Lautering - back to basics.

Christiansen, K., Borsh, S. and Luther, G.

Abstract
Guidelines for the optimization of the lautering process are presented. The grist mill setting must be adjusted to balance the higher extract yield from a fine grind against the shorter runoff time with a coarsely ground mash. The mash should be lautered as soon as the mashing process is completed, as delays may lead to the breakdown of endosperm and husk fragments, resulting in a slower runoff and a reduced wort yield. The lauter tun and its ancillary equipment must be correctly maintained and regularly inspected. It is recommended that before transferring the mash, a quantity of hot liquor sufficient to cover the false bottom should be run into the lauter tun. This "foundation liquor" helps to prevent mash particles entering the space between the true and false bottoms. Other suggestions include not raking the bed until the first wort has been collected. The space between the bottoms should be rinsed with liquor, which is then pumped to the top of the grain bed along with any mash particles in it, before loosening the bed, sparging and collecting the second wort.
Keywords : efficiency lautering