There are various methods for removing trub from the hot wort in the brewing process. The most common and effective method is the separation of hot trub and clear wort in a whirlpool. This step is crucial for the quality and stability of the finished beer.
Why is debris removal important?
By removing hot trub, the yeast is less stressed during fermentation. This leads to a more stable and efficient fermentation, as the yeast can work under optimal conditions. Uniform fermentation significantly improves the flavour quality and stability of the beer. In addition, the improved chemical-physical stability of the beer contributes to better flavour and foam stability and prevents an undesirable darker colour.
The whirlpool process
The whirlpool is a crucial step in the brewing process. Here, the hot wort is introduced tangentially into the whirlpool, creating a centrifugal force that collects the hot trub in the centre of the kettle. It is important to ensure that the trub cone remains in the centre. A turbidity measurement is carried out at the outlet of the whirlpool for monitoring purposes. This ensures that the turbidity is low and that only clear wort is sent to the next process step.
The TurbiGuard: Precise turbidity measurement
The TurbiGuard from Sigrist-Photometer is the ideal instrument for monitoring the turbidity of the whirlpool:
- Large measuring range and therefore also suitable for high turbidity levels
- Reliable measuring method
- High measuring accuracy, factory calibrated with a true linearised formazine calibration
- Allows effective control through very fast measurement
- Tried and tested, used in many breweries
- Robust and low-maintenance
- Simple integration for control:
- 0/4 ... 20 mA current outputs
- Various bus interfaces
- Programmable limit value signal can be used directly for control
- Additional display on a display and control unit possible
The TurbiGuard can be easily installed in the system via a VARINLINE® process connection.
Conclusion
The correct removal of turbidity from the hot wort is crucial for the quality of the beer. The use of a whirlpool in combination with precise turbidity measuring devices such as the TurbiGuard ensures optimum fermentation and a high-quality end product. By monitoring and controlling turbidity, brewers can ensure that their beer always meets the highest standards.
Further information in our application note