A fermentation and aging apparatus may include a fermentation tank, into which a fermentation container may be put, an object to be fermented being accommodated in the fermentation container, a first channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a first valve, a second channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a second valve, a pressure sensor provided in the first channel, an air pump configured to supply air to the fermentation tank, and a controller configured to close the first valve and the second valve based on a beverage making start request, drive the air pump, and detect whether the fermentation container is put into the fermentation tank, based on a pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

A fermentation and aging apparatus may include a fermentation tank, into which a fermentation container may be put, an object to be fermented being accommodated in the fermentation container, a first channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a first valve, a second channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a second valve, a pressure sensor provided in the first channel, an air pump configured to supply air to the fermentation tank, and a controller configured to close the first valve and the second valve based on a beverage making start request, drive the air pump, and detect whether the fermentation container is put into the fermentation tank, based on a pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

An automated malt production system features a processing vessel for carrying out all steps of the malting process, including steeping, germinating, and kilning. An agitator in the processing vessel utilizes an integral auger to turn the grain during processing. Sweeps mounted to the agitator move grain towards or away from the auger, depending on the direction of rotation of the agitator, breaking up the mass of grain to allow aeration and prevent binding. A support skid carries multiple mounted system elements, such as a process air blower or heater, allowing them to be easily shipped and connected to the processing vessel.

An automated malt production system features a processing vessel for carrying out all steps of the malting process, including steeping, germinating, and kilning. An agitator in the processing vessel utilizes an integral auger to turn the grain during processing. Sweeps mounted to the agitator move grain towards or away from the auger, depending on the direction of rotation of the agitator, breaking up the mass of grain to allow aeration and prevent binding. A support skid carries multiple mounted system elements, such as a process air blower or heater, allowing them to be easily shipped and connected to the processing vessel.

A germination box having a container for receiving grain. A beam is arranged inside the container. Arranged on the beam is a conveyor device, in particular a worm screw, which is arranged horizontally with respect to a base and serves to load and unload the container, wherein the conveyor device is movable in a vertical direction. A plurality of turning screws, arranged vertically with respect to the base, are mounted on the beam and are operated in pairs in opposite directions in order to turn the grain. Stripping tools are mounted at an end of each of the turning screws facing towards the base. The turning screws are configured to be operated in the same directions in order to empty the germination box. The invention makes available a method for emptying the germination box according to the invention, and a method for retrofitting a germination box.

A germination box having a container for receiving grain. A beam is arranged inside the container. Arranged on the beam is a conveyor device, in particular a worm screw, which is arranged horizontally with respect to a base and serves to load and unload the container, wherein the conveyor device is movable in a vertical direction. A plurality of turning screws, arranged vertically with respect to the base, are mounted on the beam and are operated in pairs in opposite directions in order to turn the grain. Stripping tools are mounted at an end of each of the turning screws facing towards the base. The turning screws are configured to be operated in the same directions in order to empty the germination box. The invention makes available a method for emptying the germination box according to the invention, and a method for retrofitting a germination box.

Methods and systems for malting a granular material. Systems in accordance with various embodiments include a first tank, a second tank positioned below the first tank, and a transfer device operably positioned between the first tank and the second tank. The transfer device includes a plurality of pipes for transferring material from the first tank to the second tank.

Methods and systems for malting a granular material. Systems in accordance with various embodiments include a first tank, a second tank positioned below the first tank, and a transfer device operably positioned between the first tank and the second tank. The transfer device includes a plurality of pipes for transferring material from the first tank to the second tank.

A fermentation and aging apparatus may include a fermentation tank, into which a fermentation container may be put, an object to be fermented being accommodated in the fermentation container, a first channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a first valve, a second channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a second valve, a pressure sensor provided in the first channel, an air pump configured to supply air to the fermentation tank, and a controller configured to close the first valve and the second valve based on a beverage making start request, drive the air pump, and detect whether the fermentation container is put into the fermentation tank, based on a pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

A fermentation and aging apparatus may include a fermentation tank, into which a fermentation container may be put, an object to be fermented being accommodated in the fermentation container, a first channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a first valve, a second channel connected with the fermentation tank and opened and closed by a second valve, a pressure sensor provided in the first channel, an air pump configured to supply air to the fermentation tank, and a controller configured to close the first valve and the second valve based on a beverage making start request, drive the air pump, and detect whether the fermentation container is put into the fermentation tank, based on a pressure measured by the pressure sensor.