PUB vs. Specific Mechanical

[OPO Brewer]

Any opinoins about which used system in general would most desirable: PUB or Specific Mechanical? Both are about 12 years old and seem to be in good shape although I haven't personally seen either of them.

Thanks for the help.
Tom

[Sauce]

Strictly from a one sided customer service standpoint (having never dealt/used a pub system), Spec Mech is:

A. Still in business...not sure about Pub, but I'm thinking they are not.
B. Very helpfull customer service, fully stocked parts department and a very good fabrication department.

From a productions standpoint given that all manufacturers have their design pluses and minuses, Our 20 bbl Spec Mech system has served us well so far over the last year and a half.



JackK

[Ted Briggs]

Pub is NOT still in business- But they did make good systems and most parts are fairly standard- for repairs or replacement from other sources.

[nohandslance]

Sauce was correct in saying the Specific customer support is great, I like their swing link panel for fluid distribution alot, had some problems with all the VFD's for the pumps and electrical. Boiler purchased with this 15BBl system seemed undersized, new owners upgraded, no problems since. System was purchased in 2000.
Pub system is great, manual valve matrix is very user friendly, and has ample suppliers for parts. This 15bbl system is currently producing 3000bbls/year.
This system was purchased in 1997.
Would not recommend copper clad, too much upkeep, unless you need the visual appeal.
Pressure test the steam and glycol jackets when you inspect.
Good Luck.
Send us some samples when you get operating.
Cantact Dopplegangers in Carson City- Specific Mechanical System
BrewBrothers, Eldorado Casino, Reno- Pub system

[Josef]

Thanks for the promo Lance. SMS has been great about giving advice on their system and getting parts has been easy. The system I use was purchased used but I have always been treated as an original buyer.

Joe
Doppelgangers Brewery

[OPO Brewer]

Pressure testing

what would be the best way to presure test a system that has been removed from service? How much pressure?

[nohandslance]

Jackets are usually tested with a water purge and pressured up to 14psi for 24 hours. That's what I did to our 15bbl system. I will send you pictures of our set up and you can get a general Idea. If you do not have H20 compressed air will work as a good substitute. This takes alot of time but worth the effort when spending huge amounts of cash, especially since they are decommisioned and in storage.
I can be reached @
ljergensen@rebelmalting.com
Good luck

[Coast]

no question specific !

[Jephro]

no question specific !

Ditto...! The first brewery i helped open we bought a used 14 bbl Specific System and they pulled specs, blueprints, and were basically at our beck and call whenever we needed some help getting things started up.

Thanks Again to Blaine at Specific, jeez that must have been back in 2000-2001

-Jeff Byrne

[gitchegumee]

Hydrotesting tanks.

The standard test for jacket or vessel pressure integrity is a hydrostatic test with WATER. NEVER USE AIR! Compressed gases are dangerous-especially in an untested vessel. Air will leak slowly and lower the pressure insignificantly with a small fault. Being incompressible, water will show an immediate pressure drop with any tiny leak. Usual pressures are 1.5x the pressure rating of the jacket/tank; 22.5 psi or 1.5 bar test on a tank rated for 15 psi or 1 bar. Tanks in the US will always require an ASME stamp UV if rated for more than 15 psi or 1 bar.