Freezing lines

[Vossy1]

I'm using a beer cooler with a product coil in my fv to control the fermenting temp via a ATC 800. When trialed it worked brilliantly, far better than my copper style chiller.

But I've now got issues

When I was testing, and I suppose in general bar trade use, the units are left running permanently, but for the purpose of chilling fermenting wort the python recirc loop only comes on when triggered by the ATC 800.

In my unit this has led to the water recirc return port freezing solid when not recircing.

How can I get round this problem?

At the mo I've disconnected the water return and have fed it through the reservoir filling cap back into the bath.

I know antifreeze is an option but would welcome any input

[Aleman]

I'm running a Maxi310 in pretty much the same configuration as you (minus the insulation on the lines so I have a condensation issue) but don't have any problems. I believe there is some sort of 'thermostat' on that 'measures' the thickness of the ice bank and turns the compressor on and off when required . . . . could be its not working properly . . . . problem is its actually inside the reservoir . . . The top is 'stuck' on with a sort of gluey gasket (From what I remember of the last one I dismantled) so can be removed and replaced . . . . Sort Of

[Vossy1]

Cheers Aleman

The cooler I've got is easy to dismantle to get to the icebath.
The first thing I checked when it wasn't recircing was that the hose hadn't popped off the python.

I've seen the thermostat and will have a closer look when this brews finished

[SteveD]

I know antifreeze is an option but would welcome any input

Hi Vossy

I run a Maxi 310 as well but don't use it for FV control. I use it for pre-chilling cooling water before it hits the wort chiller. Very effective especially in the summer. I asked Norman about using anti freeze to drop the bath temperature even lower, he asked someone knowledgeable, and the consensus was that it wouldn't be a good idea. The extra low temperature might screw up the coolant circuit of the chiller itself.

St♠eve

[Vossy1]

Cheers for the info Steve

I find it hard to believe that beer doesn't freeze in the lines of pub coolers when left overnight without a pint being pulled...afterall the product coils are in a block of ice

I've already thought of hard plumbing the return into the water bath but I would prefer not to mod it, before I fully understand it

[SteveD]

I find it hard to believe that beer doesn't freeze in the lines of pub coolers when left overnight without a pint being pulled...afterall the product coils are in a block of ice

Interesting thought. Never occurred to me before so I'll ask the next time I'm in a pub that does 'Super Chilled Keggyflade' on draught.

[Oggy' Bar]

Cheers Aleman

I've seen the thermostat and will have a closer look when this brews finished

Vossy, I have a MAXI 110 which works fine for FV cooling, so I haven't had it apart.

I also have a MAXI 20 (6 outlet for beer cooling) which used to freeze up...took the lid off and the thermostat was adjustable (with a scrwdriver)

I also have a MF 3 way cooler which at first appeared to be non-adjustable, but by removing the thermostat from the casing (2 screws) the thermostat adjusting screw was revealed on the underside of the thermostat.

Just thought it might be useful knowledge.

Also toyed with the idea of installing an electronic thermostat..looks simple to do.

[johnmac]

Vossy, I think you've got the pump connected to the ATC 800 and run the chiller constantly?

I have the whole chiller controlled by the ATC 800. I have no problem with freezing.

Whilst running a stainless product coil in an insulated fermenter with insulated pipes, I find the compressor runs for about 20 mins every two hours. I must me using far less electricity than I would if the ATC800 was connected to the python pump.

[One problem I did have was the cider at the top of the fermenter, around the coils, got freezing cold and that at the bottom was still at room temp. I think that may have been because of the honey in the cider sinking to the bottom - I expect normal convection, when I try it with beer]

[Aleman]

I run mine the way Vossy does, and find that the compressor runs for about an hour a day . . . . The Python pump runs more frequently than that, but it uses much less electricity than the compressor . . . and the cooling system is more responsive to temperature changes. . . . Don't know why that is though

[johnmac]

That's interesting - can others confirm the 'only one hour a day' before I start re-wiring?

[Aleman]

That's interesting - can others confirm the 'only one hour a day' before I start re-wiring?

Daab Has several times on here

[RabMaxwell]

That's interesting - can others confirm the 'only one hour a day' before I start re-wiring?

Daab Has several times on here

Yes i can confirm that the python turns on & off but the cooler only works for about an hour a day except when you come to crash cooling at the end of fermentation.As for Vossies problem i tried antifreeze before but the python doesn't like it but get good results using salt water. Cheers

[Vossy1]

Thanks for the replies guys

JM, yes the python is controlled by the ATC 800 and the compressor is controlled by it's thermostat.
At the moment the compressor comes on about once every 2 hours for about 5 minutes

OB, I know the thermostat is mounted on the side of the casing and it looks like it's designed to take a jack of some sort. The hole may have a screw in it for adjusting, I'll take a closer look at the end of the week.

Salt water hey Rab..well, as a last resort

[johnmac]

Thanks for that chaps. With the price of leccie being what it is, I think I'll have to get the soldering iron out again.

Vossy, I think chillers either have an adjustable thermostat, with a knob, or the thing that looks like a jack socket, which is a "fixed ice thermostat". Harmony Hut sell both types on ebay.

[Waffty]

That's interesting - can others confirm the 'only one hour a day' before I start re-wiring?

When I first connected my cooler in the same config as Vossy, it 'worked' perfectly but the next morning I was conviced it was broken, as I couldn't here the compressor/fan. So I popped the lid & found a perfect ice block & cold water in the python.

Not convinced I allowed it to cool & defrost & started again & sure enough, on went the compressor/fan.

So I can confirm that on my cooler the compressor/fan is only on for about an hour to two per day, yet my python pump, happily clicks on and off all day, I know this, as the temp usally drops a degree or so below the preset, as it's basically over cooling.

From what I understand these coolers are designed for the industry, so are therefore expected to work for pub hours & be cheap as we know how tight breweries are.

Darren