James M Kannenberg

US Patent:

56373368, Jun 10, 1997

Filed:

Apr 29, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/234860

Inventors:

James R. Kannenberg - Menomonee Falls WI
Bernard Fulayter - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

C12C 1067
C12C 1125
F26B 308
F26B 2106

US Classification:

426231

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for the drying or kilning of malt in a substantially continuous operation. The malt is transported through one or more separate drying zones by means of fluid bed dryer units at which time tempered or conditioned air at a predetermined temperature and moisture content is passed through the malt to effect a drying of the malt. The rate of malt movement through the drying zones is varied according to the moisture content of the malt at predetermined points in its travel whereby to acheive a desired drying rate and moisture content in the malt as it travels through the various drying zones. Sulfur dioxide gas is selectively infused with the air in the drying zones to minimize carcinogens within the malt. Optional treatments are provided for the malt as it passes through the drying zones, including subjecting the malt to a vacuum to facilitate moisture removal and to effect a sanitizing of the malt. The malt may also be subjected to an irradiation treatment as it moves through the drying zones in order to eliminate insects and other harmful microbes in the malt.

US Patent:

60705205, Jun 6, 2000

Filed:

Jun 10, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/872253

Inventors:

James R. Kannenberg - Menomonee Falls WI
Bernard Fulayter - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

A23B 902

US Classification:

99468

Abstract:

A process and apparatus for the drying or kilning of malt in a substantially continuous operation. The malt is transported through one or more separate drying zones by means of fluid bed dryer units at which time tempered or conditioned air at a predetermined temperature and moisture content is passed through the malt to effect a drying of the malt. The rate of malt movement through the drying zones is varied according to the moisture content of the malt at predetermined points in its travel whereby to achieve a desired drying rate and moisture content in the malt as it travels through the various drying zones. Sulfur dioxide gas is selectively infused with the air in the drying zones to minimize carcinogens within the malt. Optional treatments are provided for the malt as it passes through the drying zones, including subjecting the malt to a vacuum to facilitate moisture removal and to effect a sanitizing of the malt. The malt may also be subjected to an irradiation treatment as it moves through the drying zones in order to eliminate insects and other harmful microbes in the malt.