ENVIRONMENTAL/NET ZERO
Deep Water Blue’s vSteam platform, which helps optimise steam generator operational efficiency and minimise environmental impact, has proved invaluable at the Quantock Brewery in Somerset
uantock Brewery partnered with Deep Water Blue from the outset of its new steam generator installation to protect a major capital investment and overcome early operational challenges. Using the vSteam digital management platform, integrated water treatment programme and specialist site support to stabilise boiler water control, dramatically cuts chemical consumption to around half its initial level, and builds in-house confidence and competence in managing the steam plant.
FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR BREWING PROCESS Q
Deep Water Blue no time at all to spot the issues and help us correct our process and stabilise dosing.”
Installed in 2022, Somerset-based Quantock Brewery operates a modern 30 hl Brew-Bloc 4 brewhouse producing around 3,200 litres per brew and typically brewing two to three times a week, with output flexing seasonally. Steam sits at the heart of everything on the hot side, from heating brewing liquor to ensuring precise mash temperatures through to sterilising the wort via steam-driven heat exchangers. During the planning stages for the new brewhouse, the brewery chose a steam generator rather than a conventional boiler due to its start-stop brewing pattern demanding equipment that remained controllable and chemically stable even when production slowed or stopped. Lead Brewer Daniel Enticott, said: “We deemed it prudent with such a significant investment to work with people who have experience in this matter. Deep Water Blue therefore joined the project at inception, providing the water treatment programme, the vSteam digital management system and the chemicals as a single, integrated package.” Early operation highlighted just how valuable that decision would become. Quantock Brewery moved from older, electrically-heated equipment to a high- performance steam generator and initially navigated some unfamiliar behaviours, including overfilling of the hotwell that silently carried precious treatment chemicals to drain. Enticott recalls that Deep Water Blue’s specialists quickly spotted this. “The water going into the hotwell was marginally over filling, plus we had a leak, so this was causing our chemicals to essentially spill out. It took
26 MARCH 2026 | PROCESS & CONTROL
The vSteam platform soon became the backbone of daily boiler water control at Quantock Brewery. Enticott said: “After Deep Water Blue’s initial vSteam training, confidence grew and the platform quickly embedded itself into a simple, repeatable routine of twice- weekly full test cycles, supported by additional on-site checks. "I now find that all the readings are reassuringly predictable, which gives us the confidence to keep the steam generator in its ideal working window, even when production eases back in quieter periods." said Enticott. Communication through vSteam has proved particularly powerful. For each test submission, Enticott uses the built-in notes to add context, such as explaining lower sulphite readings after a weekend and outlining the planned brewing pattern for the coming week. He highlights this as the feature the brewery relies on most, the ability to communicate without having to call someone, without having to send an email, all while giving Deep Water Blue precise operational insight so that corrective advice is fast and relevant but never intrusive on the brewery’s time. Commenting for Deep Water Blue, water treatment specialist George Nixon explained that monthly engineer inspections provide a
sounding board for any issues that arise. “As well as regular calls and site visits, we also delivered a dedicated training day on boiler water and steam system care, timed for a quieter January period, which proved a really valuable piece of training that made a big difference for Daniel and his understanding of the way a brewery balances chemical control within the plant.”
Over time, Deep Water Blue and Quantock Brewery have delivered a striking reduction in chemical consumption. At the outset, unfamiliarity and larger corrective doses pushed usage higher; by refining routines and tuning the system, the brewery has consistently, month upon month, lowered its chemical usage quite significantly. “I’d estimate that chemical use has dropped and is in the region of half the original level, meaning the water treatment programme is almost certainly paying for itself.” said Enticott. Continuous product development adds further value for Quantock and, in late 2024, Deep Water Blue’s chemists adjusted the chemical programme to better suit the site and improve alkalinity.
vSteam also supports awareness of regulatory developments via an
announcements area where Deep Water Blue shares links and explanations for new guidance and legislation on steam systems. While Quantock Brewery’s insurers do not currently request sight of the vSteam records directly, Enticott believes that the presence of a formal water treatment programme backed by specialist expertise and documented data gives robust assurance that the steam generator is being managed correctly. For Enticott, the most profound outcome is the strengthening of on-site knowledge and confidence. “This expertise protects a critical asset that runs into many tens of thousands of pounds, so the value of Deep Water Blue’s involvement is ultimately the price of the steam generator, and the potential to replace one if neglected!”
Deep Water Blue
www.deepwaterblue.co.uk
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