Showroom Overview and System Introduction
Welcome to our Charlotte showroom, featuring our 10-barrel, four-vessel brew house system, paired with a 2.5-barrel pilot system. Today, we’ll walk through the automation features of this system from start to finish, showcasing how our technology simplifies and streamlines brewing operations.
Hot and Cold Liquor Tank Autofills
The hot and cold liquor tanks (HLT and CLT) are equipped with hydrostatic level sensors, ensuring precise water level management. These sensors monitor liquid levels and automatically stop water feed when the desired level is reached. For example, in a 20-barrel HLT for a 10-barrel brew house, you might keep the tank half full during knockouts to prevent overflow when hot water returns from the heat exchanger. The automation adjusts the valve, opening or closing it as needed, to maintain these levels efficiently. This prevents waste and ensures optimal water management.
Full Pneumatic Valve Automation
All valves in this system are pneumatic and controlled via the HLT and CLT flowchart screen. Operators can control pumps and valves directly from the brew deck without moving around the brewery. Each screen provides easy access to specific tanks, including mashing, lautering, kettle whirlpool, and knockout processes. A 15-inch flowchart screen comes standard with pneumatic valve packages, making operations seamless and reducing physical strain.
SPX Blending Valve Automation
The SPX blending valve ensures precise flow and temperature control for mashing and sparging. Operators can set desired temperature and flow rates, such as 155°F at 15 GPM for mashing. The system maintains these parameters automatically, freeing operators to manage other tasks. This automation step is crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency during brewing.
Lauter Transfer Automation
The lauter transfer automation integrates blending and adds precise flow rate control during sparging and kettle transfer. Operators can set sparge temperature (e.g., 170°F) and flow rate (e.g., 8 GPM) while maintaining consistent lauter flow. Gravity flow initiation and controlled pump activation ensure consistent bed height and sparge efficiency, optimizing equipment performance.
Wort Grant Level Control
Automation in the wort grant ensures a smooth vorlauf process. Using hydrostatic pressure, operators set the desired liquid height, and the system throttles the pump to avoid excessive pulling on the grain bed. This ensures clear wort while protecting the bed’s integrity.
Auto Knockout Automation
The auto knockout automation uses precise control of the whirlpool and knockout pumps to maintain a target temperature during wort cooling. Operators set temperature and flow rate parameters, and the system handles the rest, allowing them to focus on other tasks. This minimizes manual monitoring and enhances efficiency.
Grain Handling Automation
For grain handling, we offer custom solutions with load cells under the grist case, silos, and bulk bag racks. Operators can input exact recipes, and the system mills and transfers the grain accordingly. This allows for simultaneous milling and brewing, saving time and reducing manual intervention. Built-in safeguards prevent clogs and over-amplified mill usage, ensuring smooth operations.
Boilover Sensor
The boilover sensor uses capacitive technology to detect foam or liquid levels, cutting steam to the boil kettle to prevent overboils. This safety feature protects brewers and keeps the platform clean.
Fermentation Controls
Our fermentation controls provide precise temperature gradients, such as dropping lager temperatures from 62°F to 38°F over two weeks. Operators can set and forget these parameters, with logging functions and timer delays enabling planned automation. Remote monitoring further enhances convenience.
Remote Monitoring and HMI Access
The system’s HMI offers full control via VPN on mobile devices or iPads. Operators can adjust tank temperatures, start heating HLTs or CLTs, and monitor processes remotely. Safety restrictions prevent remote operation of moving parts like mash or lauter ton rakes, ensuring a secure environment.
Visit Us
We welcome you to our Charlotte showroom, located just five minutes from the airport, to see these controls in action. You’ll also find us at trade shows like CBC, where you can experience our HMI and automation firsthand. Thanks for watching, and we look forward to seeing you!