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End User Interview
brewery, located in Den Bosch, already benefits from a fully stainless steel tank infrastructure.
Multitude of heat exchangers Given the extensive heating and cooling demands throughout the brewery, it’ s unsurprising that a wide variety of heat exchangers are in operation, including both plate and shell-and-tube configurations.“ Most of the tube-type heat exchangers are installed within the energy department,” Erik explains.“ They’ re primarily used for steam condensation and carbon monoxide cooling, playing a key role in heat recovery and process efficiency.” In contrast, the alcohol-free beer production line exclusively utilises plate heat exchangers, chosen for their compact footprint, high thermal efficiency, and ease of cleaning- particularly beneficial in hygienically sensitive applications. Some heat exchange solutions are remarkably straightforward.“ For example, our fermentation tanks are cooled using external spiral coils. These consist of a half-pipe welded around the circumference of the vessel, allowing ammonia to circulate and remove heat generated during fermentation,” Erik notes. This combination of heat exchanger types allows the brewery to tailor thermal control solutions to specific process needs, balancing performance, cleanliness, and maintenance considerations.
Heat exchanger maintenance Given the extensive number of heat exchangers in operation— and the varying maintenance requirements of each type— the brewery outsources cleaning and servicing to a specialised external provider.“ We work with a company experienced in steam and condensate systems,” Erik explains.“ They bring
the necessary technical expertise to perform system diagnostics, conduct thermal calculations, and offer informed recommendations.” One of the recurring challenges involves the spiral heat exchangers used to heat tanks in the filtration unit.“ When steam passes through the spiral, condensate can accumulate. If this condensate suddenly comes into contact with steam, it can‘ flash’— a rapid phase change that causes a violent pressure spike. The result is a loud slamming sound, similar to a small explosion, which places significant thermal and mechanical stress on the heat exchanger components.” To ensure long-term reliability and hygiene compliance, the majority of heat exchangers on site are constructed from stainless steel— chosen for its corrosion resistance and compatibility with both cleanin-place( CIP) systems and thermal cycling.
Heat pump project Sustainability and energy efficiency are priorities for the Heineken team, and a major ongoing initiative is focused on enhancing thermal energy recovery within the brewery. One of the key projects, now nearing completion, involves the installation of a large-scale heat pump system designed to capture and reuse waste heat generated during fermentation.“ Before beer can be bottled or canned, it must undergo pasteurisation,” explains Erik.“ This is typically achieved using plate heat exchangers supplied with steam. However, our new system will recover lowgrade waste heat from the fermentation process, upgrade it via heat pumps, and use it to heat water for the pasteurisation process.” By integrating this heat recovery loop, the brewery will significantly reduce steam demand and overall energy consumption.
All equipment in the massive pasteurisation and packaging facility is constructed of stainless steel.
18 Heat Exchanger World July 2025 www. heat-exchanger-world. com