Hey there everyone,
I'm forecasting some equipment upgrades, and wanted to get a little feedback from the community on where to invest first.
Currently we have a 5hl system: Mash tun, Kettle, Brite tank, one of each, all 5 hl capacity. We have 4 FVs 5 hl capacity.
No other fancy production-side equipment or vessels. We currently do no-sparge brewing, and heat all of our water in a direct-fire kettle (which takes forever)
We have an adequate mill and pump, however our plate chiller is small and requires a small pump to operate. It takes over an hour (maybe even two?) to chill 5 hl of product.
We can whirlpool in the kettle, and recirculate our mash. Our mash tun is equipped for a grain hopper and grist hydrator, however we have not yet installed.
Automation is minimal at this point.
My gut instinct is to first invest in a boiler / HLT. How do many brewers here keep on-demand hot liquor? Much of our brew day is wasted waiting for water to heat up. Second focus would be faster chilling, third would be automation. What are your thoughts? I've heard from the community to have as many brite tanks as you do FVs. Why operate this way as opposed to 1 unitank (combo fv and brite) per product?
Greatly appreciate any and all feedback, just getting into commercial brewing here.
Cheers
I'm forecasting some equipment upgrades, and wanted to get a little feedback from the community on where to invest first.
Currently we have a 5hl system: Mash tun, Kettle, Brite tank, one of each, all 5 hl capacity. We have 4 FVs 5 hl capacity.
No other fancy production-side equipment or vessels. We currently do no-sparge brewing, and heat all of our water in a direct-fire kettle (which takes forever)
We have an adequate mill and pump, however our plate chiller is small and requires a small pump to operate. It takes over an hour (maybe even two?) to chill 5 hl of product.
We can whirlpool in the kettle, and recirculate our mash. Our mash tun is equipped for a grain hopper and grist hydrator, however we have not yet installed.
Automation is minimal at this point.
My gut instinct is to first invest in a boiler / HLT. How do many brewers here keep on-demand hot liquor? Much of our brew day is wasted waiting for water to heat up. Second focus would be faster chilling, third would be automation. What are your thoughts? I've heard from the community to have as many brite tanks as you do FVs. Why operate this way as opposed to 1 unitank (combo fv and brite) per product?
Greatly appreciate any and all feedback, just getting into commercial brewing here.
Cheers
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