
