Updated: was isolated to one tank, found faulty solenoid valve.
Hi All,
Just an update.
We have made some pretty significant changes to our brewing process. Some of these changes:
-Same day double batching into 14/15BBL, 2 day quad-batching into 30BBL
-Aeration of first half of wort volume ie batch #1 in double batch, #1 & 2 in quad batch. (O2 only stays in solution for 3-6hrs. Here at elevation in CO, its about 4 hrs for us)
-Pitching after #1 of double batch, or between 1 and 2 of quad batch.
-Warmer knockout (75) and warmer FV temp until fermentation starts (any sign of airlock activity)
-MUCH better yeast harvesting/handling/storage/counting/pitching
Through these changes and many more, we pretty much resolved this mystery cooling issue.
However, a few months ago we noticed one of our 14BBL tanks dropping its fermentation temp. It had very active fermentation, as indicated by the airlock. We verified the set temps and temp probe. We were able to isolate to a faulty solenoid valve that controls glycol input to the tank. Noted a slight rumbling on the tank's glycol lines and they were slightly cooler than other static tank lines, so we suspected there was some slight glycol flow through a closed solenoid valve. We replaced the solenoid diaphragm, and the issue seemed to be immediately resolved.
If I had to wager a guess, I would bet our issues before were due to temperature stratification, poor yeast health. The warmer knockout temps, better yeast management, and same-day double batching have yielded some very healthy fermentation, with no further temp issues.
Cheers!
Hi All,
Just an update.
We have made some pretty significant changes to our brewing process. Some of these changes:
-Same day double batching into 14/15BBL, 2 day quad-batching into 30BBL
-Aeration of first half of wort volume ie batch #1 in double batch, #1 & 2 in quad batch. (O2 only stays in solution for 3-6hrs. Here at elevation in CO, its about 4 hrs for us)
-Pitching after #1 of double batch, or between 1 and 2 of quad batch.
-Warmer knockout (75) and warmer FV temp until fermentation starts (any sign of airlock activity)
-MUCH better yeast harvesting/handling/storage/counting/pitching
Through these changes and many more, we pretty much resolved this mystery cooling issue.
However, a few months ago we noticed one of our 14BBL tanks dropping its fermentation temp. It had very active fermentation, as indicated by the airlock. We verified the set temps and temp probe. We were able to isolate to a faulty solenoid valve that controls glycol input to the tank. Noted a slight rumbling on the tank's glycol lines and they were slightly cooler than other static tank lines, so we suspected there was some slight glycol flow through a closed solenoid valve. We replaced the solenoid diaphragm, and the issue seemed to be immediately resolved.
If I had to wager a guess, I would bet our issues before were due to temperature stratification, poor yeast health. The warmer knockout temps, better yeast management, and same-day double batching have yielded some very healthy fermentation, with no further temp issues.
Cheers!
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