Cooling Towers and Chillers for Vinegar Factory

1. Installation context and requirements

In 2023, MITA Cooling Technologies was approached to support a historic vinegar factory with a location in the province of Reggio Emilia, Italy, in implementing an effective cooling system for its balsamic vinegar fermenters.

The company, known for the production of the fine Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP, has a centuries-old tradition and a range of high-quality products, including vinegars and derivatives. One of the key aspects of its production is the use of artisanal methods that require strict temperature control to maintain the product’s distinctive characteristics.

The customer expressed some specific technical requirements for cooling.

• Water flow rate: cooling capacity is required for a total flow rate of 190 m³/h of water.
• Outlet temperature: coolers must achieve water outlet temperatures below wet bulb temperatures to ensure proper fermentation process.
• Environmental conditions: the installation site is subject to high temperatures during summer, requiring solutions suitable for warm weather conditions.
• Integration with existing cooling systems: the system had to be compatible with MITA evaporative towers already in place at the company, to which it can lend performance support at certain times of the year.

2. Proposed solution

To meet the customer’s needs, MITA Cooling Technologies, together with local consultant Matteo Busacchi, provided a complete solution consisting of three main elements.

• PME 5704 E Silent Open Cooling Tower: this unit was chosen for its high cooling capacity and low noise, an important feature to respect the working environment and local regulations.
• Easyblock 200 central cooling unit: the unit was integrated to manage the water in the tower and its utilities, ensuring maximum efficiency of the entire system.
• Frigofluid RWE 450/4ax-ST HT air chiller (tower-supported): was selected for its ability to operate effectively even in the high outdoor temperatures typical of the summer months. The structure of the chiller is particularly durable, allowing continuous operation even under extreme conditions, without compromising cooling performance.

In addition to these technological solutions, MITA provided a full service for machinery supply and installation.

3. Results and key success factors

The implemented solution enabled the client to achieve precise temperature control in the fermenters, a crucial aspect in maintaining the high quality standards required in the production of balsamic vinegar. Some of the main benefits achieved include.

• Improved operational efficiency: thanks to the combination of the cooling towers and air chiller, the company is now able to maintain a constant outlet water temperature even during summer peaks, thus ensuring the continuity and quality of the production process.
• Optimal system integration: the addition of the new cooling solutions to those already in place has made it possible to use resources more efficiently, without having to replace the existing infrastructure entirely.
• Reduction of noise emissions in relation to design requirements.

The project was considered a success due to a number of factors.

• Solid collaboration between MITA and the customer: the well-established relationship between MITA and the customer, supported by the local consultant, enabled a thorough understanding of the company’s operational needs and the provision of customized solutions.
• Tailored solutions: the ability of MITA and its partner Frigofluid to provide ad hoc systems, perfectly adapted to the customer’s environmental and process conditions, played a key role.
• Continuous support: the constant support of the MITA consultant ensured that the customer received quick and competent assistance at every stage of the project, from design to installation and commissioning.