What size and type of equipment does a craft brewery need?

Setting up a brewery requires careful consideration of equipment size and type to ensure quality production. Let’s dive into the essentials for outfitting a craft brewery.There are several factors to consider when purchasing major equipment for your brewery. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the basic parts you’ll need and discuss the various options involved. Setting up a brewery requires careful consideration of equipment size and type to ensure quality production. Let’s dive into the essentials for outfitting a craft brewery.

How big should my device be?

All our calculations are based on the following hypothetical variables (it will vary by situation and client, but these are worst case scenarios).

Headspace in both boiler and fermenter is 10%
10% ABV fermentation strength (the least workable for a craft brewery’s primary product line)
5% sedimentation in the fermentation tank
Distillation recovery rate 90%
750 ml standard bottle size
43% ABV product strength

Brew System

The heart of any brewery is its brewing system. The size of this equipment largely depends on the scale of production you aim for. For small to medium-sized breweries, a 3 to 10-barrel system is often sufficient. Larger operations might opt for 20 barrels or more. The system typically comprises a mash tun, brew kettle, hot liquor tank, and fermentation vessels.

Fermentation Tanks

These vessels come in various sizes and materials such as stainless steel or conical plastic. Choose tanks that match your production capacity and allow for proper fermentation and conditioning. Temperature control systems are crucial for maintaining ideal fermentation conditions.

How many fermenters do I need?

The number of fermentation tanks in a craft brewery depends on a variety of factors:

the more tanks you need, the higher the cost, and the larger the tank, the higher the cost. You will find that larger tanks of the same design are cheaper than more tanks of the same design. So the bigger, the cheaper.
The number of days in the fermentation cycle. The lower the fermentation temperature, the longer the fermentation cycle, and the more fermentation tanks required for regular production.
Available working days and times. Doubling the fermentor size will allow you to produce the same amount of product using the same equipment, but the fermentation time will be reduced, leaving more time for sales, marketing and management.
future expansion. Starting with greater fermentation capacity allows your brewery to grow and expand and in the future.

Cooling Equipment

A chiller or refrigeration system is essential for maintaining precise fermentation temperatures. This is critical for yeast health and the overall quality of the beer. Additionally, a cold room for storing finished products helps in maintaining freshness.

Packaging Equipment

Consider whether you’ll bottle, can, or keg your beer. Each requires different machinery. For bottling, you’ll need a bottling line with a bottle filler, capper, labeler, and possibly a pasteurizer. Can lines and kegging systems also require specific equipment.

Cleaning and Sanitization Tools

Proper cleaning and sanitization are vital in brewing. Invest in cleaning equipment like pumps, hoses, and tanks designed for brewery use. Also, select appropriate sanitizers and cleaning agents to maintain hygiene.

Quality Control Tools

Measuring instruments such as hydrometers, refractometers, pH meters, and lab equipment for yeast cell counts and viability are crucial for ensuring product consistency and quality.

Utilities

Don’t overlook the need for reliable utilities like water filtration systems, boilers for heating, compressed air for operations, and wastewater management systems.

Flexibility and Growth

Consider equipment that allows for scalability and future expansion. Investing in quality equipment initially might seem costly but can save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent upgrades.

Safety Equipment

Ensure compliance with safety standards by having appropriate safety gear for employees, emergency shutdown systems, and fire safety equipment in place.

Consultation and Training

Hiring experienced consultants or attending brewing courses can provide invaluable insights into equipment selection, setup, and operations.Starting a craft brewery involves a significant investment in both time and capital. Choosing the right equipment tailored to your production goals is key to brewing success. Conduct thorough research, seek expert advice, and plan meticulously to set up a brewery that delivers top-notch brews.

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