Wort Clarification Objectives Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the main goal of wort clarification?
To produce clear wort
Clear wort is important for fermentation and overall beer quality
Why is it important to remove suspended material from wort?
It contains substances that can reduce foam stability, make beer taste bad, and damage fermentation and yeast crop
The suspended material can negatively impact the quality of the final beer
What is the debate regarding the clarity of wort?
Some argue that crystal clear wort lacks nutrients needed for effective fermentation
Specifically, it is believed that lipids are necessary for yeast health
What is the specified haze level for fully clarified wort according to many commercial breweries?
2-3 EBC
However, there is wide variation across the brewing industry regarding this specification
What components are typically removed during wort clarification?
Trub and spent hops
Some may classify spent hops as part of trub while others consider them separately
What is trub composed of?
It contains:
* Proteinaceous matter
* Bittering substances
* Polyphenols
* Carbohydrates
* Ash
* Fats
Trub is a byproduct of brewing that can affect beer quality
What are the typical particle size and wet weight values for trub?
Particle size: 30-80 µm; Wet weight: 150-400 g/hL
These measurements are important for understanding trub characteristics
What does the term ‘trub’ mean in German?
Cloudy
It is derived from the word ‘trübe’ and is used in brewing and winemaking contexts
What is the typical amount of trub formed as a percentage of hot wort volume?
0.2-0.4%
This typically translates to 0.15-0.4 kg/hL
What is the desired diameter for trub flocs?
5-10 mm
Larger flocs settle out of wort more easily, improving the clarification process
What can break up trub flocs during the wort transfer process?
Shear forces from pumps and restrictions
This can reduce floc size to 20-80 μm
How can floc size be assessed visually?
By taking a sample of wort from the separation device before sedimentation or filtration
The flocs should be 5-10 mm in diameter and the wort should appear clear
What is the importance of an effective boil in wort clarification?
It aids in floc formation and overall wort separation
A poor boil can negatively impact the quality of the wort
What are the objectives of wort clarification? (List them)
- Separate trub and spent hops from wort
- Produce wort of the required clarity
- Remove and dispose of trub and spent hops
- Minimise thermal load
- Minimise heat derived colour and flavour formation
- Minimise carry-over of foam negative compounds
- Minimise time taken
These objectives ensure high-quality beer production
