Regarding jacket insulation
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We are currently working on a pilot-scale fermentation tank with a jacket, and we want to use steam to maintain the temperature (around 25 degrees)； And installing automatic control to regulate the temperature – is that feasible? Also, is it necessary to install a pressure gauge on the jacket?
Theoretically, it’s possible; however, it’s not known what the temperature will be when there is no insulation for the material inside the tank, nor what the allowable range of temperature fluctuations is. The lower the temperature, the more difficult it is to maintain it using steam, and if steam is used, automatic control systems must definitely be installed. It's good to install pressure gauges on pressure equipment.
I’m not sure if hot baths are allowed.
In the absence of insulation for the material inside the tank, the temperature is essentially that of the surrounding water at room temperature, with fluctuations not exceeding plus or minus 5 degrees.
Hot water baths are fine, but it’s more convenient for us to use steam.
With such a range of fluctuations, it will be very difficult to meet the requirements using steam! If saturated water vapor is used, the temperature at such levels will also cause condensation; therefore, it is recommended to use steam condensate for insulation, and in that case the equipment jacket is no longer considered a pressure vessel! For reference!
Just install a steam pressure gauge on the pipe leading steam into the jacket; there’s then no need for a jacket