Lauter System
A lauter tun is the traditional
vessel used for separation of the extracted wort. While the
basic principle of its operation has remained the same since
its first use, technological advances have led to better
designed lauter tuns capable of quicker and more complete
extraction of the sugars from the grain. The false bottom in
a lauter tun has thin slits to hold back the solids and
allow liquids to pass through. The solids, not the false
bottom, form a filtration medium and hold back small solids,
allowing the otherwise cloudy mash to run out of the lauter
tun as a clear liquid. The false bottom of a lauter tun is
today made of wedge wire, which can provide a free-flow
surface of up to 12% of the bottom of the tun. A good
quality lauter tun has rotating rake arms with a central
drive unit. Cutting blades hang from these arms. The blade
is usually wavy and has a plough-like foot which is
responsible for proper cutting of the filter bed.