Distillery Controls & Heating
Controls
We offer several levels of automation for the distilling systems. Our Advanced Controls include a PLC / HMI (touchscreen) based interface, monitoring and controlling your mash vessel, fermentation tanks, and distilling system, and can be networked for remote access. Our Basic Controls utilize individual control components for each process in the distillery. LOVE temperature controllers, pump control dials, and physical switches interface with your system through the main panel, providing a cost-effective control solution for your distillery.
Our panels are UL (for the US) and cUL (for Canada) listed as an assembly, and each panel has its own unique UL listing number assigned to it. Your electric inspector will look for this number before signing off on a certificate of occupancy, so we take it seriously.
When it comes to controls for a distillery, it's important to understand the strict requirements of the fire code. When a still is installed, an area around the still, typically 25' in all directions, will be rated as a hazardous location. This defined area is typically considered a Class 1 Division 2 (C1D2) area, and any electrical devices that are installed inside this area must be rated for C1D2. This includes lighting, appliances, fans, and electrical outlets. It also includes the controls, sensors, and heating elements - all critical components of your distillery.
The C1D2 area is typically defined as a 25' perimeter around the still rising 3' off of the floor. Above this is a 5' perimeter around the still. It is important to consult your local fire inspector for the exact C1D2 requirements in your area.
At Brewmation we take the Fire Code very seriously and design our solutions in accordance with the NEC and cUL requirements. We build our panels with the required barrier controls that are UL 698A certified (as required by electrical inspectors for controls used in a hazardous location such as a still.)
The control panel can be located outside of the C1D2 are, as shown above. In this case, the sensors and simple devices need to be connected inside of the C1D2 area. To accomplish this safely and in accordance with the NEC, these intrinsic and/or simple devices need to be connected to the control panel via a hazardous location barrier system certified to UL 698A. In addition, powered items (such as a mixer motor and heating elements), need to carry explosion proof ratings and be field wired to the control panel per the NEC by a licensed electrician.
We'll help you through setting up your still in accordance with the local requirements and to the highest safety standards to protect your team, factility, and equipment.
Still Heating Systems
Electric Systems
The electrically heated stills utilize a Bain Marie configuration. Electric heating elements are placed in an oil bath (shown as orange in the picture) that is surrounding the still's pot. The oil is heated by the elements, which in turn heats the wash. This results in a very even heating to avoid any scorching of grains, or other solids that are used in the pot. It also places the elements inside the oil bath eliminating the safety concerns of them being inside the wash where ethanol vapors are present.
Steam Systems
We offer natural gas, propane, fuel oil, and electric fired steam boilers. The boilers would be located outside of the class 1 division 2 area and the steam would be piped to the still's jacket. We provide a variable position steam valve that is controlled by the control system.
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