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BEER TANKS & SYSTEMS
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Our Most Powerful & Efficient Line of Custom Brewing Systems

HERO brewing systems offer superior performance at every phase, from reducing the overall brew time, increased wort clarity, and hop utilization to crank out delicious beer for decades.

HERO System Features:

  • 5-8 Minute Mash In
  • 5 Minute Mash Transfer and Whirlpool Charging
  • Integrated CIP (Clean-In-Place) Piping with Mix-Proof Valves & Non-Clogging Claw Sprayballs
  • White Squall Hydrator, Self-cleaning
  • High Flow, High Efficiency, Low Shear Pumps
  • Remote Pump Control
  • Steam Control Valve on Brew Kettle & Mash Kettle (optional)
  • Chain & Puck Malt Conveyor (optional)
  • Water Push at Mash Transfer & Wort Cooling
  • Electro Magnetic Flow Meter at Water Mix, Lauter &
    Wort Cooling
  • Sanitary Control Valves at Lauter & Wort Cooling
  • Stainless Steel Electrical Conduit
  • Stainless Steel Strainer at Heat Exchanger Inlet (optional)
  • Swedged Out & Fully Welded Lauter Tun Side Manways (Fully Water Proof)
  • LED Tank Lights
  • CIP Protocols (Manual)
  • High Flow Heat Exchanger at Wort Cooler, Dual Flow Wort Cooling Assemblies for Ultra High Wort Recovery
  • High Hop/ Dry Trub Whirlpool Design
  • Wort Heater at Lauter Tun (Optional on Single Infusion Systems)
  • Hop Cooler at Whirlpool (optional)
  • CIP Protocols (Manual)
  • Start-up & Commissioning by Project Engineer

HERO Pro Package:

  • Brewhouse Automation Including Fully Automated CIP Functions

Beer Tanks and Craft Brewing Systems

As an original partner in the pioneering efforts to revive craft brewing in this country; our plant in Canby, Oregon has been supplying tanks and equipment to all beverage producers since 1981. We began building brewing vessels in a scale to fit the requirements of the small brewer under the trademark name of JV Northwest and manufactured the very first brewing equipment for craft breweries in Oregon, Washington and California. We have supplied equipment to over 600 breweries worldwide.

We are an equipment manufacturing company which recognizes the specific needs of the microbrewery segment of the brewing industry. Our products range from individual pieces of equipment to complete turn-key systems. We can simplify for you, the complexities of the overall brewing process. Our services include brewery sizing, equipment layout, professional installation, system testing, technical assistance, and follow-up support. Each step of the brewing process has many options. Our vessels can be designed with versatility, allowing for the brewery functions to be combined in fewer vessels for economy, or separated into several vessels for increased capacity.

Lager or Ale?

It is a common misconception that all ale is dark and bitter, while lagers are pale and mild. To the contrary, it is possible to brew a pale, light bodied ale, or a rich, bitter black lager. A full range of flavor and color can be brewed within each style. Although ales do tend to be more fruity and assertive while lagers are typically crisp and mellow, the greatest difference between the two beers is their production method. Ales can be produced in ten to fourteen days, while lagers require three to five weeks. Obviously the capital required for a lager brewery will be greater, as two to three times as many cellar vessels are required to produce the same amount of beer. Longer aging, yeast strain, and lower fermentation temperatures contribute to the clean crisp flavor of lagers while shorter high temperature fermentation of the ale produce the fruity more assertive brew. Some areas of the country are more accustomed to the crisp Germanic lager style, while other regions may prefer the English style ale.

“Please pass on to the entire crew how gorgeous the tanks are. They arrived safely and were installed safely.” -St. Louis Brewing Company

Documentation Package

The Brewery Installation Manual will be indispensable to you. The manual is in a handy binder and is indexed for easy reference. It will include very detailed instructions as well as general comments and suggestions. Each section will be directed to either a sub-contractor or dedicated to a piece of equipment. All of your tank specifications and sketches will be included in this book. Your manuals concerning burners, controllers, pumps, and milling machinery will be indexed and organized for you. The descriptions of the chiller and the filter as well as the heat exchanger will be detailed and clear. It will cover carbonation and pressure/vacuum concerns. Your sight glasses, hoses, and fittings will be included. All the specs are in one book making it easy to get your brewery rolling and on its way to making great beer.

Process Flow

Brewery Sizing

flow

Your CAD generated layouts will clearly position all brewery components. They will specify where your electrical service and drains should be. It will locate and provide details for all other pertinent and critical information.

The process flow chart will map out for you the route your beer will take. A well planned piping system is a guarantee of sanitation. Improper piping will foster organisms which can contaminate your beer. The controls within the system are conveniently and ergonomically placed, and our piping system has the added advantage of being configured to visually enhance the overall appearance of the entire brewery.

blueprint_w-tanks

Brewery Performance Parameter & Sample Layout

MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS
.5 – 1.5 workers/1000 bbls yearly capacity, Average .75 workers/1000 bbls

UTILITIES
Electrical 20 – 35 kWh/bbl
Natural Gas 2.0 – 3.7 therms/bbl
Water 6 – 8 BBL’s water/bbl beer produced
Refrigeration 10 – 20 BTU chiller capacity/bbl yearly capacity
Direct Fired Brew Kettle 25,000 30,000 BTU/bbl Cast Wort

BREWHOUSE YIELD
Single Temperature Infusion 85 – 95%
Temperature Programmed Mash 85 – 95%

SPACE REQUIREMENTS
Complete Brewery .5 – 1 sq. ft./bbl of yearly capacity
Sacked Malt Storage .15 – .25 sq. ft./bbl of yearly capacity

Brewery Considerations

  • Visit various micro-breweries and brew-pubs (please phone ahead and respect proprietary privileges).
  • Consider benefits of joining brewery trade organizations.
  • Purchase a resource directory.
  • Collect statistics on beer type and consumption for your area from government agencies.
  • Visit our manufacturing facility.
  • Construct business plan.
  • Secure primary and fall back financing.
  • Narrow down site selections.
  • Contact us for detailed costs.
  • Discuss plans with local planning commission.
  • Interview prospective brewers or contact us for instruction services or recommended brewing schools.
  • Submit label for approval (if bottling).
  • Contract graphic illustrator for design work.
  • Equipment inspection prior to delivery (if possible).
  • Subscribe to craft brewing trade publications.
  • Look into purchasing a brewery start-up guide or planner.
  • Conduct taste testing studies.
  • Research state, federal, and city regulations and ordinances.
  • Establish the brewery’s initial and final size.
  • Plan to attend national conference and pre-conference pub tour.
  • Don’t forget this is fun!
  • Research application procedures for appropriate licenses.
  • Select an architect if needed.
  • Order equipment and send deposit to secure approximate delivery and installation scheduling.
  • Review advertising needs (neon signs, t-shirts, tent cards, etc.).
  • Finalize brewery layout and process flow.
  • Meet with local alcohol abuse agency representatives.
  • Finalize brewery installation date.
  • Time to relax have a brew!
  • Interface with local media to cover delivery of brewing equipment.
  • Installation, equipment testing and water brew.
  • Conduct preliminary grand opening as training exercise.

Brewing Equipment segment @ 17th minute!

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