Abstract
A new device for the objective assessment of malt color is described. There is no dispersive element used but narrowband LEDs are here as light sources.
The attenuation of the light beam is measured after passing through the wort layer. Three spectral bands are used - blue, green and red.
Not only the value of colour in EBC units (in accordance with the EBC methodology) is available but also the HI index value is calculated, which is similar to the Linner color index for caramel solutions. HI index reflects the color shade of the sample and can be used to characterize the type of malt.
Two versions - technical modifications of the apparatus are described an some results of measurements obtained with real malts are demonstrated.