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Please see below for an overview on glycol chiller sizing with Spike fermenters.
Size | BTU needed for Cold crash | BTU needed to Maintain Cold | BTU needed for Fermentation |
5 gal | 350 | 100 | 50 |
10 gal | 600 | 175 | 70 |
15 gal | 850 | 250 | 100 |
1 BBL | 1500 | 450 | 175 |
Chiller Comparison Chart – Standard Glycol Chiller line
How to use the charts:
- Get the total "Cold Crash" BTU/hr needed for all vessels you want to cold crash at the same time.
- Add the "Maintain Cold Temps" BTU/hr for each vessel that you want to hold at cold temps after the batch is cold crashed.
- Add the "Fermentation" BTU/hr for each additional vessel not counted in steps 1 or 2
- With all of the numbers added together, you now know the minimum amount of BTU/hr needed for your setup. A good rule of thumb is to always allow an additional 20% when picking a chiller.
Example:
- 4 CF15 fermenters
- Cold crash 2 at a time = 1700 BTU/hr
- Maintain cold in 1 = 250 BTU/hr
- Ferment in 1 remaining= 100 BTU/hr
Subtotal = 2050 BTU/hr, +20% Buffer of 400 BTU/hr
Total = 2450 BTU/hr needed. 2/3HP Glycol Chiller would be a great fit!
Important Note - The charts assume you are using insulated tanks in mild ambient conditions (<80F) and cold crashing is over an 24hr window. While this would apply to most users there are some who need to make adjustments because their situation is a bit different. Use the numbers for the next size up fermenter if any of the following apply:
•Your fermenting ambient temperature is above 80F
•You would like to fully cold crash in less than 24 hours