Research on brewing in a mash brewing and filtering apparatus

The extensive development of craft brewing forms strong demand for technological equipment characterized by compactness, high-energy efficiency and ease of operation. Multifunctional apparatuses of low capacity and a high degree of modularity is becoming widespread. The design of 500-litre mash brewing and filtering apparatus (MBFA) offered in the article allows combining mashing, mash filtering and hopping within one technological unit. This process denies bringing inter-stage transfer of raw material to minimum values, reducing material losses and the length of the technological cycle. Besides, carrying out all brewing technological operations in one apparatus allows significantly reducing heat energy consumption due to the decrease in heat losses while heating relevant apparatuses. The offered design of MBFA is notable for directed circulation of extractant flows that forms optimal conditions for mass-transfer processes at the stage of malt mashing. Conducted brewing tests in a 50-litre apparatus proved the operability and high efficiency of the apparatus. Produced wort matched all controlled physicochemical parameters and was characterized by significant 33% decrease in turbidity and 6.5% reduction of polyphenol concentration that enhanced fermentation and made beer brightening easier improving its consumption properties at the same time. The degustation evaluation of finished beer showed the beer sample obtained from the MBFA-brewed wort had a prime soft and harmonious taste, pure flavour and saturated colour.