Breweries can vary enormously in size, from the smallest microbrewery to
the largest multinational brewing corporation. The diversity of
processes is likewise diverse, being largely dependent on the type of
beer produced and the degree of automation desired.
beer brewing equipment
For example, a larger brewery is more likely to be composed of distinct
sections such that each is dedicated to a specific phase of the brewing
process.At the other extreme, a microbrewery is more likely to consist
of a single room, where the entire brewing process is performed.
Despite the great difference in size, however, much of the brewing
process has remained essentially unchanged, as it’s dictated by
relatively simple biochemical processes.A microbrewery, or craft
brewery, is typically owned independently and much smaller than the
corporate breweries that produce most of the beer appearing in bars and
retail shelves.
However, this distinction has become blurred in recent years as major brewers have created some very large “craft breweries.”
Brewery Equipment Material
Brewery equipment is made of various materials, the most common brewing kettles being made from copper and stainless steel.
Copper Brewery Equipment
Brewery equipment has traditionally been made of copper, especially the
kettles in which the wort is boiled. Copper ore is readily available and
easily smelted into pure form.
Furthermore, copper transfers heat quickly and evenly, which is highly
desirable for brewing. However, copper reacts with many chemicals, which
can give a metallic flavor to the beer. It can also be corroded by many
types of cleaning solutions.
Stainless Steel Brewery Equipment
Today’s commercial breweries predominantly use kettles made of stainless
steel, although they’re still known as “coppers” regardless of the
materials used to make them.Many modern kettles have copper cladding to
provide a more traditional appearance, but this cladding is purely
cosmetic as it doesn’t come into contact with the wort. Stainless steel
reacts with very few chemicals, although chlorine is one of them.
Brewery equipment made of stainless steel shouldn’t impart any flavors
to the beer, provided it isn’t cleaned with bleach. Stainless steel is
also much stronger than copper, which is a critical consideration since
kettles are pressurized when the wort is boiled.
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