Heating is an important step in the saccharification of beer. The heating methods used in breweries are divided into direct fire, electric heating and steam heating. Steam heating is a common choice for brewers.
A separate boiler is used to heat the water with gas to produce steam, and a typical steam brewing system uses a jacket over the brewing vessel. The steam is circulated around the kettle using the jacket. This is the simplest and cheapest method of heating with steam.
Steam can be used as part of the sterilisation step or to heat caustic soda. Sterilising the air as you aerate the wort - Most brewers use pure oxygen to aerate the wort on its way to the fermenter.
In most breweries, you can regulate the flow of steam into the vessel, much like controlling the gas flame on top of a cooker. When steam is used in a wort bucket or wort mixer, the vessel usually has a steam jacket like a brew kettle. Inside the wort keg, there is a stirrer or paddle that mixes the grains and water to ensure an even blend. The steam jacket combined with the stirring allows for efficient heating.
By step-by-step saccharification, you can increase the temperature of the saccharification during the process. This allows you to brew a more stylised beer and helps the flow from the percolator to the kettle tank.
Advantages of steam heating
Fast heating
When using a steam jacket, the "heating area" is large. The bottom and side jackets can be optionally piped. Wort can boil faster and good evaporation rates are achieved
Uniform heat distribution
The large heating area allows for a more even heat distribution and therefore less chance of coking/clogging, ensuring a high quality wort. In addition, the cleaning process after steam heating is easier than with direct fire or electric heating.
Versatility
Steam can be used for many tasks in the brewery. From barrel cleaning to compressed air sterilisation for wort aeration.
Controllability
Depending on the setup of the saccharification tank, steam can be controlled, making procedures and processes easier to replicate.
Durability and potential scalability
With proper boiler maintenance and preventative care, the boiler can last a long time, providing a reasonable investment. If an electric steam generator is used, it can be operated on a sequential basis.
Disadvantages of steam heating
Cost
The boiler is expensive to install and a lot of maintenance must be carried out to keep the generator in top condition. In addition, a steam generator is required, which is another expense. This will therefore increase the total cost.
Regulation
Depending on the location of the brewery, local regulations may not allow a boiler to be installed in the brewery. Make sure that steam is allowed in your location before choosing to use it.
Safety
In smaller brewing systems, if you want to use steam for heating, an electric steam generator is probably the best option. Steam generators are presses and are very dangerous and must be operated carefully.
Still have a question on choosing the brewery equipment? We can help with your final decision. If you are looking for a turnkey solution for craft beer brewing system, please contact us. We are looking forward to working with you. Send an email now: [email protected]