Does your Fermentor Breath?
Improving your Fermentor's Recirculation System
In recent months, many ethanol operations
have made changes to their fermentor's recirculation system. The plants that
have had the greatest concern are those with a recirculation system that does
not go all the way to the top of the fermentor. In fact, most plants' recirc
systems only go up about 1/3 the height of the tank. Why is this recirc system
so important? Here are what plant managers are saying.-
"My
design only allowed for the bottom third of the tank to be recirculated, as a
result, I had thermal zones in my tank; my temp at the top is so high in the summer
I have yeast cell death."
-
"Before I re-piped the tank, my starch
would float to the top, my enzymes stayed in the middle and my ethanol yield
was not optimum."
-
"Poor circulation caused my glycerols to
rise."
-
"I started by re-piping one ferm, watched
it for 5 months; I averaged between 500-600 more gallons in that ferm, that is
why I am now re-piping all my ferms."
-
"You have to break the foam cap, the
fermentor needs to breath; you break the foam cap and you release the CO2."
There are basic factors that need to
be considered when improving a ferm's circulation. - The pipe must go above the CO2 foam
cap. We have preliminary evidence to suggest if you do not break the foam cap
your results will not be optimal.
- From the current recirc entry point a
"T" connection will be put in place. During the initial fill you will use the
lower entry pipe; once you have filled the tank to that pipe, a chain valve
will redirect the mash to the top of the tank.
- No changes to pumps are required.
- It is recommended that one ferm be done
as a proof of concept; other ferms to follow when a positive, acceptable ROI is
available.
- With improved circulation, infection
control systems will be more effective - think PureMash.
At PureMash, we would like to help all the
plants improve operations. Improving fermentor circulation is in the best interest
of our customers and our technology. If you would like to discuss this
recirculation system, contact us. We are happy to provide the re-piping as part
of our service or direct you to customers that have already enjoyed these improvements. Prop Improvement Commentary WantedPlants are not just re-piping their fermentors, they are finding ways to improve their props. At PureMash, we are aware of plants that have provided improved circulation to the prop. Additionally, some plants have increased aeration to the prop. We are currently seeking comments on how plants have improved their props. Please feel free to call or email me. Arrestol 15 Goes KosherWe are proud to announce that our Arrestol 15, stabilized Sodium Chlorite (same as DuPont's Fermasure) has been awarded Kosher certification by the Orthodox Union. Click to download our Kosher Certification.AntiFoamersPureMash has a line of antifoamers that are sure to please any ethanol plant. Contact us today so we can show you how to save money and foam.
Bob SullivanPureMash
www.PureMash.com
312-725-4029
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