Tiantai Brew House Equipment 3 Heating Method

For Tiantai Brew House Equipment, there are 3 main heating methods: steam, direct-fire and electric – and we prefer them in that order as well.

Before deciding on your heat source it is best to look at your site and the utilities coming in.
Do you have a natural gas line? Can you put gas bottles onsite? (These are important for gas steam boilers or direct-fire.) What are your electricity costs? (This is important for electric heating elements and electric steam boilers.)

STEAM HEATING METHOD
This, in our humble opinion, is the best option. Primarily because it gives you efficiency (make sure to return the condensate) and flexibility.
With a steam heating method you are able to perform step mashing in a mash lauter tun. Not to mention steam can be used in other brewery equipment in the brewery factory, for example cleaning and packaging equipment.

We can also utilize external HEX for hot liquor tanks – not only for heating your ambient water coming in, but also faster temperature gains altogether by recirculating liquor in the HLT.

It’s also useful to note that the same method of employing a HEX for steam heating can be used on the cold side for cooling liquor in the CLT, with exactly the same process as described above, but using glycol as opposed to steam.
Brew House Equipment, brewery equipment, brewery factory equipment, hot liquor tanks, 1000liter brewhouse

Brew House Equipment, brewery equipment, brewery factory equipment, hot liquor tanks, 1000liter brewhouse

An important note – in terms of installation cost, it is typically the most expensive option as steam boilers are expensive and installation of steam lines and componentry is also pricey. In terms of maintenance and upkeep, the steam boilers require professional engineers to maintain the longevity of these units, so choosing the best boiler supplier is crucial.

Pros: flexibility, efficiency, multi use around the brewery, fastest heating.
Cons: expensive installation, regulations and maintenance.

DIRECT-FIRE HEATING METHOD
Imagine a big flamethrower aimed at the bottom of a vessel via a firebox this is essentially a direct-fire system! The burners used are intense, but you will get a good rigorous rolling boil with a direct fire flame.

We prefer this option better than electric, as you can start heating shortly after covering the bottom of the kettle like steam.

Pros: cheap installation, low maintenance, faster heating
Cons: least efficient, single infusion mashing, more expensive due to the firebox

ELECTRIC HEATING METHOD

Depending on your electricity rate this can be pretty expensive. This is why we generally don’t recommend this heating method for anything over 1000liter brewhouse – unless you have crazy cheap electricity.

You can get good boils from heating elements, but they can also prove problematic for cleaning and also whirlpooling, as they can disrupt the effects.

Pros: cheapest installation, low maintenance (but can be expensive depending on electric bill)
Cons: not the best when using a kettle and whirlpool combination vessel, scorching of wort, no heat source for mash tun.

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Emily Gong

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