Spent grain bin size?

[dendron8]

Im trying to figure out what size bin i need. I'll have a 2bbl batch. I was thinking of ordering one of these:

https://www.unionjacktools.com/spent...bin-container/

But im concerned this may be too big. Is there a calculation i can do?

[Union Jack Tools]

Based on our brewery customer feedback of approx. 4 bins for a 30 bbl batch, the bin does seem bigger than you'd need. We'd appreciate any additional thoughts on the amount and on a good calculation, too. These are great spent grain bins, but if you need to go smaller be sure the containers are FDA-compliant and have lids -- this will make sure you're on the right track with the FSMA requirements for spent grain if it's being used for any type of food (livestock, human, etc.).

Thanks,
Cheryl Joyce
Owner & VP Client Services

[a10t2]

Putting some numbers to it:

Dry, milled grain has a density of roughly 11 lb/gal and retains about 0.12 gal of water per pound, so total density should be about 5 lb/gal. For a 2 bbl batch you should be looking at a maximum of ~200 lb and a 40 gal container. The volumes won't actually add linearly, so that's a conservative estimate and should leave some room to work with.

[mgohring]

The bin in your link is the size of bin we use and can get about 1000# of wet grist into one of those. For our 15bbl system, that's all beers under 1.060.

It'll be way more than you'll need for a 2bbl batch. A 55 gal drum or two would do you just fine.

[dendron8]

Thanks all, i got a 55 gallon plastic drum with wheels! Perfect for our size.