Non Mixing Stainless Shell-in-Tube Steam Condenser

This adjustable 100% stainless steel steam condenser (condensor) kit can fit any diameter of BREWHA complete brewing package (1.5 BBL Brewing System, 3 BBL Brewing System, 5 BBL Brewing System and 7 BBL Brewing System) and can be used in place of an exhaust vent to condense steam from the boil. With 6" sanitary tri-clamp connections it attaches to the 6" sanitary tri clamp ferrule on our 1.5 BBL and larger tank lid ports.

Non mixing stainless shell-in-tube steam condenser kit contents

It comes with one 6" sight glass which connects to the tank lid, one 60cm/23" heat exchanger, one 4m by 6" low-pressure steam hose (needs to be cut to size), a 6" x 1.5" sanitary reducer (to connect a drain hose to), clamps, gaskets and a valve (to retain water in the jacket of the exchanger). The cart model also includes a cart to mount the exchanger on and one 6" by 90 degree elbow; the wall-mounted model also includes two 6" by 90 degree elbows, and a wall mount for the condenser heat exchanger. This is not a pressure system so the steam condenser should always be kept open wide to the atmosphere. 

Steam condensor application

As cold water passes up through the shell of the condenser, it removes heat from the steam tubes where the steam is coming down through from the tank, causing the steam to condense. The condensate water then runs to the bottom of the condenser and drains out the bottom where it can be directed into a bucket or down the drain.

With the site glass one is able to look into the boil kettle during boil, as well as slow down the boil during hot break to keep foam from entering the steam condenser. This non-mixing, (the cooling water does not mix with the steam) shell-in-tube heat exchanger condenses the boil vapor. With a heat exchanger (unlike the spray method of other commercial condensers) the cooling water stream is not mixed with the brew vapor (and does not therefore contain any undesirable compounds such as DMS that are being removed from the wort), one is able to capture the cooling water for use in the next brew, resulting in less water wasted water. And being modular (instead of one large bulky piece) it is easier for one person/brewer to install. 

Steam condenser specifications

Water shell and steam condenser tubes material: 304 stainless steel
Steam hose material: reinforced silicone
Surface finish: #4 brush and mirror polish

Warning: Never seal a vessel closed when heating as building steam will quickly cause pressure to build up; always have lots of open unrestricted venting to prevent pressure buildup (the steam condenser is designed to be unrestricted; do NOT place a valve on the exit of the condenser but always leave that completely open to the atmosphere so exhaust can vent) and it is recommended to install two pressure relief valve / vacuum breakers on the lid as additional safety

Note: when assembling, keep the assembly close to the vessel and allow it to rest on and against the vessel in order to reduce strain on the assembly.

Note: as an example of water cooling capacity, with 30kWh heating (the different BREWHA systems have different heating capacity so this is an average), this system condenses out 34L/9gal of steam to water in an hour in the tubes, with 340L/90gal of 11C/52F cooling water through the shell. Changing power input for boil rate, flow rate of cooling water, and temperature of cooling water will all impact cooling rates.

Note: if foaming during the boil proves problematic (this will mostly likely be the case once the lid is installed), food-safe, vegetable oil-based anti-foaming agents (e.g. Patco 376 or Atmos 300k), or Fermcap-S (silica-based) can be added to the wort prior to boil to prevent foaming. 

Note: Fermenter is NOT included; actual product may vary slightly from image

Dry Weight: 52kg/114lb