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Category Archive: Beer Evaporator

Tag Archive: Beer Evaporator

  1. Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers Used to Cool Wort in Craft Brewing

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    Making beer is a complex art, requiring precise execution of each step to ensure a high-quality final product. One crucial step in this process is wort cooling, which occurs after wort boiling and just before fermentation.

    Importance of Wort Cooling

    Cooling the wort brings the liquid down to the optimal temperature for yeast activity. Ale yeasts thrive at temps between 68 and 72°F, while lager yeasts prefer it cooler – between 45 and 57°F. This is a significant drop from the boiling temperature of wort, which is above 212°F, depending on the liquid’s specific gravity.

    Cooling the wort also slows the production of dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which can give beer an unwanted cooked corn smell. While some commercial beers intentionally retain DMS, many brewers aim to eliminate it.

    Another important reason for rapid wort cooling is to control contaminants that can affect the final taste. Bacteria thrive when wort cools below 160°F, so rapid cooling helps minimize bacterial growth.

    Additionally, rapid cooling maximizes the cold break, a process where proteins, tannins, and other materials solidify and can be removed from the wort. The quicker the wort is cooled, the more cold break forms, reducing cloudiness and improving the taste of the final product.

    Methods for Wort Cooling

    There are several ways to cool wort after boiling, though some methods are only efficient for small quantities. For example, an ice bath might work for home brewers but is impractical for craft or commercial beer production. A widely efficient method for wort cooling in these settings is using a shell and tube heat exchanger, also known as a counterflow chiller in the craft beer industry.

    The shell and tube heat exchanger cools the wort quickly, bringing it to the desired temperature in minutes. This speed is beneficial for several reasons: it allows for faster yeast addition and fermentation, minimizes DMS production, and reduces bacterial growth. Additionally, the heated water from the exchanger can be reused for the next batch, enhancing efficiency.

    When using a shell and tube heat exchanger, the cold break remains in the wort and can be seen as cloudiness. To address this, direct the wort from the exchanger to a sanitary vessel, let the cold break settle, then transfer the liquid to the fermenter and add the yeast.

    Maintaining Clean Equipment

    Keeping all brewing equipment clean is crucial for preventing contamination and ensuring a high-quality product. Fouling can ruin a batch of beer and damage a brewery’s reputation. Therefore, it’s essential to clean all equipment thoroughly after use and periodically inspect the shell and tube heat exchanger for leaks or deformities. Stainless steel exchangers are particularly easy to clean and resistant to fouling.

    For a quote on a shell and tube heat exchanger for your brewing process, contact Enerquip.

     

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  2. Enerquip Testimonial: New Glarus Brewing Company

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    The brewing and beverage industry uses a lot of heat energy, making heat recovery imperative in keeping processes as efficient as possible.

    New Glarus counts on Enerquip for not only a quality product, but for expertise in choosing the best product for their brewing solutions.

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    Why New Glarus Chooses Enerquip

  3. Microbreweries gaining ground in the beer making industry

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    Over the past 15 years, there has been explosive growth in the number of microbreweries elevating the American drinking experience. According to the U.S. Brewers Association, an impressive 13.2% of the beer market, equivalent to $28.4 billion, now proudly belongs to these innovative microbreweries.

    As the market continues to flourish and competition reaches new heights, breweries find themselves compelled to invest in cutting-edge processing equipment that promises a substantial return on investment. Among the indispensable tools shaping the brewing landscape, the shell and tube heat exchanger stands out as a workhorse in ensuring quality and precision.

    The Vital Role of Custom Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers in Elevating Microbrewery Quality

    When using a heat exchanger where two liquids are involved, the heat exchanger uses heat from one fluid in the shell of the exchanger to warm or cool the other liquid in the tubes of the exchanger. Learn how to choose a heat exchanger for your brewing process.

    In the world of brewing, the heat exchanger plays a pivotal role in the art of yeast manipulation. Yeast, a crucial ingredient in beer, harbors bacteria that needs careful handling. Enter the custom shell and tube heat exchanger, the unsung hero ensuring the elimination of harmful bacteria without compromising the essence of the product.

    Having a custom shell and tube heat exchanger allows breweries to reach proper temperatures to kill off the bacteria without damaging the state of the product. According to Serious Eats, there is such a thing as “friendly yeast,” which can be introduced to add numerous flavors while breaking down the sugar. Heating these products can kill off the appropriate yeast needed to craft beer. According to Brew Like a Pro, cleaning and sanitation is essential for the “cool side” of the beer-making process because the thermophilic bacteria can multiply and double every 20 minutes. Enter the stage of the brewing process where precision is not just a preference but a necessity. The rolling action of the boil, the heartbeat of brewing, demands a level of precision only achievable through custom heat exchanger solutions.

    Looking for a heat exchanger solution in your brewing process? Contact us today.

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    This post was last updated 1/22/24.