Something New is Brewing?


There are three main steps in the process of home brewing:
1. Boil Phase
2. Mash-Tun (a.k.a. Wort) Phase
3. Fermentation Phase.

Each of these phases is temperature sensitive, but the fermentation is the most crucial. During fermentation, yeast is added to the wort that is created in the second phase of the process. This wort contains natural sugars and additives that the yeast consumes and converts to alcohol and carbon dioxide gas. It is during this phase in the process that alcohol is actually created and the beer is carbonated, hence the sensitivity. This phase of fermenting wort is typically maintained at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, but with the creation of alcohol and carbonation, also comes heat. Brewers need to be sure that their fermentation temperatures do not exceed the desired 68 degrees Fahrenheit; otherwise, the yeast will not respond and it will increase the time required to ferment. Furthermore, if the temperature becomes too cold, it can shock and kill the yeast. It is this sensitivity that makes the fermentation phase so critical in the brewing process.

Love Controls, a Division of Dwyer Instruments, Inc., offers multiple options for on-off control to aid this temperature sensitive process. Most notably, Dwyer has released the Series TSW Weatherproof Digital Temperature Switch that is available in single or dual stage. Aside from the standard temperature control during the boil and mash-tun process, the TSW can provide optimal control during the fermentation process. The dual stage TSW can provide both cooling control for the refrigerator that the wort is kept in and heating of the fermentation kettle. It is this dual stage capability that allows the end user to have a single controller that can act as two independent controllers. Along with this particular application, the TSW can be utilized in beverage chillers, or any commercial refrigeration applications. With these refrigeration processes, the TSW is advantageous because it features a large 20 Amp relay that can directly control compressors up to 10 tons, and has the ability to establish a defrost time. Unlike its predecessors, the TSW comes standard in a weatherproof, NEMA 4X, enclosure and has a replaceable temperature probe. Throughout this process, brewers will also use level float switches like our F7 Series to monitor fluid level during each phase and infrared thermometers like our IR Series to confirm process temperatures. Brewers can also utilize the WPH Waterproof Pocket-Size pH Tester to measure the pH in their wort before fermentation. This typically needs to be maintained at 5.0 to 5.5 to ensure rich color and hoppy flavor. Through these Dwyer products, original equipment manufacturers and end users are able to maintain a quality, automated process that is delicious and cost effective.