This method evaluates the varietal purity of a sample of malting barley with the aid of image processing, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
A scanning device is utilized to obtain a high resolution image of a sample of barley kernels. Algorithms are then applied to detect and segment each individual kernel captured in the image. Subsequently, each individual kernel is analyzed by a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with a layer structure that has been specifically selected and developed for analyzing and classifying agricultural commodities. The CNN is trained with verified information (also known as "ground truth") so that it can differentiate barley varieties. The ground truth consists of pure samples of kernels from different barley varieties that were previously digitized using the device and comprises the full data set (artificial intelligence models). In order to obtain accurate artificial intelligence models, the algorithms must be trained to recognize the wide range of variability present in the pure samples, such as those collected from varieties grown in different regions and under varying conditions as well as from various crop years. The purpose of training is to teach the algorithms to understand and detect the patterns unique to each variety that can be used to distinguish it. Once trained, the algorithms are capable of accurately predicting the varietal purity of an unknown sample of barley kernels, provided that the variety has been integrated into the artificial intelligence models.
This method describes how the extract content of adjuncts is determined.
After gelatinization of the starch in the adjunct, the starch is liquefied and converted through the addition of malt. Subsequently, the extract content is determined according to the method used for malt analysis.
The gelatinization temperature can be determined using a rotary viscometer (e.g., Amylograph or Viscograph, Brabender GmbH & Co. KG, Germany [4] or a Rapid-Visco-Analyser, RVA, Perten Instruments, a PerkinElmer Company, USA [8]).
A suspension consisting of a finely ground sample and water is produced, whose precise mixing ratio should correspond to the analysis protocol for the adjunct in question. However, since for many cereals and pseudocereals no official analysis protocol exists, the initial weight for the adjuncts listed in table 2 has been determined empirically [3].
Once the suspension is prepared it is attempered according to a pre-programmed temperature/time program, and the viscosity is determined on a continuous basis by means of a rotor and a rotary torque measurement (fig. 1). When gelatinization begins, an increase in the viscosity is registered, and the corresponding sample temperature is defined as the gelatinization temperature. The standard evaluation criterion (PT) is a viscosity increase of at least 24 cP (≙ mPas) within six seconds.
Determination of the sweetener cyclamate using photometry
Suitable for beer-based beverages and NAB
Cyclamate reacts with sodium hypochlorite to form N,N-dichlorocyclohexylamine. The chlorine compounds are isolated through extraction with heptane and are washed free using excess chlorine. The UV absorption is measured at 314 nm.
Determination of neohesperidin dihydrochalcone using HPLC
Suitable for NAB and beer-based beverages
Neohesperidin dihydrochalcone is separated from the matrix by means of reversed phase HPLC and determined through UV detection.
Determination of the amount of cold break material in the pitching wort
Cast-out wort, wort from the midpoint of chilling/pitching wort (without yeast)
The hot break material (trub) and any hop particles which may be present in the wort, must first be removed. After the wort has been cooled to 2 °C, it is filtered through a glass fiber filter. The residue remaining on the filter is dried and then weighed.
Cold break material or cold trub refers to all material that settles out in the process of chilling wort after separation of the hot trub or hot break material. Cold trub can be filtered out of the wort and primarily consists of proteins (48–57 %), tannins (11–26 %) and carbohydrates (20–36 %). The amount of cold break material in wort depends on the quality and composition of the raw materials, brewhouse equipment and wort handling. In academic and professional circles, opinions regarding the significance of cold break material for downstream processes and for the quality of the finished beer are strongly divided [1, 2, 5]. Under certain circumstances, the quantity of cold break material in wort may exceed 250 mg/l, especially where accelerated fermentation is practiced. Ultimately, this can detract from the flavor of the finished beer [3]. Breweries, where removal of the cold break material has been practiced successfully, determine the quantity of cold break in their pitching wort at regular intervals, in order to evaluate the efficacy of their separation equipment.