Cutting the cost of hotspots

In the production of brewing malt the kilning process is by far the largest user of thermal energy, at over 90%. It is therefore well worthwhile for each maltster to examine kilning operations for any opportunities to increase energy efficiency, especially given rising fuel prices and climate change. We have recently employed a thermal imaging camera in malt kilns at a large European maltings in order to identify heat distribution - with a view to identifying energy savings.

Thermal images (temperature images) were taken using a portable thermal imaging system to measure temperatures on the top of the grain bed and also around the kiln structure above the bed. The system, capable of measuring approximately 77,000 temperature points (in the form of pixels) per image, was well suited to identifying the temperature and location of any hot/cold spots since it is able to measure to less than 0.1C°.

The results demonstrated how the technology allows immediate identification of thermal inefficiencies in the process. Thermal imaging could also be used to test the efficacy of hot processes, notably cleaning, and energy losses from processes involving refrigerant or heat.

Support Team
+44(0)1386 842291
support@campdenbri.co.uk