There are various models of craft beer equipment configurations. Starting a brewery requires a substantial capital investment, and purchasing all the necessary equipment at once can be overwhelming. However, not all equipment needs to be bought in its entirety initially. Many customers only purchase equipment that meets their brewing needs when they first start their business, and then expand the scale of equipment or add more advanced equipment as the brewery develops and profits increase. Today, let’s learn about the essential brewing equipment needed to start a brewery.
For large commercial breweries, the following equipment is necessary:
Brewhouse: The brewhouse is the heart of the brewery, and a large brewery requires a large and efficient system to meet the demand. A large brewery may require at least a 1000L saccharification system. Choose three vessels or more to brew multiple batches a day.
Fermentation Vessels: Fermentation tanks are an important part of the brewing process, and large breweries require a large number of fermenters to keep up with production. A large brewery can start with 20-30 fermentation tanks, and the ratio between the size of each fermentation tank and the output of a single batch is 1:2 to 1:6 (since a large brewery will not only brew 1 batch a day). For example, a brewery that brews three batches per day and has a daily output of 3000L can choose a 3000L fermenter. The basic principle for choosing a fermenter is: in the same fermenter, the interval between the first batch of beer and the last batch of beer should not exceed 24 hours.
Brite Tanks: Brite tanks are used to condition and carbonate beer before packaging. A large brewery can start with 10-15 brite tanks ranging from 3000L to 10000L each.
Keg System: A keg system is used to store and dispense beer. A large brewery will require a large and efficient keg system with multiple kegs and automatic distribution systems to meet the demand.
Canning or Bottling Lines: Canning or bottling lines are used to package beer for distribution. Large breweries require reliable and efficient canning or bottling lines capable of packaging large quantities of beer in a short period of time.
In conclusion, selecting the appropriate equipment for your brewery is crucial for producing high-quality beer. From small craft beer pubs to large breweries, breweries of all sizes have specific equipment needs that must be met to ensure success. Consider your brewing process, production needs, and budget when choosing equipment to ensure you have the right equipment for your brewery.