16.5 Gallon Wort Grant Brewing Equipment

Overview of 16.5 Gallon Wort Grant

A 16.5 gallon wort grant is a key piece of brewing equipment used in commercial and homebrew beer production. It is a stainless steel tank that acts as a buffer between the mash tun and brew kettle, allowing more efficient transfers and better control over wort clarity and quality.

Wort Grant Types

There are a few common designs of 16.5 gallon wort grants:

Type	Description
Bottom drain grant with racking arm	Most common design with outlet at bottom and racking arm to transfer wort to kettle
Grant with false bottom	Includes perforated false bottom to act as filter for clearer wort transfers
Grant with filtration screen	Filter screen ensures only liquid passes through to kettle, leaving behind grains and debris

Brewing Process Role

A 16.5 gallon wort grant plays an key role in the brewing process:

• Acts as a buffer tank during mash to kettle transfers
• Allows controlling wort flow rate and clarity before boiling
• Provides temporary storage so brew kettle isn’t overwhelmed
• Lets brewer take gravity readings and make adjustments
• Keeps grains suspended during vorlauf recirculation

Design and Customization

Key design factors when selecting or customizing a 16.5 gallon wort grant:

Feature	Options
Material	Stainless steel (most common), copper, alloy metals
Volume	15-20 gallons typical for homebrew scale
Dimensions	Size based on batch volumes, space constraints
Outlets	Ball valve, butterfly valve, racking arm
Accessories	Thermometer, sight glass, volume markings
Customization	Logo etching, specific ports for attachments

Suppliers and Costs

Supply Company	Price Range
Spike Brewing	$900 – $1,500
Ss Brewtech	$1,100 – $1,800
Blichmann	$1,200 – $2,000
ABS Commercial	$1,500 – $2,500

Operation, Cleaning and Maintenance

Proper operation, cleaning and maintenance ensures longevity:

Task	Procedure	Frequency
Operation	Recirculate wort for clarity; monitor fill level and temps	Each brew day
Cleaning	PBW soak, pressure wash, rinse, air dry	After each use
Maintenance	Inspect fittings, gaskets; replace worn parts	Monthly
Passivation	Citric or nitric acid soak	As needed

Choosing a Wort Grant Supplier

Consider the following when selecting a 16.5 gallon wort grant supplier:

• Build quality and materials
• Cost, delivery fees and lead times
• Customization and modification options
• Warranties and customer service reputation
• Company specialization in brewing equipment
• Qualifications like BREWCERT certification

Pros, Cons and Limitations

Pros	Cons
Improves wort clarity into kettle	Additional cost and space
Provides flexibility in brewing process	More cleaning and maintenance
Enables better temperature control	Potential for stuck mashes
Increases efficiency	Limited customization with some models

FAQs

Q: What size wort grant is ideal for a 7bbl brewhouse?

A: For a 7 barrel system, a 20 gallon wort grant is recommended. This provides sufficient capacity without being oversized.

Q: Can I convert a keg into a wort grant?

A: While possible, it is not advisable as the stainless steel alloys and fittings on a converted keg may not be properly designed for repeated exposure to aggressive brewery cleaners and high temperature cycling.

Q: Should I choose a grant with a false bottom or filtration screen?

A: It depends on your budget and clarity targets – false bottoms provide good clarity for most homebrew setups, while filter screens take it to the next level.

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