Careful consideration of the key commercial brewery equipment is needed to bring your brewing dreams to life. In this article, we will explore the essential pieces required for both the brewhouse and the cellar and discuss various options within each category.
Brewhouse Essentials
The brewhouse, often referred to as the ‘hot side,’ encompasses heated vessels and pumps vital for the initial stages of brewing.
Hot Liquor/Water Tank (HLT)
This tank stores and heats brewing water, requiring a pump, flowmeter, and a size approximately double that of the rest of the brewhouse.
Malt Mill
Necessary only if using uncrushed malt, a malt mill with adjustable features is ideal for smooth brewing.
Flowmeter
Essential for accurate measurement of strike and sparge water, a heat-resistant and waterproof flowmeter is crucial.
Heat Source
The method of heating brewing vessels is a critical decision. Options include steam, utilizing a steam generator powered by natural gas, electricity, or diesel, and electricity, which employs elements similar to those in kitchen kettles.
Heat Exchanger
Employed to cool boiling wort before transferring to the fermenting vessel, commonly using a plate heat exchanger (PHE).
Lauter Tun
It is equipped with a filter, a sparge ring, and the ability to recirculate. This vessel separates sweet wort from grain during the brewing process.
Mash Tun
Various types are available, from open vessels to enclosed, heated vessels with stirring paddles. Consider features such as heating capability, pump connectivity, and recirculation for consistent temperatures.
Control Panel
Control panels monitor temperatures, pumps, and other motorized operations during brewing.
Boil Kettle
A heated vessel for boiling wort, equipped with a condenser or flue for managing steam.
Cellar Essentials
The cellar, also known as the ‘cold side,’ has fermenting vessels and conditioning tanks. Key essentials include:
Fermenting Vessels
The type depends on the beer style, ranging from simple open vessels to pressurized uni tanks, with customization options like dry hopping ports and carbonation stones.
Glycol/Ice Water Tank
Used to maintain fermentation temperatures, requiring a separate pump, control panel, and industrial chillers.
Cold-Side Control Panel
Monitors fermenting vessel temperatures and controls cold crashing, available in PID or PLC configurations.
Other Essentials
In addition to the brewhouse and cellar equipment, certain other essentials contribute to the brewery’s functionality:
Cleaning Station (CIP)
Facilitates efficient cleaning with spray balls, consisting of vessels for caustic cleaning, sanitizing acid washes, and other acids.
CO2 Tanks and Regulators
Essential for purging oxygen during the brewing process, especially when moving beer between vessels.
Hoses & Pipelines
Food-grade, heat-resistant hoses with tri-clamp connections ensure a reliable flow of wort and beer.
Essential Spares
Lastly, securing essential spare parts such as gaskets, clamps, valves, sight glasses, probes, and gauges is crucial to prevent delays and maintain quality.
Final Words
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the commercial and microbrewery equipment necessary to opening a brewery. While various tools and optional equipment exist, these essentials lay the foundation for a su
ccessful brewing venture. Happy brewing!