Abstract: An improved system for filtering particulate matter from a liquid in a brewing pot. The improvement includes a filter assembly positioned about a drain tube. The filter assembly has a screen member surrounded by a shield member. The shield member is positioned between the drain tube and the particulate matter separated from the liquid. The bulk of the liquid, located in a top portion of a reservoir bypasses the screen member and drains through a drain reservoir and the drain tube. After removing the shield member, the remainder of the liquid drains through the screen member or filter and into the drain reservoir preventing the particulate matter from being carried through to a fermentor.

Abstract: In order to affect all the liquid mass of a vegetal product in the form of pressed product with a gas, the method provides for (i) storing the pressed product in a first tank to make it ferment therein; (ii) introducing, in the liquid portion contained in the first tank, an amount of oxygenating gases or fermentation promoter gases, such as air and/or oxygen, CO2, nitrogen, argon or a gas in general, wherein said amount is introduced in a substantially instantaneous manner and is suitable for forming one or more macro-bubbles that going up affect and stir substantially all the volume of the liquid portion.

Abstract: An automatic winemaking system is disclosed, which controls the execution of a winemaking process for the alcoholic fermentation of must obtained from a batch of grapes and the transformation thereof into wine in a winemaking tank. The system is provided with a database for storing winemaking data related to reference winemaking processes; a first processing unit for generating an optimized winemaking model, according to the winemaking data contained in the database, according to input data including characteristics of the batch of grapes and/or must; and a second processing unit for controlling and driving actuators acting on the winemaking tank according to the optimized winemaking model, so that winemaking process parameters are optimized for the features of the batch of grapes and/or must. The second processing unit is further capable of signaling fermentation kinetics faults and/or signaling alarms during the winemaking process.

Abstract: Various embodiments describe techniques for producing beer using a wort concentrate. In various embodiments, a wort concentrate having a specific gravity of at least about 1.085 kg/m3 is produced and packaged predetermined amounts while at a temperature of about fifty-eight degrees Celsius or greater. Packages can then be shipped or otherwise transported or stored. In various embodiments, the wort concentrate is mixed with predetermined amounts of filtered water, an acid neutralizing solution, and yeast and fermented for a predetermined time period. Various embodiments can further include cooling the fermented mixture to about zero degrees Celsius and storing the fermented mixture. In some embodiments, yeast finings are introduced and the fermented mixture is filtered and carbonated such that beer is produced.

Abstract: A wort copper and a method of boiling wort, with the wort copper having an external boiler arranged outside of the wort copper, which cyclically heats wort from the wort copper, wherein the heated wort is re-supplied to the wort copper, and comprises an infeed tube and a rising pipe, through which wort heated by the external boiler rises upwards in the wort copper, as well as at least one intake opening is provided in the rising line for sucking in wort from a wort reservoir of the wort copper, wherein the cross-sectional surface of the rising pipe enlarges at least section-wise towards the upper end of the rising pipe.

Abstract: An electric beverage preparation machine has: an arrangement (5?, 5?, 200, 500, 510, 600, 700, 800) for processing one or more beverage ingredients to dispense a beverage; a control unit (2) connected to the beverage processing arrangement for controlling the processing of one or more beverage ingredients; a beverage user-selector (2b, 2b?), such as a push or touch or toggle button or touch screen, for requesting a beverage, the selector being connected to the control unit; an operative mode in which such machine is immediately ready to process one or more beverage ingredients; and a start-up mode in which such machine is not ready to process one or more beverage ingredients and is brought into the beverage preparation mode from a low electric consumption standby mode or from an electrically switched off state.

Abstract: Equipment for yeast rehydration, in particular in dry, moist or in liquid dispersion form, which comprises a containment tank (2) closed by a cover (70) intended to receive a measured dose of yeasts to be rehydrated; first and second supply means (3, 4) adapted to respectively insert a rehydration liquid and nutritive substances in the tank (2); a circulation duct (14) placed in connection between at least one outlet opening (15) and at least one return opening (16, 16?) of the containment tank (2), intercepted by pumping means (17) for making the fluid mixture flow between the openings (14, 16). The equipment comprises means for insufflating air (32) inside the tank (2) susceptible for creating an over-pressure of a value that is regulated through suitable vent means (18).

Abstract: A system for filtering spent grains from unfermented beer is disclosed. The system has a pot assembly having a stock pot wall, lid, drain tube and outlet valve. A louvered false bottom is positioned in the pot assembly and forms an opening between the false bottom and the stock pot wall. The louvered false bottom has a plurality of raised louvers spaced over the false bottom. Each of the louvers has a top surface, a bottom surface, a leg and a slot. The slot can be made larger or smaller according to the grain crush size.

Abstract: A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is firstly to dry the wort necessary for beer production and subsequently to re-dissolve the above for the further processing, in particular, the fermentation. According to the invention, the application of fluid bed technology is particularly suitable for the production of dried wort, in particular fluid-bed drying and fluid-bed coating. The advantage of said method for the production of granulates is that no loss of quality in the wort occurs during suitable temperature changes during the drying. The granulate can thus be coated with one or several further coatings, in particular with further flavourings. Above all flavourings can be encapsulated within the dried wort, such that the above is not lost on storage and possible transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brewery plant (12) for producing and bottling beer, comprising a brewhouse facility (01) in which wort is produced from raw materials while employing process energy, and further comprising a bottling facility (02) in which beer produced from the wort is filled into packaging containers, in particular bottles, while employing process energy, wherein in order to supply the brewhouse facility (01) with process energy a first energy supply network (16) is provided, into which process heat having a first temperature level is fed from at least one first energy generation facility (17) and is distributed by a heat transfer means to different energy consumers (14, 15) in the brewhouse facility (01), and wherein in order to supply the bottling facility (02) with process energy a second energy supply network (21) is provided, into which process heat having a second temperature level is fed from at least one second energy generation facility (22) and is distributed by a heat transfer means to

Abstract: A method for treating a vegetable product in the form of crushed material includes the steps of (i) storing the crushed material in a first vat to let it ferment and form a cap of solid parts floating on a liquid mass therein; (ii) connecting a second vat to the first one to gather in it the gaseous products generated due to fermentation; (iii) isolating the two vats; (iv) reducing the gaseous pressure in the first vat; (v) connecting the second vat to the first at a point beneath the cap so that, due to the differential pressure between the two vats, spontaneous racking of gaseous products in the liquid mass occurs, in such a manner that rising they get into contact with the cap.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of a brewing method and system are provided, where a mixture comprising water and milled malt are mixed to produce a primary mash, and wort is produced from the primary mash. A supernatant liquid is obtained comprising active enzymes from a secondary mash, and the supernatant liquid is added from the secondary mash to the wort, and/or the supernatant liquid can be added to fermented wort after yeast is added to the wort.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid generation system including an inlet fluid manifold coupleable to an inlet fluid source, and a feed manifold coupled to an output of a feeding/mixing system. Further included may be two or more fermentation units and two or more blending units. An inlet and outlet of each of the fermentation units may be coupled to the feed manifold and concentrate fluid manifold, respectively. Furthermore, a first inlet of each of the blending units may be coupled to the concentrate fluid manifold and a second inlet of each of the blending units may be coupled to the inlet fluid manifold, and an outlet of each of the blending units may be coupleable to an outlet fluid source. The fluid generation unit, in this embodiment, may also includes a controller for controlling a flow of fluid between the manifolds and fermentation and blending units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling liquids, specifically beer, is disclosed. The method and apparatus utilize fluid carbon dioxide injected into a cooling apparatus. The cooling apparatus is submerged vertically in the beer when it is contained in a tank with the aim of cooling it.

Abstract: This invention provides a grain wine manufacturing kit which enables a consumer to manufacture grain wine easily. The disclosed gain wine manufacturing kit comprises a filter bag; and grain wine fermentation ingredients including dried and steamed grain and fermentation microorganisms which are filled in the filter bag.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method apparatus and system for processing grains, sugars, carbohydrates and oilseeds. Specifically, the present invention includes a method and apparatus for fermenting carbohydrates from grains to produce ethanol.

Abstract: A method for boiling wort used in the production of beer the wort is boiled in a wort copper in which an inner boiler comprising a superimposed thin-film distributor is disposed. After boiling and after removal of the sludge in a whirlpool, the wort is again placed on the thin-film distributor for evaporation so that the wort copper simultaneously works as an evaporator.

Abstract: A device for brewing beer, particularly a wort pan (1), with a container body (2) to receive a wort reservoir (3), the device containing an internal boiler (4) arranged in the container body (2), which is provided with a heat exchanger (5) and a guiding screen (8). A wort forced flow (10) provided with a pump is also provided, which runs through the boiler (4). In order to increase the efficiency of the device, the wort forced flow (10) has a thin-layer distributor (17) for the wort, which contains a pipe subsection (11b) connected with the pump, which subsection leads above the guiding screen (8) via an outlet opening (13) with reduced outlet cross-section into the container body (2). Above the outlet opening (13), a flow-guiding baffle surface (15) is provided, at which the flow arrives from below, to deflect the liquid towards the wort reservoir (3).

Abstract: A commercial multiple barrel beer brewing apparatus includes a brew kettle at a first location; a hopped wort holding vessel; a chiller for chilling the hopped wort stored in the holding vessel to a temperature range of approximately 29° F. to 40° F.; a transportation vessel on a vehicle to transport chilled hopped wort to a brew pub; a first conduit between the chilled hopped wort holding vessel and the transportation vessel; a fermentation vessel located a brew pub; and a second conduit between the transportation vessel and the fermentation vessel.

Abstract: A hybrid continuous fermentation system and related process for fermenting sugars to produce alcohol containing liquors. The system includes a fermentor arranged with a packed bed region and a fluidized bed region. A yeast bed is retained in the packed bed region using a retention matrix and flocculation. A sugar supply is directed through the yeast bed with sufficient dwell time for satisfactory sugar conversion. The fluidized bed region is arranged to allow fermented product to pass through the fermentor while allowing yeast cell growth and retention. A nutrient may be added to the fermentor to aid in yeast flocculation. The fermentor is sized and shaped to allow sufficient dwell time of the sugar supply in the packed bed region and in the fluidized bed region to maximize sugar conversion to ethanol by fermentation.

Abstract: A method for modifying the processing capabilities of a container. The method includes providing a container that defines a cavity and comprises a wall. The wall defines at least a portion of the cavity and has thermal energy transfer characteristics. At least one of the thermal energy transfer characteristics comprises a first value. Changing the first value of the one thermal energy transfer characteristic to a second value for at least a first portion of the wall, the second value being different from the first value.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an alcoholization device comprising a frame and a chip. The chip is inlaid inside the frame, and the frame covers the rim of the chip to protect the chip. The chip emits a light having a wavelength of between 2500 and 3500 ?m, which can accelerate the aging process of a farm product, such as wine or tea. The alcoholization device of the present invention can eliminate the sour and harsh tastes of wine or the unwanted smells of tea and present the flavor and fragrance thereof in a short time. Therefore, the present invention can use a shorter time to age farm products to a quality level that consumers can accept. Therefore, the present invention can fast promote the quality of wine and tea to meet the requirement of consumers.

Abstract: A fluid transfer apparatus includes a cam locking assembly and a cooperating seal member apparatus. The cam locking assembly is in communication with the cooperating seal member apparatus. The cam lock assembly is affixed or connected with the cooperating seal member apparatus through complementary threading in some preferred embodiments.

Abstract: A mash/lauter tun and method of converting grains to wort. The mash/lauter tun comprises a container with a double false bottom filter having two perforated plates disposed parallel with a space therebetween for receiving filtration media. The container further comprises thermometers extending to near the center of the tun and a rotating heat exchanger. In use, mash is loaded into the container and heated via the rotating heat exchanger by passing hot fluid through the rotating heat exchanger. The mash is then sparged by increasing pressure in the rotating heat exchanger above a threshold pressure via closure an outlet valve of the heat exchanger. The wort then passes through the double false bottom filter and is subsequently transferred to a brew kettle for boiling.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol wherein stillage is recycled into the process as a source of heat and power. Specifically, stillage is spray dried and then combusted in a biomass boiler. Spray drier exhaust is exported to the main scrubber and employed to extract particulates. Flue gas from the boiler is used to produce high pressure steam and the cooled gas is recycled back to the spray dryer as a heat source. The high pressure steam is used by a turbine generator which in turn produces electric power and low pressure steam both of which are returned to the process. Ash remaining after combustion may be used as a fertilizer.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of producing a mash extract, said method comprising: a. mashing particulate, starch-containing and optionally malted raw materials with a recirculated aqueous stream; b. heating the mash and enzymatically hydrolysing the starch; c. transferring the heat-treated mash into a first separator for separation into mash extract and spent grain; d. transferring the spent grain into a first mixing vessel and mixing it with sparging water; e. transferring the mixture of spent grain and sparging water into a second separator to remove spent grain; f. recirculating an aqueous stream from the second separator to the mashing step, wherein the gravity of the fermentable mash extract obtained from the first separator is maintained at above 15° P. The present method offers the advantage that it is highly efficient in terms of energy consumption and extraction yields.

Abstract: This is a method for regulating pressure inside of a vessel containing a fermenting liquid for the purpose of regulating the amount of dissolved gas in the liquid. This is achieved by replacing the safety relief valve spring on the pressure vessel with a selected spring of known tension to maintain the desired pressure in the vessel. The method will vent excess pressure in the vessel automatically by having the spring compress more under the increased tension from the relief valve, thereby opening the valve and releasing excess gas until the pressure drops to the desired level and closing the valve.

Abstract: An improved homebrewing conical fermentor having pressure capability for CO2 pumping and carbonation, without welding onto the tank, which can lead to contamination of the fermenting product. In addition, the fermentor support legs remain permanently affixed to the tank without introducing any welding flaws on the inside of the tank. A removable access hatch is provided, again without any welding onto the tank lid. A lid seal is provided with a bead that improves sealing capability against the tank lip. Lastly, a removable lid design utilizing a band clam that eliminates the need to weld the lid to the tank and allows for easy access to the interior of the fermentor for cleaning and sanitation.

Abstract: A brewery plant with at least one mash container, a lauter tun, a wort pan and a water housing, wherein at least part of the thermal energy requirement of the brewery is covered with solar collectors, and the solar collectors directly or indirectly heat a fluid. Also, a brewing method where the thermal energy requirement for at least of a part of the brewing process stages is at least partially covered with a fluid heated directly or indirectly by solar collectors.

Abstract: A method is provided for exchanging substances being in a gaseous state between at least two fluids, namely a first fluid and a second fluid. The method is comprising the steps of using wine as the first fluid, using CO2 as the second fluid, adjusting a pressure difference between first flow channels of the first fluid and second flow channels of the second fluid for allowing CO2 to pass through membranes into the wine, measuring a CO2 concentration within the wine by means of at least one CO2-measuring sensor, adjusting an amount of CO2 which is passing through the membranes by regulating mass flows, temperatures and/or pressures of wine and CO2, respectively. Furthermore, an apparatus (10) is provided for controlling concentrations of substances within at least two fluids and for exchanging substances between at least two fluids.

Abstract: A premasher (1, 100) for beer brewing processes, having a downpipe (2) for a stream of grist and an inlet opening (9) for mash water which opens into the downpipe (2). In order to improve the mixing degree of mash water and grist, the inlet opening (9) has associated therewith a turbulence-generating flow guide means (15, 25).

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical wine tank is adapted for direct transfer of fermented must to a press or other vessel by providing fork lift skids below the tank and vertical planar sides for receiving a fork lift apparatus modified for lifting and dumping rectangular fruit bins.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a stirred tank for storing yeast slurry to be supplied to fermentation tanks where fermented foods such as beer are fermented, is characterized in that a stirring impeller is provided within the stirred tank and so constructed that a maximum diameter of a rotation body defined by the rotation of the stirring impeller is 60-90% of the inner diameter of the stirred tank, and the height of the rotation body is 70% or more of a standard depth of the yeast slurry normally stored in the stirred tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for wine pomace extraction from wine processing tanks in a manner so as to minimize maceration of the wine pomace so as not to taint wine entrained within the pomace. In the present invention, wine pomace is mechanically transported out the processing tank by a conveyor means. Wine pomace is guided into the collecting path of the conveyor means by a mechanical sweeper attached to the conveyor means. In a preferred embodiment, a conveyor with sweeper wing attachments is mounted on a portable cart. The invention is positioned into the processing tank through an entry portal and secured to a tank containing pomace. The conveyor transports pomace to a receiver bin until the majority of pomace is extracted. Sweeper wings are deployed to guide remaining pomace into the collecting path of the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a centrifugal separating device and method for clarifying must during wine production, especially with a separator (7). Gas and/or gelatine and/or other additives are added to the must that is clarified in the separating device after the must has passed through the separating device and before it passes through the constant pressure valve (13) of the separating device, as the must is discharged (9), in order to obtain flotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the food industry. In order to reduce sales expenses and preserve the taste of beer, the inventive device is provided by i-number communication units, necessary for operational connection and disconnection of i-number units for after-fermentation, and each of i-number units for after-fermentation is embodied in such a way so that it is transportable, thermally insulated, hermetic, protected from deposited yeast mixing with non-filtrated beer while transportation and can be connected to a cooling system, arranged at a point of sale and/or dispense.

Abstract: This invention is a self-emptying tank for processing fluids having included solids, such as stainless steel tanks in wineries. The tank has a shell section having a lower end that is fixedly joined to the top perimeter of the tank's bottom section, at a non-horizontal junction. Preferably, the shell section is nominally a right circular vertical cylinder having front and back faces, the front face being vertically longer than the back face, which increases the cylindrically-shaped area available at the front of the tank for instruments and other ancillary devices. The formed junction between the shell section and the bottom section slopes downward from the back face to the front face of the shell section. At the bottom front of the bottom section of the tank is an outlet portion surrounding an outlet aperture, which provide a vertical, or close to vertical outlet from the tank that is preferably on the same or close to the same vertical plane with the front face of the tank.

Abstract: A substantially cylindrical wine tank is adapted for direct transfer of fermented must to a press or other vessel by providing fork lift skids below the tank and vertical planar sides for receiving a fork lift apparatus modified for lifting and dumping rectangular fruit bins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a liquid undergoing anaerobic fermentation in a vessel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an airlock containing a fluid for sealing the vessel and an electrical circuit operatively arranged to pass a current through the fluid to detect passage of bubbles through the airlock.

Abstract: An automatically operating fermentation vat for wine-making establishments includes a main vat (2), an upper vat (4) over the main vat, an uplift pipe (8, 12, 10, 24, 26) for feeding the fermenting liquid from the bottom of the main vat to the upper vat, means (16, 14, 18) for discharging this liquid from the upper vat into the main vat so as to spray the layer of marc floating in the main vat and injector means (20, 32) associated with the uplift pipe for injecting an oxygen-containing gas into the liquid flowing through the said pipe, characterized in that the uplift pipe has a first outlet aperture (24) directing liquid into the upper vat (4) and a second outlet aperture (40) which directs the liquid into the mass of liquid in the main vat, valve means (22) being associated with the uplift pipe for selectively directing the liquid into the upper vat or into the main vat or both at the same time though the two outlet apertures.

Abstract: A sprinkling device, particularly for processes for making wine from red grapes, which can be associated with a fermentation and/or storage tank in order to recirculate the wine must that is being fermented from the base region to the top region of the fermentation tank and to sprinkle the recirculated wine must in a stream into the top region of the fermentation tank, comprises: an auxiliary tank which can be fitted in a hatch or similar top opening of a main tank and which is provided with means for fixing to the hatch, first discharge means for the discharge of the wine must supplied to the auxiliary tank from the main tank, which means comprise a base opening of the auxiliary tank and a closure member which is movable between a closure position and an open position in order to produce a first sprinkling stream of the recirculated wine must, and second discharge means for the discharge of the wine must, which means are associated with the closure member and can discharge the wine must by means of a second

Abstract: A fermentation apparatus is constructed to produce a known and repeatable amount of untainted fermentation product using multiple fermentation vessels. To facilitate further processing compatible with other product processing steps, the fermentation apparatus has an array of sample vessels arranged in a container frame. The container frame is configured to hold the sample vessels during fermentation and to transport the vessel array to or from another processing station. Corresponding to the number of sample vessels in the sample vessel array, a cannula array is configured such that each cannula may be placed inside a sample vessel. The cannula array is attached to a gas distributor that delivers oxygen and/or one or more other gases from a gas source through the cannula into the sample vessel. Because the fermentation volume for each individual sample vessel is smaller than a bulk fermentation apparatus, the fermentation product yields are predictable and cell growth rates can be effectively optimized.

Abstract: A pump-over fermentation tank has a valve between the pump-over chamber and fermentation chamber providing multi-directional diffusion of the pump-over liquid into the fermentation or extraction chamber. The valve is opened slowly for irrigation of the fermentation cap and is opened rapidly to achieve mixing of the contents in the fermentation chamber. The valve is self-centering in the near-closed position, and in a particular embodiment has diffusers on the perimeter of the valve to direct the pump-over liquid to different regions of the surface of the contents in the fermentation chamber.

Abstract: Smart brewery equipment mainly comprises a frame, at least a storing barrel, a ferment tun and a distilling barrel, where the ferment tun has a ferment cask with a filter and a compression apparatus. The compression apparatus is employed to secure air seal between the top lid and the ferment cask to ensure the successful process of fermentation. The distilling barrel constitutes a distilling cask, a compression apparatus and a cooling piping. The compression apparatus is designed to ensure the air seal between the top lid and the distilling cask. The top lid has a space inside to receive the cooling piping which cools down the steam wine into the finished wine, which flows out, to the storing barrel ready for drinking.

Abstract: A sprinkler for a fermenting system comprises a nozzle having an inlet opening and an outlet opening with a support arm having a first end attached to the nozzle. The support arm is shaped in a fashion to position a second end of the support arm substantially centered below the outlet opening of the nozzle. A plurality of vanes form a vane structure which is rotatably attached to the second end of the support arm. It has an axis of rotation through the center of the inlet opening and outlet opening. A conical shaped structure is attached to the center of the top planar surface of the vane structure.

Abstract: Smart brewery equipment mainly comprises a frame, at least a storing barrel, a ferment tun and a distilling barrel where the ferment tun has a ferment cask with a filter and a compression apparatus. The compression apparatus is employed to secure air seal between the top lid and the ferment cask to ensure the successful process of fermentation. The distilling barrel constitutes a distilling cask, a compression apparatus and a cooling piping. The compression apparatus is designed to ensure the air seal between the top lid and the distilling cask. The top lid has a space inside to receive the cooling piping which cools down the steam wine into the finished wine, which flows out, to the storing barrel, ready for drinking.

Abstract: An automatically operating fermentation vat for wine-making establishments includes a main vat (2), an upper vat (4) over the main vat, an uplift pipe (8, 12, 10, 24, 26) for feeding the fermenting liquid from the bottom of the main vat to the upper vat, means (16, 14, 18) for discharging this liquid from the upper vat into the main vat so as to spray the layer of marc floating in the main vat and injector means (20, 32) associated with the uplift pipe for injecting an oxygen-containing gas into the liquid flowing through the said pipe, characterized in that the uplift pipe has a first outlet aperture (24) directing liquid into the upper vat (4) and a second outlet aperture (40) which directs the liquid into the mass of liquid in the main vat, valve means (22) being associated with the uplift pipe for selectively directing the liquid into the upper vat or into the main vat or both at the same time though the two outlet apertures.

Abstract: A device for separating and removing kraeusen from fermenting beer. The device includes a pan having a circular bottom wall with a peripheral side wall extending upwardly therefrom. In the center of the bottom wall is a cone-shaped recess that serves as a well for the collection of particulate matter falling from suspension in kraeusen. Extending upwardly from the bottom of the recess to a height approaching that of the side wall is a tubular passageway for the upward passage of kraeusen into the pan. The recess may be covered with a screen or perforated plate upon which particulate matter can collect. An aperture is provided in the tubular passageway at the top of the recess to permit any beer carried by kraeusen into the pan to drain from the pan.

Abstract: An automatically operating fermentation vat for wine-making establishments includes a main vat (2), an upper vat (4) over the main vat, an uplift pipe (8, 12, 10, 24, 26) for feeding the fermenting liquid from the bottom of the main vat to the upper vat, means (16, 14, 18) for discharging this liquid from the upper vat into the main vat so as to spray the layer of marc floating in the main vat and injector means (20, 32) associated with the uplift pipe for injecting an oxygen-containing gas into the liquid flowing through the said pipe, characterized in that the uplift pipe has a first outlet aperture (24) directing liquid into the upper vat (4) and a second outlet aperture (40) which directs the liquid into the mass of liquid in the main vat, valve means (22) being associated with the uplift pipe for selectively directing the liquid into the upper vat or into the main vat or both at the same time though the two outlet apertures.