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Milling: Difference between revisions
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[[Category:Beer production]] | [[Category:Beer production]] | ||
[[File:Grain | [[File:Grain-milled.png|thumb|500px|Milled grain. Photo by Bryan Rabe.]] | ||
[[Grain]] consists mainly of [[starch]] granules (endosperm) inside a husk. Before the [[mashing|mash]], grain must be mechanically crushed using a mill. The crushing process breaks open the husks to expose the starch and [[enzymes]] inside. The starch granules are also crushed, increasing their surface area. We refer to this crushed grain as "grist". In general, the crush quality affects the [[mashing|mashing process]] and [[saccharification]] time, [[lautering]], [[efficiency]], [[yeast|fermentation]], and the color, taste, and overall character of the beer.<ref name="Kunze">Kunze W. Wort production. In: Hendel O, ed. [[Library|''Technology Brewing & Malting.'']] 6th ed. VBL Berlin; 2019:203–218.</ref><ref name="Mousia">Mousia Z, Balkin RC, Pandiella SS, Webb C. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032959203004400 The effect of milling parameters on starch hydrolysis of milled malt in the brewing process.] ''Process Biochem.'' 2004;39(12):2213–2219.</ref> | [[Grain]] consists mainly of [[starch]] granules (endosperm) inside a husk. Before the [[mashing|mash]], grain must be mechanically crushed using a mill. The crushing process breaks open the husks to expose the starch and [[enzymes]] inside. The starch granules are also crushed, increasing their surface area. We refer to this crushed grain as "grist". In general, the crush quality affects the [[mashing|mashing process]] and [[saccharification]] time, [[lautering]], [[efficiency]], [[yeast|fermentation]], and the color, taste, and overall character of the beer.<ref name="Kunze">Kunze W. Wort production. In: Hendel O, ed. [[Library|''Technology Brewing & Malting.'']] 6th ed. VBL Berlin; 2019:203–218.</ref><ref name="Mousia">Mousia Z, Balkin RC, Pandiella SS, Webb C. [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032959203004400 The effect of milling parameters on starch hydrolysis of milled malt in the brewing process.] ''Process Biochem.'' 2004;39(12):2213–2219.</ref> | ||
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'''Using a drill'''<br/> | '''Using a drill'''<br/> | ||
[[File:Milling-drill.png|thumb|Driving the mill with a cordless drill. Photo by Rob Stein.]] | |||
For most home brewers a drill is the preferred method to drive a mill. It is easier to set up and more economical than using a non-drill motor, and significantly less laborious than hand cranking. Low RPM drills provide the best speed control and torque. We don't recommend using an external speed limiter ({{Amazon|B00U3LD1WA|example}}) on a high RPM drill because they significantly reduce the torque.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/speed-controller-for-corded-drill-used-for-milling-grain.629645/ Speed controller for corded drill, used for milling grain?] HomebrewTalk forum. 2017. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=23703 Monster mill drill question.] American Homebrewers Association forum. 2015. Accessed 2020.</ref> Affixing a zip tie, 2" tri-clamp, or U-bolt to the trigger of a variable speed drill can help control and maintain a constant speed. A corded drill is generally more powerful than a cordless one, and will usually last longer. However cordless drills can also work well, and they are more convenient for tasks around the house.<ref>[https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/need-drill-recommendations.581479/ Need drill recommendations.] BeerAdvocate forum. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=9367 Proper drill for milling grain.] American Homebrewers Association forum. 2011. Accessed 2020.</ref> The one requirement to using a drill is that the drill chuck fits onto the mill drive shaft (which range from 3/8" to 1/2" [9-12mm]). | For most home brewers a drill is the preferred method to drive a mill. It is easier to set up and more economical than using a non-drill motor, and significantly less laborious than hand cranking. Low RPM drills provide the best speed control and torque. We don't recommend using an external speed limiter ({{Amazon|B00U3LD1WA|example}}) on a high RPM drill because they significantly reduce the torque.<ref>[https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/speed-controller-for-corded-drill-used-for-milling-grain.629645/ Speed controller for corded drill, used for milling grain?] HomebrewTalk forum. 2017. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=23703 Monster mill drill question.] American Homebrewers Association forum. 2015. Accessed 2020.</ref> Affixing a zip tie, 2" tri-clamp, or U-bolt to the trigger of a variable speed drill can help control and maintain a constant speed. A corded drill is generally more powerful than a cordless one, and will usually last longer. However cordless drills can also work well, and they are more convenient for tasks around the house.<ref>[https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/need-drill-recommendations.581479/ Need drill recommendations.] BeerAdvocate forum. 2018. Accessed 2020.</ref><ref>[https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/forum/index.php?topic=9367 Proper drill for milling grain.] American Homebrewers Association forum. 2011. Accessed 2020.</ref> The one requirement to using a drill is that the drill chuck fits onto the mill drive shaft (which range from 3/8" to 1/2" [9-12mm]). | ||
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If your drill/motor is having issues with stalling, or you'd like to reduce the load on it in order to extend its life, or you are wanting an easier job of hand cranking, you can reduce the amount of torque needed to drive the mill by reducing the amount of grain feeding into the rollers. All you need to do is create and affix cardboard inserts into the bottom of the hopper. | If your drill/motor is having issues with stalling, or you'd like to reduce the load on it in order to extend its life, or you are wanting an easier job of hand cranking, you can reduce the amount of torque needed to drive the mill by reducing the amount of grain feeding into the rollers. All you need to do is create and affix cardboard inserts into the bottom of the hopper. | ||
<gallery widths= | <gallery widths=300px heights=300px mode="nolines"> | ||
File:Mill-tabs.jpg | File:Mill-tabs.jpg | ||
File:Roller-mill-flow-limiting2.jpg | File:Roller-mill-flow-limiting2.jpg | ||
File:Torque-barrier.png | |||
File:Low-torque-milling.png | |||
File:Clear-flow-limiters.png | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
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==Sieve testing== | ==Sieve testing== | ||
[[File: | [[File:Sieves-with-grain.png|thumb|Sieves with grain sample. Photo by Dr. Adam Bittner.]] | ||
Sieves can be used to scientifically measure the particle sizes of the grist. This is called granulometry, or sieve testing. Unfortunately, the sieves are a bit expensive and the testing process is somewhat labor-intensive. Furthermore, the results are borderline useless since the crush produced by home brew mills differs greatly from that of a commercial mill, even with similar granulometry results.<ref name=bittner>Bittner A. [https://brewingforward.com/sieve-testing/ Think like a scientist: Sieve testing.] Brewing Forward website. 2021. Accessed February 2021.</ref> Therefore, we do not recommend home brewers invest in the materials or effort required for sieve testing. | Sieves can be used to scientifically measure the particle sizes of the grist. This is called granulometry, or sieve testing. Unfortunately, the sieves are a bit expensive and the testing process is somewhat labor-intensive. Furthermore, the results are borderline useless since the crush produced by home brew mills differs greatly from that of a commercial mill, even with similar granulometry results.<ref name=bittner>Bittner A. [https://brewingforward.com/sieve-testing/ Think like a scientist: Sieve testing.] Brewing Forward website. 2021. Accessed February 2021.</ref> Therefore, we do not recommend home brewers invest in the materials or effort required for sieve testing. | ||
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*[http://brewlikeapro.net/maltmilling.html Mills and Milling] by Dave Miller, author of ''Brew Like A Pro'' | *[http://brewlikeapro.net/maltmilling.html Mills and Milling] by Dave Miller, author of ''Brew Like A Pro'' | ||
*If you're really into DIY: [https://www.morebeer.com/articles/DIY_Homebrew_Grain_Mill?a_aid=ModernBrewhouse Suggestions to help build a mill from scratch] | *If you're really into DIY: [https://www.morebeer.com/articles/DIY_Homebrew_Grain_Mill?a_aid=ModernBrewhouse Suggestions to help build a mill from scratch] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||