As we all know, the fermentation of beer needs a low temperature, and during the fermentation process, the metabolic activity of yeast will make the temperature in the tank rise, so the whole fermentation process needs to be controlled to make the temperature suitable. So how does commercial conical fermenter achieve precise temperature control? Today, let's talk about this interesting topic.
Cooling method
First, let's look at the two cooling methods of conical cans: indirect cooling method and direct cooling method. The refrigerant used in the indirect cooling method is a mixture of ethanol or glycol and water. It is cooled in the evaporator box of the ammonia refrigerator, and the temperature is generally controlled at about -5℃. The refrigerant flows in from below and flows out from above. Direct cooling means that liquid ammonia evaporates directly in the cooling jacket of the conical tank and absorbs heat to cool down the liquor in the fermenter. Liquid ammonia enters from above through the distribution tube and flows down.
The comparison of two cooling methods
Compared with indirect cooling using ethanol or ethylene glycol, liquid ammonia direct evaporation cooling has the following advantages:
(1) Energy saving about 20%, the direct evaporation of the compressor working temperature only needs to be about -5℃, and the use of indirect cooling, the compressor needs to work at a much lower temperature, which makes the refrigerator refrigeration capacity is low. In addition, the refrigerant liquid ammonia throughput is also much less.
(2) Less equipment is needed. Compared with indirect cooling, direct cooling saves the alcohol water or glycol water needed for liquid ammonia evaporation and eliminates the evaporator.
(3) Less insulation material is required and the installation cost is low. As the liquid ammonia flow rate is reduced, the diameter of the pipe used is smaller, and the container is reduced, reducing the consumption of insulation material and saving the installation cost.
Precautions for the use of liquid ammonia
Due to the obvious advantages of direct cooling, more and more breweries are adopting direct evaporation cooling of liquid ammonia. However, there are still many breweries in the craft industry that use ethanol or glycol for indirect cooling. This is because when direct cooling is used, extra attention needs to be paid to its safety.
Liquid ammonia is a substance with pungent odor and toxicity, flammable and explosive under certain conditions, so its safety must be considered in the design of equipment. Secondly, the working pressure of liquid ammonia is high and the permeability is strong, so the welding quality of fermenter jacket is very high. Attention should be paid to the structural design of the jacket, and ensure that the welding is good everywhere, no liquid ammonia leakage, otherwise there will be serious quality and safety problems.
So if you're going to use liquid ammonia evaporative cooling to cool your brewery fermenter, make sure you buy quality equipment from the right company.
Craft beer equipment, brewery equipment, commercial conical fermenter
Well, that's commercial conical fermenter temperature control for craft beer equipment. Welcome to join me to discuss craft beer related knowledge Oh! If you need a beer brewing facility or plan to start your own brewery, don't hesitate to contact me
