Apparatus for determination of optimum barley variety for malting-VTO
The apparatus is designed to determine the choice of a brewing barley variety at its optimum maturity for malting. The apparatus brings real cost savings and, atthe same time, improves the quality of the finished malt. The VTO optimizer makes possible simultaneous comparison from as many as six different samples of brewing barley. The intensity of germination is determined on the basis of the total amount of consumed oxygen by the sample during the test, which lasts approximately 20 h.
The apparatus consists of the evaluating unit and four sealed chambers, which are connected to the evaluating unit. During the test each sample of brewing barley is located in a sealed chamber. The inside temperature of the chambers has a constant value, mainained by a thermostat. Before the start of the test the barley is moistened so that germination can progress. During the test, the sample breathes, hence the oxygen is consumed, consumed oxygen being returned to the chamber.
The amount of new oxygen in each chamber is measured accurately and recorded. The measured values can be processed in graphic and tabular form hence it is possible to see the instantaneous oxygen consumption at any time and the total oxygen consumption for each chamber. Thus, by comparison the barley samples can be evaluated to optimise their suitability for malting. All measured data are recorded in the evaluating unit, which can be connected to a PC for comparison of time behaviour of the total oxygen consumption in each chamber.
Technical parameters:
- Volume of the chamber....................................... 2,5 l.
- Number of the chambers............................... 4 (1 to 6 possible).
- Max. amount of the dosed oxygen........................ 3g/hour
- Supply voltage................................................... 220V/50Hz
- Measurement accuracy and oxygen dosing............ +/- 2 mg
- Max. period of measurement............................... 150 hrs.
- Power input....................................................... 800 W
- Weight...............................................................40 kg.
- Dimensions....................................................... 50x100x110 (cm).