Blichmann Engineering Therminator User Manual

Therminator
TM
Operation, Assembly & Maintenance Manual
Congratulations on your purchase and thank you for selecting the Therminator
TM
brand stainless steel
wort chiller from Blichmann Engineering. We are confident that it will provide you years of service and
many gallons of outstanding beer. This manual will familiarize you with the use of the Therminator
TM
,
assembly, and sanitation procedures.
**** PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY PRIOR TO USE FOR IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ****
IMPORTANT !!
Warning: Sections labeled “Warning” can lead to serious injury or death if not followed. Please read
these thoroughly and understand them completely before use. If you do not understand
them or have any questions, contact your retailer or Blichmann Engineering
(www.BlichmannEngineering.com) before use.
Caution: Sections labeled “Caution” can lead to equipment damage or unsatisfactory performance of
the equipment. Please read these sections thoroughly and if you have any questions,
contact your retailer or Blichmann Engineering before use.
Assembly:
Threaded fittings
The Therminator
TM
utilizes ½” NPT (National Pipe Taper) male threads for the wort side of the exchanger
(top fittings on the back and front of the exchanger) that will readily mate up with your preferred type of
hose connector. The cooling water side of the exchanger (bottom fittings on the back and front of the
exchanger) is fitted with ¾” male garden hose threads (GHT). High quality hose quick connect fitting
adapters from Blichmann Engineering are available through your retailer.
Caution: If you are using stainless NPT adapter fittings on the wort side of the exchanger (½” NPT) it is
necessary to use a thread sealing tape (Teflon
TM
type) to prevent thread galling (welding), which is not
covered under warranty. If you feel any grinding while tightening stop immediately as this galling the
threads! Threads, once galled, will not come apart! The key to long thread life is not over tightening, and
using an adequate amount of thread sealing tape. If you are using brass or plastic adapter fittings, the use
of thread sealing tape is still recommended, but optional. No sealing tape is needed on the cooling water
side of the exchanger since it employs non-tapered garden hose threads.

Blichmann Engineering Therminator Specifications

General

Type	Plate Chiller
Material	Stainless Steel
Weight	3.5 lbs
Inlet/Outlet Size	1/2 inch
Plate Count	40 plates

Summary

Assembly

Threaded Fittings

Details the types and installation of NPT and GHT threaded fittings for wort and water connections.

Mounting Bracket

Guides on installing the universal stainless steel mounting bracket for the heat exchanger.

Cleaning and Sanitation

Initial Cleaning and Sanitization

Steps for cleaning and sanitizing the unit before its first use.

Routine Cleaning and Sanitization

Procedures for cleaning and sanitizing the exchanger before and after each brew.

Storage and Maintenance

Storage Guidelines

Proper methods for storing the Therminator to ensure longevity and prevent issues.

Periodic Maintenance

Recommended maintenance for descaling and maintaining exchanger efficiency.

Installation and Operation

Gravity Flow Chilling

Instructions for operating the chiller using gravity feed from the brew kettle.

Pump Chilling Operation

How to operate the Therminator when using a pump to move wort.

Setting Flow Rates

Guide to adjusting cooling water and wort flow rates for optimal chilling performance.

Southern Climate Operation

Specific considerations for operating the chiller in warmer climates with higher ground water temps.

Troubleshooting

Wort Temperature Issues

Solutions for problems related to not reaching the desired wort temperature.

Wort Flow Issues

Troubleshooting steps for inadequate wort flow through the exchanger.

Sanitation and Contamination

Addressing issues related to cleanliness and preventing contamination.

Performance Estimation

Using the Performance Graph

How to interpret and use the graph to predict chiller performance.

Product Warranty

Limited Warranty Terms

Details the manufacturer's limited warranty, exclusions, and customer responsibilities.