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.
