Boilers and Mash Tuns

What is a Boiler?  

In its most basic definition, a Still is a Boiler and a Condenser linked together.  

Heat is applied in a Boiler, and removed in a Condenser - in other words, in the Boiler, the Fermentation is turned to vapor, and in the Condenser, the vapor is turned to distillate. 

Everything between the Boiler and Condenser is referred to as the Vapor Path, and depending on the Still Type and Still Design, the Vapor Path Components will impact the Product Type and Product Characteristics through increased and decreased purity (ABV%).

What type of Boiler do I need?

Boilers differ in terms of size, energy source, and design. 

1. The Size of the Boiler required will be determined by the ABV% of the Fermentation used, the Production Target required (bottles per batch, week or month), and the number of Production Days in the month.
2. The Energy Source used (Electricity, Gas or Steam) will be determined by the Premises (Single Phase or Three Phase, and total available Electrical Supply), Economics (Electricity being cheaper than Gas), Loadshedding or consistency of supply (a new consideration - also covers fluctuations in current in areas with poor infrastructure), and in the case of large facilities, Size (at some point Electricity is no longer a practical consideration, and we have to utilize a Steam Generator).
3. The Design of the Boiler (Jacketed, Direct Heating, with or without Agitator, etc.) will be affected by the intended use of the Boiler as well as its size - larger boilers are more economical if it incorporates an Oil Jacket, and the distillation of Mash Fermentations (containing solids), Grappa or Infused Gin Distillations (with Botanicals in the Boiler) all require Jacketed Boilers with Agitators.

What is a Mash Tun?  

When working with Grain or Starch Vegetables, we have to utilize a process called Starch Conversion, whereby the Carbohydrates contained in the Grain or Vegetables are converted to Fermentable Sugars.  

In order to do a Starch Conversion, we need to be able to do at least the following basics: 

1. Heat the Mash to high temperatures (sometimes as high as 90 degrees Celsius). 
2. Cool the Mash down rapidly to various target temperatures for Enzymatic Conversion.
3. Separate the Solids and Liquids from one another.   

There are various other Optional Features that can also be incorporated into a Mash Tun design, but it will obviously impact the cost. 

Some of these Optional Features are:

• Lautering Function
• Sparging Function
• Self Emptying Function
• CIP (Clean In Place) Functionality

What factors will Impact my choice of Mash Tun?

Depending on your Process, Staff Complement, Production Hours per day, Grain Bill (or Raw Material Type), Grit Size (Milling Size), Energy Source, Size, etc. your Mash Tun Requirements will differ,

It is recommended that you speak to one of our knowledgeable Staff Members about your needs before placing an order.