Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an enzymatic pre-treatment process, e.g. a mashing process. The method allows for accurate determination of specific sugar molecules as well as the average length of the sugar chains in real-time during e.g. a mashing process. Further information on e.g. the concentration of dissolved protein and free amino acids can also be obtained simultaneously. The method comprises the use of an infrared (IR) spectometer for continuously measuring attenuated total reflectance (ATR) IR spectra of samples obtained during pre-treatment of biomass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an enzymatic pre-treatment process, e.g. a mashing process. The method allows for accurate determination of specific sugar molecules as well as the average length of the sugar chains in real-time during e.g. a mashing process. Further information on e.g. the concentration of dissolved protein and free amino acids can also be obtained simultaneously. The method comprises the use of an infrared (IR) spectometer for continuosly measuring attenuated total reflectance (ATR) IR spectra of samples obtained during pre-treatment of biomass.