Mash Filter

Overview

A mash filter is a plate-and-frame pressure filter designed to rapidly separate clear wort from spent grain following mashing. Unlike conventional false-bottom tuns that rely on gravity, the mash filter applies controlled hydraulic pressure to accelerate lautering, typically cutting lauter time in half. The system consists of a Filter Frame holding a stack of alternating Filter Plate Stack, a Hydraulic Closure applying closure pressure, a Wort Manifold for flow routing, and a Control Unit automating the brew sequence. A CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) cleans the filter automatically after each brew.

How it works

After mashing is complete, the entire mash (grain and wort) is transferred to the mash filter. The mash is distributed evenly across the top of the Filter Plate stack via the Inlet Header. The Hydraulic Pump then begins applying pressure via the Hydraulic Piston, ramping up to a setpoint (typically 10–12 bar) over several minutes. This pressure forces wort through the Filter Membrane, a microfiber bed that filters out grain particles, while the spent grain slowly compacts into a tight filter cake against the plates.

The clear wort exits through the Plate Outlet in each chamber and is collected by the Outlet Header. The Sight Glass allows the brewer to monitor wort clarity in real time; once the wort runs clear, the run-off rate is reduced. At the end of lautering, the Pressure Relief Valve is opened via the control logic to safely release pressure, and the piston retracts.

Once wort collection is complete, the Hydraulic Pump shuts down and the CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) activates. Hot caustic solution from the CIP Tank is pumped through the Spray Ball and all chambers, dissolving grain residues and proteins lodged in the membranes. A rinse cycle with hot water follows, and the filter is ready for the next brew.

The Control Unit orchestrates this entire process: the Programmable Controller reads signals from the Pressure Transducer and Level Sensor, and activates the Pump Motor, Solenoid Valve Manifold, and CIP Pump at programmed intervals. The HMI Display displays current pressure, cycle status, and allows operators to start, pause, or adjust setpoints.

Key advantages

• Speed: Pressure-driven lautering reduces runoff time from 90+ minutes to 25–45 minutes.
• Clarity: Microfiber membranes produce crystal-clear wort in a single pass.
• Grain recovery: High pressures extract 95–96% of sugars, reducing grain cost per barrel.
• Automation: CIP and sequence control minimize manual intervention.
• Scalability: Plate count can be adjusted for different batch sizes within the same frame.
• Membrane consistency: Interchangeable membranes ensure repeatable results batch to batch.