When setting up a craft brewery, selecting the right brewing equipment is a critical decision that can impact both the efficiency and quality of your beer. Many craft breweries, especially those with budget or space constraints, opt for multi-functional brewing systems that combine several processes into a single tank. Understanding these combinations and their implications can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your brewing goals.
Mash + Lauter Tun Combination
This setup merges the mash tun and lauter tun functions into one vessel. The system uses a lauter rake and sieve plate to facilitate the separation of wort from the grain. The flat bottom of the vessel supports efficient filtration, while the conical bottom aids in heating. However, this combination has its drawbacks:
Lower Heating Efficiency: The flat bottom may not heat as effectively as a dedicated mash tun.
Slow Filtration: The conical bottom can lead to slower filtration due to potential buildup in the outer jacket.
Boil + Whirlpool Combination
In this arrangement, the boil kettle also serves as the whirlpool tank. It features a jacket or external heater for boiling and a cone bottom with a tangent inlet for whirlpooling. While this setup conserves space and cost, it has some limitations:
Reduced Whirlpooling Effectiveness: The dual-function vessel may not whirlpool as efficiently, affecting clarity.
Increased Wort Loss: There can be higher wort loss during the whirlpooling stage due to the design constraints.
Mash + Boil Combination
Combining the mash tun and boil kettle into a single unit is another option. This setup includes heating elements, a conical bottom, and a mash agitator. However, it presents several challenges:
Extended Working Hours: Cross-occupancy of functions can lead to longer processing times.
Boiling Static Zones: The agitation may create static zones during boiling, obstructing wort flow and potentially affecting the boil.
Choosing the right brewing equipment setup involves balancing cost, space, and efficiency. Understanding the different combinations of mash, lauter, boil, and whirlpool functions can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your brewery’s needs and goals. If you need guidance, our sales engineers are ready to assist in planning the best equipment strategy for your brewing operation. Contact us to explore your options and set your brewery up for success.
