The fermentation tank is a crucial component in the beer brewing process, facilitating the transformation of wort into beer through the action of yeast. During fermentation, yeast generates heat, necessitating effective cooling methods to maintain optimal temperatures for fermentation and maturation. This article explores the two primary cooling methods used in beer fermentation tanks: the dimple jacket and the coil jacket, providing insights into their functions, principles, and applications.
Understanding Cooling Methods in Beer Fermentation
Maintaining the right temperature during fermentation is essential for producing high-quality beer. There are two main cooling methods:
Indirect Cooling: Utilizes a mixture of ethanol or ethylene glycol and water (refrigerant) in the cooling jacket.
Direct Cooling: Uses liquid ammonia as the refrigerant in the cooling jacket.
Dimple Jacket: Structure and Function
What is a Coil Jacket?
A coil jacket is composed of parallel metal tubes bent into circular or oval shapes to form a coil. It is known for its high heat exchange efficiency, simple structure, and ease of installation and maintenance.
Principle
In beer fermentation, coil jackets control fermentation temperature and cool the beer by utilizing the heat exchange area of the coil. The heat exchange fluid, such as cooling water or refrigerant, flows through the metal tubes, effectively managing the temperature within the tank.
Applications in Beer Equipment
Dimple Jacket
Dimple jackets are commonly used in fermentation tanks with capacities of less than 20 tons. They offer uniform cooling, which compensates for the insufficient thermal convection in smaller tanks. Tiantai’s fermentation equipment employs dimple jacket double-stage cooling for both the cone bottom and straight wall, ensuring even stress distribution and strong pressure-bearing capacity.
Coil Jacket
Coil jackets are typically used for larger tanks, such as those with capacities of 50 tons, 100 tons, 300 tons, and 600 tons. The robust heat convection in larger tanks minimizes the need for additional turbulence effects provided by the coil. Automated machine welding in the manufacturing process reduces labor costs and enhances consistency.
