Temp control on large fermentators

[Vinnyc]

I'm just curious as to how the micro breweries control the temperature of the fermentation with large fermentation. Do the FV have temp control built in or what.

 

[kev]

Cooling coil dipped into the wort.

K

 

[Vinnyc]

So I take it a heating coil as well depending on the brew. Does this come built into these units

 

[graysalchemy]

Because of their thermal mass and the exothermic nature of fermentation only cooling is needed. as said a chiller unit pumping chilled liquid into a SS coil in the fermenter.

Forum member Uncle Pumble at Cheshire brew house has one big chiller unit running constantly and each fermentor has an ATC800 controller which controls a solenoid valve so when coolant is needed the vavle is opened allowing coolant into the SS coil and shut off when the right temp is reached.

:thumb:

 

[kev]

Don't need heating on big batches as they emit their own heat. Only need to cool.

K

 

[kev]

Beat me to it!

K

 

[Vinnyc]

Thanks for the info guys what size batches are we talking that don't need heating?

 

[kev]

I've done a few 50l batches that didn't need heating.

That said, in the summer, as I ferment in a really well insulated fridge I do t need to heat even a 20l batch.

K

 

[oz11]

Just brewed a 4 barrel batch and saw the temperature dip down below 17c towards the end of the fermentation so just put a little fan heater pointing at the bottom of the FV to keep the temperature up. Seems to work :)

 

[kev]

1 little fan heater keeps 545 litres warm?

K

 

[oz11]

yep, just raises the temp. enough to keep it ticking over.

 

[kev]

Bloody hell. Wouldn't have thought that would be the case.

K