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Logix's extensively programmable system establishes temperature setpoints for the various stages of fermentation for 120+ tanks at Chateau Ste. Michelle. The system precisely controls tank temperatures, helps ensure wine quality, optimizes engine room operations and reduces energy consumption. At Chateau Ste. Michelle, the Logix System also controls barrel and storage room temperature and humidity, CO2 monitoring and air exchange, computer networking with internet and modem remote access, and an autodialer to notify staff of alarm conditions.
Logix partnered with Woodbridge, one of the largest wine production facilities in the US, to centralize control of three refrigeration plants. Equipped with the Logix system, a powerful yet easy-to-use tool, operators now deliver appropriate and precise refrigeration in all three plants. Since commissioning in 1997, the Logix Winery Control System has been seamlessly updated to match facility growth at Woodbridge.
With more than 200 tanks to monitor (37 of which are located .5 miles away from the main facility), the Logix Winery Control System has given the winemakers at Hogue Cellars peace of mind. They now monitor and change tank temperatures virtually in an instant. The alarming function has been critical for this site, especially with red wine fermentation because extraction is key. Logix has easily saved staff an hour or more per day of dealing with day-to-day refrigeration "busy work."
Production changes for each of the 80 tanks at this family winery can be scheduled automatically using the seven temperature modes available with the Logix Winery Control System. The system features a "Red Fermentation" mode that automatically drops tank temperature once it reaches a desirable fermentation temperature. Intelligent control of the refrigeration mechanical pad provides the right amount of refrigeration at the right time. If a mechanical problem does arise, the Logix autodialer system alerts off-site Benziger staff with an automated phone call and e-mail describing the problem. At Benziger Winery, the Logix system also provides hot water exchange system for tank heating, barrel and storage room temperature and humidity control , CO2 monitoring and air exchange, compressor room control, and remote access.
In the first year of use, the Logix Winery Control System enabled Columbia Crest to reduce staff from six to five people to support crush, even while learning the system. Logix provides temperature control for more than 330 tanks, temperature and humidity control of barrel and storage rooms, CO2 monitoring and air exchange, compressor room control, remote access as well as autodialer to relay "alarm conditions" by phone or pager.
Providing temperature control for 30+ 100,000-gallon tanks can be daunting, but at Franzia, the Logix Winery Control System has made it seem like a walk in the vineyard. In addition to tank control, the Logix system controls ten large chiller systems and three refrigeration systems, and provides computer networking with internet and modem remote access and autodialer capabilities. Having the capability of trending the equipment and providing fault history and operating logs has been a huge benefit, as has the savings realized by eliminating needless compressor starts. But the biggest benefit of the Logix system for Franzia Winery's engineer? Being able to dial into the system from home and monitor and/or make adjustments. That has made all the difference.