Wort Clarification Technology and Process Control SAQ

Question 1

What are the objectives of wort clarification?

Answer 1

• 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

Objectives guide the design and operational factors in the wort clarification process.

Question 2

What is the required size of trub flocs for effective wort clarification?

Answer 2

5-10 mm in diameter

Floc size is checked using Imhoff cones.

Question 3

What factors affect the effectiveness of solids removal in wort clarification?

Answer 3

• Stand time in the wort clarification vessel
• Hop additions
• Wort flow rates and velocities

These factors influence color, flavor, and the overall efficiency of the clarification process.

Question 4

What design factors can minimize shear on trub particles?

Answer 4

• Low shear pumps
• Sweeping bends
• Absence of restrictions

These design elements help maintain the integrity of trub particles during processing.

Question 5

What are the three methods used for wort clarification?

Answer 5

• Filtration of the wort through spent hops
• Separation of whole hops using a hop strainer
• Sedimentation using a whirlpool and/or a centrifuge

Each method has its own advantages and operational considerations.

Question 6

What variables determine the type of wort clarification system to use?

Answer 6

• Type of hop product used
• Time of clarification
• Degree of clarification required
• Type of ingredients used in the recipe

These variables can be influenced by the brewer to optimize the clarification process.

Question 7

What maintenance considerations are important when replacing a whirlpool with a centrifuge?

Answer 7

• Higher maintenance requirements
• Need for duty and standby machines
• Requirement for critical spare parts
• Assessment of trial brews for flavor consistency

Centrifuges have more complex components that require careful management.

Question 8

How can high extract losses in wort clarification be reduced?

Answer 8

• Check for leaks in pipes, valves, and pumps
• Review Imhoff cone results
• Assess incoming malt quality
• Confirm process time and temperatures
• Optimize use of process aids
• Investigate wort recovery from trub
• Evaluate financial justification for using a centrifuge
• Trial sparging of spent hops
• Consider adding trub to subsequent mashes

Each action addresses specific aspects of the clarification process that can lead to extract loss.

Question 9

Fill in the blank: The size of trub flocs should ideally be _______ for effective removal.

Answer 9

5-10 mm

Proper floc size aids in the clarity of the wort.

Question 10

True or False: Centrifuges typically have higher wort losses than whirlpools.

Answer 10

False

Centrifuges generally have lower wort losses.

Question 11

What is the standard wort turbidity achieved by the whirlpool used for?

Answer 11

As the set point for wort turbidity leaving the centrifuge

This ensures consistency in the clarification process.