STEEPING
The initial part of the malting process is steeping, where the dried and screened barley is immersed in water to initiate growth. During this stage, moisture content increases from 12% to around 45% over a period of typically 48 hours. It is very important during the immersion stage that the grain is efficiently roused and that during rest periods efficient CO2 extraction is present to ensure uniform treatment throughout the batch.
Don Valley has experience in the design and manufacture of both Cylindro-conical Steeps and Flat Bottomed Vessels, and our designs are based around hygiene, reliability and efficient use of energy and water.
Stainless steel is used wherever possible for hygiene and a long operational life.
Conical Steeps
Don Valley can provide conical steeps up to 65 tonnes and 6.5m in diameter.
Our latest steeps incorporate the following features:-
- Stainless steel fabrication
- Fully welded internal joints to give a hygienic, uniform finish
- Filter baskets produced in wedge wire to give excellent airflow, drainage and longevity
- Outlet service boxes designed to be hygienic (can be supplied with in-place cleaning services)
- Aeration systems to give reliable, even rousing
- Overflow/skimming-off boxes with removable wedge wire baskets
Don Valley can supply all ancillary equipment including, pipework, valves, fans and control systems to give a full turnkey package.
We can upgrade existing systems to give improved airflows, better aeration or additional automation.
Flat Bottomed Steeps
Don Valley can provide flat bottomed steeps in excess of 250 Tonnes and 20Mtrs in diameter, and incorporating the following features:-
- Modular construction wall panels for quick, accurate erection on site
- Wedge wire or perforated plate floors
- Hygienic plenum chambers designed to minimise water usage
- Rotary loader/discharger machines for even bed laying
- Single-leaf or multi-vane dampers for accurate air conditioning control
- Under-floor aeration system giving even rousing
Don Valley can supply everything from replacing of vessel floors, in-place cleaning systems, retrofitting of discharger machines, to complete turnkey vessels.