Breweries, whether small-scale brewpubs or large industrial facilities manage spent grains differently based on their size and automation capabilities. Understanding these methods not only enhances brewing efficiency but also impacts sustainability and potential revenue streams.
Small Breweries: Hands-On Efficiency
In smaller breweries and brewpubs, automation levels are typically lower. Here, after completing the lautering process, brewers manually handle the spent grains. This involves opening the spent grain door, using a rake to push the grains toward the door, and manually shoveling them into baskets or trolleys. Due to the smaller batch sizes, these spent grains are often considered as waste.
Medium to Large Breweries: Advanced Automation for Efficiency
Contrastingly, larger breweries with advanced automation systems optimize spent grain management. Once the liquid level sensor signals the end of lautering, automated processes take over. This includes opening the bottom outlet valve, deploying a rake to push the grain down, and utilizing a rotating knife for efficient grain removal. Spent grains are typically collected in a hopper to regulate transportation rates before being conveyed via mechanical or pneumatic systems to an off-site spent grain silo.
Monetizing Waste: Turning Spent Grains into Revenue
One significant opportunity for breweries, especially those producing large quantities of spent grains, lies in monetization. By selling spent grains to farms or secondary processing businesses, breweries not only reduce waste but also create an additional income stream. This dual benefit contributes to both environmental sustainability and financial viability for the brewery.
Efficient spent grain management is crucial for breweries of all sizes. At the same time, smaller operations rely on manual labor, larger facilities leverage automation to streamline processes. Monetizing spent grains further enhances sustainability efforts and business profitability. By tailoring spent grain management to brewery scale, each facility can optimize operations, reduce waste, and potentially increase revenue through strategic resource management.
