Tackling Humidity Challenges in Brewery Cold Rooms: A Case Story

Humidity Challenges in Brewery Cold Rooms 

In the brewing process, cold storage rooms are essential for preserving ingredients and finished products. However, these rooms often face significant humidity challenges, especially when temperatures hover around 0°C. In an ideal environment, the relative humidity (RH) should be kept below 50%. 

Humidity levels above this threshold can lead to a host of problems, including mould growth, ice formation on equipment, and moisture accumulation on the floor. Each of these challenges can compromise not only the safety of the beer but also the integrity of the storage environment itself. When the RH in a cold storage room skyrockets to high levels, it can create a breeding ground for mould. This is particularly concerning in the beverage production industry, where strict hygiene is crucial.

Why are Humidity Levels Important? 

Humidity levels in cold storage are critical for multiple reasons. High humidity can lead to three notable issues: 

1. Mould growth: Excessive moisture can cultivate mould, which poses food safety concerns, particularly in a brewery setting where ingredients such as hops need to be kept free from contaminants. 
2. Ice formation: Moisture can condense and freeze on different surfaces especially when the room temperature fluctuates around 0°C, leading to ice build-up. This, in turn, leads to inefficient operations, increased energy consumption and can cause machine failure. 
3. Decreased quality of ingredients: Essential ingredients like hops and other additives must be stored under specific conditions to maintain their flavour profile and potency. Keeping the humidity level below 50% is crucial for preserving the quality of these ingredients. 

Case Story: Humidity Control in Dutch Brewery

A Dutch brewery specialising in the development and testing of unique beer recipes faced a pressing issue with their cold storage room, where the relative humidity was alarmingly high at 97%. With a goal of reducing the humidity level to a maximum of 50%, decisive action was necessary. Initially, the excessive moisture led to unsafe storage conditions, including mould and ice formation on evaporators.  

To confront this situation, the brewery turned to the local Cotes trusted partner CTS BeNeLux. They opted for the C35E-3.8 basic version, complemented by a DA20 controller, to effectively manage humidity levels. The DA20 controller further enhances efficiency by allowing users to adjust settings based on specific humidity requirements. 

Before

After

"For this project, we have chosen the Cotes adsorption dryer. This is because, unlike a condensation dryer, it operates effectively in this environment. A condensation dryer would never function properly in this space, as the evaporation temperature falls below 0°C, causing it to freeze continuously. Another major advantage is that the units are made of stainless steel, making them perfect for use in the food industry.” 

In addition to managing humidity by installing our dry-air solution, CTS BeNeLux took proactive measures by recommending adding a strip curtain to prevent outdoor moisture from invading the cold room every time the door opens. This combination of technological intervention and tactical preparation proved to be instrumental in resolving the high humidity problem. Preventive measures are extremely important in avoiding unpleasant issues that can affect production operations and output.

Image: Cotes C35 dehumidifier installed in the brewery cold storage room

The Best Dehumidifier for The Job

The C35E-3.8 model, a part of the Cotes Modular range, exemplifies the capability of these dehumidifiers to manage humidity with remarkable effectiveness. By reducing humidity levels from 97% to approximately 45%, the C35E-3.8 ensures the safe storage of sensitive ingredients, preventing mould and supporting energy-efficient operations. In the food and beverages industry, proactively preventing humidity problems ensures the safety and quality of the products, contributing for long-term success and reliability. Read more technical details in the datasheet: C35 datasheet.

The Cotes Modular dehumidifiers are renowned for their precision and energy efficiency, making them ideal for maintaining consistent conditions in diverse settings. They are known for their robust construction and reliable performance in large-scale applications like food processing, ice rinks, and industrial environments. Their stainless-steel case makes it possible to install these even in facilities with high-sanitation requirements, such as in the food industry. These dehumidifiers, including the C35E-3.8, demonstrate how advanced technology in humidity management is indispensable for quality and safety in specialised industries. 

Image: Cotes modular and mobile solutions 

Do you have issues with humidity? 

If you would like to determine the right dry-air solution for your production or if you would like to explore what a custom dry-air strategy could do for your business, please reach out to one of our trusted partners near you.