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Calcimator

Fermentation Temperature

Calculate heat generated during fermentation in BTU/hr, temperature rise, and cooling requirements from must volume, Brix, and fermentation rate.

Inputs

gal
°Bx
°Bx/day

Results

Heat Generated

1,933 BTU/hr

Temp Rise (no cooling)

11.12 °F/day

Heat per Day46,400 BTU/day
Heat (Watts)567 W
Temp Rise (metric)6.18 °C/day
Cooling Required1,933 BTU/hr
Refrigeration Needed0.16 tons
Estimated Duration12 days
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Must Volume, Starting Brix, and Fermentation Rate.
  2. Review Heat Generated (BTU/hr) and Temp Rise (no cooling) (°F/day).
  3. Use Heat per Day (BTU/day) and Heat (Watts) to inform your decision.
  4. Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.

How the result changes with Must Volume

Must VolumeHeat GeneratedTemp Rise (no cooling)
10,00538,686 BTU/hr11.12 °F/day
35,003135,346 BTU/hr11.12 °F/day
65,002251,343 BTU/hr11.12 °F/day
90,001348,007 BTU/hr11.12 °F/day

What each input means

Must Volume
Total volume of grape must in US gallons. A standard fermentation tank ranges from 200-5,000 gallons.
Starting Brix
Initial sugar content measured in degrees Brix. Typical harvest Brix for wine grapes: 22-26°.
Fermentation Rate
Expected Brix drop per day. Cool white fermentations: 0.5-1.5°/day. Warm red fermentations: 2-4°/day.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Must Volume = 500, Starting Brix = 24, Fermentation Rate = 2 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Heat Generated
    Heat Generated
    1933 = 1933
  3. Calculate Temp Rise
    11.12 = 11.12
  4. Calculate Heat per Day
    Heat per Day
    46400 = 46400
  5. Calculate Heat
    Heat
    567 = 567

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