Description
Steam condenser for Grainfather G30 – brew indoors without steam in the room
New version of the steam condenser for the Grainfather G30. Now with purpose-made Tri-Clamp components for easier fitting and fewer parts to take apart, so cleaning is quicker.
A steam condenser is a relatively inexpensive and simple tool that eliminates the problem of a brewing room full of steam. It is a good alternative to an extraction system with a fan and ducting hanging from the ceiling, and condensing steam is common practice in most breweries.
How the steam condenser works
Cold water is sprayed through a full-cone nozzle at a 30-degree angle directly onto the steam, so the steam condenses into water. The water runs out of the bottom of the condenser, either into a drain or a bucket. The unit uses approximately 0.6 litres of water per minute at 4 bar water pressure.
When the steam condenses inside the unit, it contracts and creates a vacuum inside the brewing system, drawing the steam into the condenser. This ensures that all steam and DMS are removed.
How to use the steam condenser
- We recommend fitting the condenser after the foam from the hot break has settled. Using anti-foam, a foam-reducing agent, can help.
- Turn down the power on the Grainfather. Fit the condenser on the Grainfather and secure it with the locking clamps. One clamp on the opposite side of the condenser outlet is enough.
- Manual control: Hold the «Heat» button on the Connect Control Box for about 5 seconds until the power adjustment menu («Power Control Mode») appears. We recommend setting the power to 50 % and increasing it if needed. 50 % still gives a nice rolling boil while saving energy.
- App control: In the app, choose Equipment → Brewing and activate Boil Power Control. You can then adjust the power from the control box as with manual control, while using the app for the rest of the brewing process.
- Connect a cold water hose to the top of the condenser. See «Water connection» below.
- Place a bucket under the outlet, or fit a 20 mm silicone hose over the 20 mm hose barb at the bottom to lead the water to a drain. It is important that the water can flow freely downwards, so no resistance builds up inside the condenser. The open end of the hose must never be submerged in water.
- To add hops and other ingredients during the boil, open the clamp, tilt up the lid and add what you want.
Boiling at reduced power also reduces evaporation accordingly, so compensate with less sparge water. With a 28-litre boil volume at 50 % power you get 1.4 litres of evaporation instead of 2.8 litres at the normal rate of about 10 % per hour.
Water connection
The steam condenser has a 1/2" NPT connection on top, so you are free to choose how to connect the water. You can fit, for example, a hose barb or a Gardena quick connector.
Use with other brewing systems
The steam condenser can also be bought without a lid, so you can use it with ordinary brew kettles or other brewing systems. If you need a lid with a 1.5" Tri-Clamp connection, you can use our 1.5" TC weldless bulkhead from Ss Brewtech. If you do not have a lid that can take a bulkhead (for example a glass lid), the bulkhead can also be fitted on the side of the kettle. The Speidel lid, «Fermentation Kit Speidel Braumeister», comes with a hole for an airlock and is well suited for a Tri-Clamp bulkhead.
Frequently asked questions about the steam condenser for Grainfather G30
How much water does the steam condenser use?
Approximately 0.6 litres per minute at 4 bar water pressure.
When should the condenser be fitted?
Fit it after the foam from the hot break has settled. Anti-foam can help keep the foam down.
What power setting should the Grainfather use?
We recommend 50 % power, which still gives a rolling boil. Increase the power if needed.
Do I need to change the amount of sparge water?
Yes. At reduced power evaporation is lower, so you should use less sparge water. With a 28-litre boil volume at 50 % power, about 1.4 litres evaporate instead of 2.8 litres.
Is DMS removed when I use the condenser?
Yes. The vacuum created when the steam condenses draws steam and DMS out of the brewing system and into the condenser.
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