Hydes Brewery, an independent brewer with a rich heritage, is committed to producing high-quality beer while continuously improving sustainability and efficiency.
With steam playing an essential role in brewing, from mashing and wort boiling to sterilisation and cleaning, ensuring a reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible steam supply is not just a technical necessity, it is fundamental to the brewery’s commitment to quality, cost-effectiveness, and reducing its environmental impact.
Why Hydes Made the Change
To align with these values, Hydes Brewery recently upgraded from a steam generator to a Fulton VSRT-60 vertical steam boiler, a decision driven by the need to improve energy efficiency, lower emissions, and enhance operational reliability, all while maintaining the precision and consistency required in the brewing process.
How the VSRT-60 Delivers Results
The Fulton VSRT-60 has been configured to match Hydes Brewery’s specific site conditions with an 8:1 turndown ratio, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency. However, the VSRT itself is capable of a 10:1 turndown, but the chosen setup provides the best balance of output and demand for brewing operations.
Confirming the significant improvement in energy efficiency, Paul Jefferies of Hydes Brewery says: “We have meticulously calculated efficiency figures to ensure a true comparison based on hectolitres brewed and we’re delighted to see that the new steam raising system from Fulton has delivered a 29% reduction in gas consumption, a key factor in reducing both our operational costs and environmental footprint.”.
Another major advancement is the 6% increase in combustion efficiency made possible by a 39% reduction in excess air levels.
Commenting for Fulton, UK & Export Sales Manager Dave Dolan says: “Unlike the previous steam generator, which was over-aired, the VSRT-60 optimises combustion to deliver superior energy performance. The impact of this improved combustion is not only financial but also environmental, with the new VSRT achieving a 75% reduction in NOx emissions, lowering emissions to just 43mg/Nm³, well below the low emissions zone limit and significantly cleaner than the previous setup.”.
From a purely technical perspective, the Fulton VSRT-60 also demonstrates superior efficiency when compared to the outgoing steam generator with the data revealing that the old unit was rated at 628kW/900kg per hour, while the VSRT-60 achieves 600kW/960kg per hour, a significant 11% efficiency improvement. This means Hydes Brewery is not only using less fuel but also producing more steam per unit of energy, ensuring more consistent performance and better long-term sustainability.
What This Means for the Brewery
This investment in the Fulton VSRT-60 aligns with Hydes Brewery’s long-term vision of producing outstanding beer with minimal environmental impact. By reducing fuel consumption, lowering emissions, and improving steam efficiency, the brewery is future-proofing its operations in an increasingly sustainability-focused industry.
Summary
Steam is the lifeblood of brewing, and with the new boiler in place, Hydes Brewery benefits from a more stable, efficient, and cleaner steam supply, critical for maintaining the precision and consistency needed in brewing high-quality beer. This transition ensures that Hydes can continue to innovate, optimise production, and remain true to its commitment to quality and sustainability.