Johannes Preiß (1); (1) Kaspar Schulz, Bamberg, Germany

Malt and Grains
Supplier Poster

Three years ago Kaspar Schulz introduced its all new malting system. This system, including the needed ventilation and transport technology, is quite compact and can be designed with an output of 2 to 10 tons per week. The process steps steeping, germination and kiln-drying are automatically operated in a drum system and a consigned steep. Careful conveying and gentle agitation is realized by the slow rotation of the drum in combination with an integrated screw conveyor. Modern manufacturing technologies guarantee an optimized hygienic design of the plant. Besides the compact construction the modularity of the system offers many advantages. Thus, the system can be easily expanded, for example, by a further drum for germination and kiln-drying. This additional drum may use the existing steep, the burner and glass tube heat exchanger of the ventilation system, as well as the handling and processing equipment for grain and malt. All process steps are fully automated and customizable. Since the rollout in 2013 several projects were realized by Kaspar Schulz. Existing malting companies and innovative breweries are highly interested in these technologies worldwide. After using hops, herbs or different yeasts, the playground of ingredients gets bigger. Thereby, malt gets more and more focused in the “craft scene.” Many customers of Kaspar Schulz are interested in influencing their malt in different and creative ways. Therefore, they want to produce their malt, or at least a certain part, themselves. Additionally, the use of local ingredients is not only a final customer’s interest—many countries provide governmental subsidies on these projects, for example, Mexico and Italy. In addition more and more craft maltsters are establishing their business all over the world. After germinating or kiln-drying the barley in ordinary bins or even on the floor for several years, these successful craftsmen need bigger, reliable and simple equipment. As an example of this trend, a project at the brewery Mastri Birrai Umbri will be presented. This Italian brewery started its business 2010. In 2014 the brewery realized a 10 ton malting plant together with Kaspar Schulz. After installation and commissioning the system last spring, this plant produced several batches of malt. Because of the smooth integration into the existing infrastructure, the brewery decided to double the capacity of the malting plant this year. Additionally a new brewhouse will be installed. This work will present on the one hand practical experiences from the design to the commissioning of these malting plant projects. On the other hand, first costumer experiences with these systems will be reported.

Johannes Preiß’s career in brewing began in Weihenstephan, Germany, where he studied at the Technische Universität München. Johannes graduated with a degree in brewing and beverage technology. He started working in 2008 at Krones AG, Germany, as project manager in the R&D Department. The main focus of his work lay in brewhouse and cleaning technologies, as well as energy optimization. Main topics were lautering technology and integration of solar heat in breweries. As a result of his work Johannes has published several patents and scientific papers. Since the end of 2012 he has been working as technical director for Kaspar Schulz at Bamberg, Germany. Besides his profession Johannes is a talented musician. In 2009 he received the cultural award from the City of Nuremberg, Germany.