Boiler Sizing?

[VoodooBrewery]

We have a 10 bbl (Pub Brewing) Kettle Steam Jacketed and am trying to find a formula to size my boiler. I used to know this but can't seem to find my notes. It has channel jackets on both bottom and side. I currently have the boiler that came with it, but am sure that it is undersized at 4 hp/150,000 Btu. looking for comparisions of formula. Thanks :confused:

Matt

[premierstainless]

Matt,

I generally size 1 BHP (boiler horse power) per barrel of brewhouse capacity for our brewpub systems. You can get away with less, but a lot depends on how close the boiler is to the brewhouse, hot liquor tank usage, steam pressure and the size of the steam supply line. Your 4 HP boiler is small for a 10 bbl kettle. You may still get to a boil but it will definitely take longer than with a properly sized boiler.

Rob

[RobZamites]

This might help Sussman Electric Steam Boiler Ratings (http://www.sussmanboilers.com/es2.htm). Mine's an ES-72 and will rock a boil on my 7 bbl system.

[Greenbrewmonkey]

Hello Matt,

John Mallet suggests 50,000 BTU / hr per BBL. So, in agreement with everyone else, your boiler is a little small. I would think you will be able to boil (on a windless day), but it will be a while in coming. I have used systems with smaller than John's 50K / BBL / hr, but with longer run-off (time wise) British styled systems, and still perhaps a little wait for a good boil.

If you can afford it, a new boiler will hasten your day. But, hey, you've seen my brewery. You can make it work.

Cheers,
Ron
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
PS Glad to see your project coming along. When will you be able to begin brewing?