Daryl Hoedtke and Gabe Capan discuss the risks and safety measures associated with brew kettle boilovers. They also explore a major incident at Goose Island brewery and the safety measures in place. The podcast highlights the benefits of Grist Analytics and the Lupulin Exchange. It emphasizes the importance of communication, incident investigation, and preventative measures in ensuring safety at breweries.
Brew kettle boilovers can be caused by factors such as high temperature, pressure fluctuations, and surface tension changes.
In the event of a brew kettle boilover, prioritize safety by evacuating the area, cutting off steam supply, and seeking help from others.
Deep dives
Causes of brew kettle boilovers
Brew kettle boilovers can occur due to factors such as excessively high temperature and heat exchange, fluctuations in pressure, surface tension changes, and sudden changes in nucleation sites. These factors can cause liquid to forcefully leave the confines of the vessel.
Risk of burn injuries from boiling wort
Boiling wort can reach temperatures of 212 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, and it only takes less than one second of contact for a third-degree burn to occur. This highlights the extreme danger and limited contact time with boiling wort.
Stable versus unstable boil conditions
Under normal boiling conditions, only the heating surface is at a boiling state, while the rest of the liquid in the vessel is at a state just before boiling. Unstable boiling occurs when all the liquid in the vessel can instantaneously boil due to excessively high temperatures and pressures, leading to a violent boilover condition.
Response to a brew kettle boilover
When a brew kettle boilover occurs, it is important to be prepared and prioritize safety. This includes evacuating the immediate area, refraining from opening the manway door to relieve pressure, cutting off steam supply to the brew kettle, and seeking help and communication from others. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety and stabilize the situation from a safe distance.