What is the use of steam in a brewery?

In breweries, steam plays a vital role in maintaining high hygiene levels, cleaning brewing equipment and hard-to-reach areas, and ensuring consistent beer flavor. Breweries rely on steam heating processes, the primary one being for kettles and producing hot water for sterilization. Considering its steam needs can double or even triple in a short period, having the right solution can make or break your brewery process.

Brewery brewing process

An important aspect of the brewing process is temperature control. Brewers must specify temperature levels to ensure that the various ingredients in the beer, such as grains, hops, yeast, and water, react in a certain way. To a large extent, this controlled reaction determines the flavor type of beer. Brewers check and manage the temperature levels of the boiler to heat the water to a precise temperature. During this process, the brewery sometimes needs a lot of steam at certain times and not as much at other times. This is one of the reasons why many craft breweries and small breweries prefer small modular boilers for their brewing process.

Brewery boiler systems help sanitize and sterilize

Steam is useful for clean-in-place (CIP) processes on equipment such as:

Mash tun
Fermenters
Brite tanks
Serving tanks

Steam also kills residual spores and bacteria in these devices to acceptable levels. If the brewery already gets steam from the boiler during the brewing process, there’s no reason not to use it during the cleaning process.

Steam helps clean barrels and facilities

Even after the brewing process is complete, brewers must store their product in containers that are free of contaminants such as beer stone or biofilm on the surface, which could alter the taste of the beer. A steam generator helps remove stickers or biofilm, unclogs drain lines, and helps cut calcified beer stones.

Advantages of Steam Brewing

Heating up

When using steam, the “heating area” is larger, with bottom and side jackets and optional exhaust pipes. Thus, the wort can be heated and kept boiling for a good evaporation rate.

Even heat distribution

The large surface area results in more even heat distribution, so there is less chance of scorching/sticking. Plus, cleaning up after brewing is easier than using direct heat or electricity.

Versatility

As we said above, you can use steam for many tasks in a brewery, from cleaning kegs to sterilizing the compressed air used to aerate wort.

control

Depending on the brewhouse setup, steam can be controlled, making programs and processes easier to replicate. The last brewery I installed allowed you to open the steam valve at a percentage, which meant the boiling was well controlled.

Long life and scalable

If you maintain your boiler and perform preventative maintenance, your boiler can last a long time, making it a sound investment.

Disadvantages of Steam Brewing

cost

The upfront cost of installing a boiler is high. They also must a lot of maintenance to keep the generator in top condition.

Regulation

Depending on where your brewery is located, local regulations may not allow you to install a boiler in your brewery. Before choosing steam, make sure steam is allowed in your location. Local emissions regulations can also increase costs and reduce efficiency.

Cost-effectiveness

For small breweries, steam may not be cost-effective when considering start-up costs, brewery needs and maintenance. On smaller systems, if you do need steam, an electric steam generator may be the best choice.

Why breweries and wineries choose steam boilers?

A steam boiler is an important part of any brewery or winery when it comes to brewing and cleaning. Whether you are looking for a high-pressure or low-pressure steam boiler for your rig, you must choose a boiler system that is suited to your needs.

Able to meet steam needs during production
Ability to execute many processes
Ability to adjust steam supply according to fluctuations in demand
Ability to save energy
Water saving ability
Ability to save space

Whether it’s brewing or cleaning, a steam boiler is an important part of any brewery or distillery. Whether you are looking for a high pressure or low pressure steam boiler for your rig, micet can provide a boiler system that meets your needs.

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