Category: Equipment

By: Rebecca Marquez – Director of Custom Research at PMMI

The COVID-19 pandemic was a learning experience for everyone. For craft beer and spirits producers, one of the most valuable lessons came from the necessity to rely on remote services in place of personal interaction to keep equipment running efficiently, maintain production, and update lines.

  The experience proved remote services could deliver many benefits by enabling a quicker response when a problem arises, reducing costly downtime, optimizing machine/operation performance, and offsetting skills shortages.

  As a result, even after pandemic-related restrictions on in-person visits ended, craft brewers/distillers have continued to request remote services and invest in the technology, which encompasses remote support, remote training, remote equipment monitoring, predictive maintenance, virtual factory acceptance tests, and online machine commissioning.

  This commitment to remote services dovetails with other sectors in the consumer packaged goods industry, where a growing number of companies have adopted or plan to adopt remote services, according to Trends in Remote Services and Monitoring, a report published in January 2024 by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

Remote Services

  The most popular remote service is remote support, followed by remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, remote training, and virtual factory acceptance tests and online commissioning. Remote support involves remote troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair and often can solve a problem more quickly and economically than an in-person visit from an OEM technician. The report notes that most software-based issues are already being addressed via remote support, and many mechanical failures also can be corrected remotely.

  Remote monitoring extends remote support by equipping machines with sensors that monitor parameters such as temperature, pressure, and vibration, communicate this data via the Internet of Things, and rely on cloud computing for analytics.

  Predictive maintenance works in tandem with remote monitoring. Analyzing the data captured by the digital monitoring tools makes it possible to predict asset behavior and perform repairs proactively. This reduces downtime and product loss, the major drivers pushing the implementation of predictive maintenance, according to another PMMI report, 2022 Challenges and Opportunities for Packaging and Processing Operations. Other benefits of adopting a predictive maintenance scheme include longer machine life and reduced parts requirements because replacements are installed as needed rather than on an arbitrary schedule.

  Remote training can support onboarding and upskilling efforts, with instructor-led online sessions viewed as the most economical format. However, it should be noted that a significant number of craft brewers/distillers believe that a live instructor next to the machine delivers the most effective training. So, training is likely to remain a hybrid remote/in-person model. Nevertheless, despite some resistance from older workers, the hybrid model could shift toward the remote side with the evolution of augmented reality and the potential the interactive experience offers to bridge the gap between remote and in-person training.

  As COVID-19 restrictions have faded, demand for virtual factory acceptance tests and remote commissioning has declined. Many craft brewers/distillers prefer to evaluate new equipment in person, especially if it is a complex or custom machine.

Barriers to Adoption

  Despite the benefits, the adoption of remote services faces some hurdles, including:

•   The cost of the service, especially when

     retrofitting machines.

•   Limited in-house IT skills to maintain and update systems.

•   The likelihood of having to deal with multiple interfaces across plants and machines and

     Cybersecurity risks.

  Cybersecurity concerns remain high, but craft brewers/distillers have become less reticent about granting remote access as they have learned how to strengthen their IT networks and shifted to more secure access methods. The report predicts the use of externally managed secure networks and converged networks will grow at the expense of cell modem access and direct virtual private networks.

What’s Next?

The report concludes that remote services will continue to gain ground, particularly for support, troubleshooting, monitoring, and training. However, a hybrid remote/in-person model will remain because the advantages of an on-site presence sometimes still outweigh the time and cost savings associated with remote interactions.

  Remote services capabilities will be on display at PACK EXPO International (Nov. 3–6, 2024, McCormick Place, Chicago), along with other beverage processing and packaging innovations. Ranking as the biggest packaging and processing event on the planet in 2024, the show will present 2,500 exhibitors spread across 1.3 million net square feet of floor space and foster idea-sharing among 40+ vertical industries. Highlights include free educational sessions, a myriad of networking opportunities, and solutions to address automation, production efficiency, sustainability, flexibility, and e-commerce needs, as well as other hot topics and trends. For more information, visit packexpointernational.com.

  Rebecca Marquez was hired at PMMI in 2016 as a manager of business intelligence, responsible for the execution and analysis of PMMI’s internal market research projects.  Ms. Marquez graduated from University of Wisconsin in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.   She has completed the Data Analytics Certification for University Georgia (2020) and the TLP 360 Degree Feedback Program for Leadership Development (2021).

By: Cheryl Gray

Versatility. Safety. Efficiency. Temperature control. These are just some of the benefits that experts say boilers provide craft brewers and distillers.

  Among the most popular options are steam boilers. Steam is considered an efficient method for heating processes because it evenly – and quickly – transfers a large amount of heat. Steam volume and velocity play important roles in this process. Sizing a steam boiler to fit the capacity needs of a brewery is also important. Too small a boiler will not do the job. Too large a boiler will lead to short-cycling, which will cut the life of the boiler and cause other problems.

   In a brewery, the kind of heat that steam boilers use is essential for processes such as boiling wort, keeping fermentation on point, creating flavor profiles, cleaning production areas and sterilizing equipment.

  For distilleries, steam from boilers is as important as air to breathe. Boilers can produce an abundance of hot water at specific temperatures, a critically important function for replicating spirit recipes with a precision that guards against compromising product flavors.

  Among the companies with expertise in manufacturing steam boilers for breweries is

Hurst Boiler & Welding Company, Inc., which is headquartered in Coolidge, Georgia. The company was founded in 1967 and has since expanded its campus to nearly 17 acres, home to a 314,000-square-foot manufacturing plant that builds all types of boilers for clients worldwide.

  In going through a checklist for boilers, Hurst points out that many of its brewery clients also prefer steam models because they are non-flammable, unlike direct-fired heating options. Pressure relief valves are another feature that helps to ensure safe operation. Steam generated from boilers is also versatile since it can be used for multiple brewery operations beyond heating, such as powering mechanical equipment like pumps and motors. When it comes to cleaning, steam is known for its sanitizing properties. It kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can contaminate brewery products. Breweries can also use the steam to sterilize containers and packaging materials. Another good feature of boilers is that the steam created is environmentally friendly, giving users an option other than direct-fired heating, which is dependent upon fossil fuels. Finally, steam boilers are environmentally friendly. Steam can be generated using renewable sources, such as biomass or by way of energy recovery systems.    

  A rundown of popular Hurst products includes the Hurst Series 4VT Steam, a 4-pass, high-pressure vertical tubeless boiler. The company describes its Cyclone Steam Boiler with features that promise high efficiencies, lower fuel costs and rugged construction, including 6-100 HP, 201-3,450 MBTU/HR and steam to 250 PSI. The Hurst product has a compact design, comes factory assembled and is fully automatic and easy to install.

  The product can also reduce NOx, or nitrogen oxide, which are poisonous to humans. This group of chemical compounds can cause respiratory issues and other types of illnesses, which is why it is important to minimize their presence in breweries and distilleries.

  Hurst also has a line of firebox boilers, including its Hurst Series 45 and 100 Firebox Boilers. Its 3-Pass Firebox Packaged Boiler features a flexible three-pass boiler design that provides options for fuel flexibility, including gas, oil and combinations of gas and oil. It features 7.4-650 HP, 248-21,759 MBTU/HR, steam up to 15 PSI and hot water up to 100 PSI. The products are designed with the thickest, industry-wide boiler steel for 5 PSI steam/30 water. Features also include a unified refractory base floor, steel skids and lifting eyes.

  Miura America Co., Ltd. is another boiler company specializing in steam boilers. This global company, based in Japan, has its United States headquarters in Rockmart, Georgia, with regional offices throughout the U.S. Experts at Miura say that many of its distillery clients consider the steam boiler an irreplaceable part of their operations. Those experts add that not only do distilleries need a limitless supply of water, but proper temperature control of water used in distilleries lowers the risk to workers and avoids compromises to the quality of products. Steam allows distilleries to add their finishing touches and helps to ensure the flavor profiles of the distillery products.

  Steam boilers can also be used to control the temperature of an entire distillery operation. For example, many distilleries have a tasting area for visitors to try products, and some also offer tours. Both of these guest areas need air temperature control, and steam boilers can help with properly controlled steam heat. Miura considers the steam boiler the best industrial option for distilleries. The company says its boilers can start producing steam within five minutes of a cold start-up. That makes things cost-efficient for distilleries that don’t have a need to operate 24 hours, seven days a week. The company also boasts that its steam boilers are easy to maintain. Inspections take far less time as compared to other boilers. In addition, if a distillery has more than one steam boiler, it means that while one is undergoing inspection, the rest can continue operation. These are options that help distilleries stay on production schedule.  

  Miura offers a variety of boiler options, including industrial steam boilers for breweries and distilleries, such as its ultra-low NOx steam boilers. The company designs the steam boilers for the present and future needs of the brewery and distillery clients it serves. Touting a compact design and easy operation, Miura also has modular boiler systems that assist in lowering operation costs and help meet fluctuations in steam demand. The boilers don’t have to operate around the clock, which saves time, boosts productivity and drastically reduces NOx emissions. The company’s multiple boiler system designs include a backup boiler with a smaller footprint that doesn’t have to run all the time. Start-up breweries and distilleries can add capacity to their boiler rooms as their businesses grow, thus avoiding more costly upfront expenses. Safe operation is another major feature, with greater accessibility, easier system testing and the elimination of sight glass. Miura says its boilers maintain low-volume water in their tubes, thus limiting the dangerous risk of pressure vessel failures. 

  Olympic Distillers, headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington, makes distilling equipment of all types, including a full line of copper moonshine stills and beer keg distillers. The company provides a variety of stainless-steel equipment along with kits and parts. Olympic Distillers also has a full line of micro-distillery equipment for craft distillers.

  Among their boiler products is the Jacketed Bain Marie Style Boiler, a 26-gallon model designed to prevent scorching. The boiler is equipped with a 240V dual-element heater controller. The boiler’s features include a pressure relief valve, lighted overhead sight glass and a 10-inch access door. Its heating elements draw 4500w each. The still connection is a six-inch tri-clamp, and adapters are available to fit a four-inch flute on the boiler. There is another version of this product with a 53-gallon capacity and a 12-inch access door. The still connection is an eight-inch tri-clover.

  Still smaller is the Jacketed Bain Marie Style Boiler, which has a 13-gallon capacity. This boiler, intended mostly for at-home distillers, is copper-lined and made from food-grade 304 stainless steel. It is 100 percent TIG welded and available with a two-, three- or four-inch copper lid. The two-inch tri-clover element port accepts Olympic’s single-element 4500w/240V electric heater.

  Another product is the Single-Wall Boiler with a 53-gallon capacity. This boiler is made from 304 stainless steel. It comes with an agitator and 220V dual-element heater controller. The agitator is 240V 120w and 0.9 amps 1600 rpm. The still connection is four inches.

  From steam to other options, boilers play an integral role in breweries and distilleries of every size. Experts say that steam options are becoming increasingly popular for every reason, ranging from environmental integrity to cost-effectiveness. Consulting with an expert company is the first step to determining proper boiler equipment for current needs as well as for expansion in the future.

By Alyssa L. Ochs

Breweries and distilleries use barrels for aging, to achieve oxidation and charring and to add distinctive flavors to their products. But an important factor to remember is how you store the barrels because storage can affect flavors, textures and the length of the brewing or distilling process.

To learn more about this issue and how modern producers approach barrel storage, we connected with a few brewers and distillers to discuss common challenges, best practices and expert advice.

Where to Store Barrels

One common place to store barrels is a racked warehouse, also known as a rickhouse or rackhouse. With this method, craft beverage companies typically hold barrels horizontally on racks with room for air to circulate around the sides and ends. Racked warehouse buildings are made from brick, wood, tin or concrete and may be subject to seasonal fluctuations due to a lack of climate control.

Barrels on lower racks have more consistent yearly temperatures, and the racks are usually six to nine barrels high per floor in a multi-story structure. Getting the barrels in and out of the racks can be labor-intensive. So, some producers use single-story or rickhouses up to four stories tall instead for greater ease and more consistent aging.

Another option for beverage producers is palletized warehouses, where employees place barrels on large, wooden pallets, usually four to six barrels per pallet. Employees can store them vertically with pallets on top of each other to save space and labor. Then, they can move multiple barrels on pallets at a time with a forklift, usually six high per floor. Since restricted airflow may alter the aging process, companies may need to install large fans in the area. This method works best in cool and humid climates without extreme temperature changes. However, there is a greater chance of leaks with pallets stacked on top of each other in a palletized warehouse.

Meanwhile, dunnage warehouses are a well-established form of barrel storage tied to old Scottish traditions. A dunnage warehouse is a single-floor warehouse that offers a beautiful display and consistent maturation over many years. This method is commonly used for old and rare whiskies. The warehouse walls are typically made from stone or brick to prevent large temperature swings that could affect the flavors.

The Importance of Barrel Storage

It is helpful to understand the various methods of barrel storage so that your business can improve flavor profiles and add in flavors like oak, vanilla and fruit. Part of the barrel cleaning and maintenance process also involves checking and cleaning the inside and outside of barrels received, checking for leaks, making repairs and using heat or chemicals to treat them before the first fill. For example, staff members can light a sulfur burner inside a barrel to preserve it and ensure no mold growth, but not if the barrel previously aged spirits. You’ll need to close the bunghole quickly, avoid breathing in the toxic sulfur dioxide and then store the barrels in a cool and dry place, checking them occasionally because gas tends to escape within a few months.

Alternatively, producers can use a citric acid solution to protect barrels from microbial growth for six months or longer to keep the barrels moist. Another vital thing to remember is that storage racks and warehouses must be built with noncombustible materials, such as reinforced concrete, masonry or fireproof steel. Also, electrical systems should be at least five feet above the top of the highest storage level for safety purposes.

What Works for Distillers and Brewers

Matt Cunningham, founder and proprietor of Old Glory Distilling Co. in Clarksville, Tennessee, told Beverage Master that his company palletizes all of its barrels. Old Glory Distilling opened in 2016 and specializes in small-batch Tennessee whiskey and bourbon.

“We use four barrel pallets designed specifically for the storage of barrels to be able to stack them six high in columns,” Cunningham said. “We use a system in our warehouse of rows and columns for organization and safety. We have used some racks before where barrels are laid down, but the amount of space those racks took up and the difficulty handling them didn’t make sense when we built our 10,000-barrel barrel house and made plans for a second one.”

Cunningham said that they plan to take a similar approach to their second barrel house. He also said that the most important thing to keep in mind about barrel storage for spirits is ensuring airflow around the barrels and not enclosing them in a space that does not have any airflow.

“As those barrels are breathing, you don’t want them to become stagnant,” Cunningham said. “This is something we found out and paid heed to some people who used storage containers in the past because they were cheap and readily available. While you can store barrels in them, just make sure they are ventilated and not sealed up. If you are going to use those and your jurisdiction allows for it, you need to ensure good air flow.”

Bryan Smith, the master distiller and owner of Hard Truth Distilling Co. in Nashville, Indiana, told Beverage Master that his company also stores barrels in a palletized barrel warehouse. Hard Truth Distilling began distilling spirits in 2015. It produces over 20 premium spirits and quickly outgrew its original production facility. In 2017, Hard Truth moved into its current 50,000-square-foot building with a state-of-the-art Vendome Copper & Brass distilling system. Its wooded, 325-acre destination campus in Brown County, Indiana also serves as an artist colony and tourist destination surrounded by natural beauty.

“Storing the barrels vertically and on pallets makes our ability to pull barrels for sampling and for blends far more efficient and safe,” Smith said. “Safety is the first consideration, followed by environmental conditions favorable to shape the whiskey to the flavor profile. While monitoring temperature and humidity, for us, a one-story barrel warehouse gives us more consistency over time.”

Many breweries around the U.S. also use barrels and must plan ahead for their storage needs. One example is Alpha Michigan Brewing Company, located in the smallest village in America with a brewery: Alpha, Michigan, which had a population of 126 at the time of the 2020 census. Alpha Brewery prioritizes community involvement and brews to support local organizations, hosting fundraisers and sourcing ingredients from local farmers.

Mike Bjork from Alpha Michigan Brewing Company told us, “We store full barrels in our walk-in cooler and empty, clean barrels in the office with limited space.” He said the most important thing to remember about barrel storage is to “keep the clean and dirty barrels separated.”

The Biggest Issue with Barrel Storage

The biggest challenge that Old Glory Distillery has faced with barrel storage relates to space concerns and a lack of storage space.

“When you start off, you have a designated space where you’re going to store your barrels, but next thing you know, it’s full,” Cunningham from Old Glory Distilling said. “Make sure storage is in excess of what you need because it’s going to fill up.”

Space has also been an issue for Hard Truth Distilling in recent years.

“Our biggest challenge has been our rate of expansion and being able to keep up with our storage needs,” Smith from Hard Truth said.

On the brewery side, Bjork from Alpha Michigan Brewery shared with Beverage Master that space has been his brewery’s biggest challenge, as well.

Advice About Barrel Storage

Brewers and distillers may be interested to learn about companies offering barrel storage solutions, such as B.R. Distilling Company, which provides bonded warehouse storage on four-barrel pallets and charges a monthly storage rate, plus handling fees. Some barrel storage specialty companies offer additional services, including lab analysis, logistics, sampling and TIB registrations.

Some interesting trends in barrel storage are happening now, such as distilleries moving away from traditional rickhouses and using palletized storage instead. This approach generally makes it easier for employees to move barrels and check on the aging process. Also, the industry has increased awareness about how metal roofs and thin walls can make flavors change when seasons change. Craft beverage companies may consider storage-saving designs in which a rack can be compressed into a stack when empty. Meanwhile, barrel storage walls at distilleries can serve decorative purposes by providing attractive photo backdrops and conversation pieces for guests.

One major piece of advice for brewers and distillers is always to keep the barrel storage warehouse clean and dry. Our experts provide additional tips and advice to guide new businesses and those amid operational transitions.

Cunningham from Old Glory Distilling shared with Beverage Master that his advice is to “allow for more space than what you initially need because you’ll eventually need it later.” He also advised,” You don’t need a bung in the staves if you are going to palletize them, as it creates a possibility for those barrels to leak.”

From Hard Truth Distilling, Smith advised, “Do plenty of research on safety and regulatory requirements in your area, first and foremost. Take into consideration your planned operational space and ability to be able to access barrels, as well as the time you plan to age and the flavor profile that you were targeting. And finally, make sure to build more capacity than you think you might need.”

Bjork from Alpha Michigan Brewing Company’s advice to breweries is similar and follows a common theme throughout the industry. He simply advises new and growing breweries, “Ensure you have sufficient space for all barrel storage.”

Experts Supply Craft Brewers and Distillers with Pumps That Set Products in Motion

By: Cheryl Gray

Choosing pumps for breweries and distilleries requires consideration of several factors, perhaps none more important than technology. That technology is what propels the liquids that create a successful product for the beer and spirits industries.

When it comes to the ever-changing line-up of products, advanced pump technology is taking the lead in which products find their way into brewery and distillery production lines.

Ampco Pumps Company is one of the manufacturers providing state-of-the-art technology in its pump products. An ISO 9001:2015 Registered Company, Ampco is a spin-off from the original firm, founded in 1914 and headquartered in suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where it manufactures products. Ampco has regional offices throughout the United States and also an international sales, assembly and light fabrication plant in Germany. Additionally, as part of The Krones Group, Ampco Pumps Company has leveraged its position as a member of a global team serving the food and beverage industries.

Ampco Pumps Company has been providing quality centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps worldwide for more than 70 years. It is committed to manufacturing quality products, providing excellent customer service and competitive pricing to its customers. It has become the preferred pump provider for some of the most recognized companies across the globe.

For breweries, Ampco says it focuses on maximizing efficiency and portability by engineering pumps that have been incorporated into Ampco carts. The company explains how its carts are tailored to each customer’s specifications and can accommodate any Ampco centrifugal pump, positive displacement pump or blender. It also boasts a wide variety of products to meet the challenges of small and mid-sized craft breweries.

Bob Garner is the engineering manager for Ampco. With more than 30 years of engineering experience with C Series and centrifugal pumps, Garner is very familiar with the challenges that craft breweries face.

“Ampco was hearing from craft brewers about a common leaky pump issue when pumping hot wort,” he said. “They were all using a standard C Series, and it did not matter the brand of pump. So, I looked into the issue closely to find a solution. The result was the development of the CB+ Craft Brew pump, which solved the problem.”

Garner describes why Ampco’s CB+ is so popular among its craft brewery clients.

“It was designed to solve a problem that no one else in the industry was working on,” he said. “The CB+ solution reduces lost product, is easy to maintain and has proven to have longer seal life than a standard C Series, which saves money in the long run. There are also conversion kits available to convert standard C Series to the CB+. The response from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Ampco touts its high priority on pre- and post-sale customer service for its clients. Garner adds that the company’s reputation in this area plays an important role in its growth.

“Providing superior customer service is part of our mission,” he said. “Quick response times from knowledgeable representatives and trained engineers in real time is part of the advantage of working with Ampco. It has been an important part of what put us on the map and how we continue to grow.”

Many of Ampco’s products can be customized to ensure accuracy when it comes to mixing and blending applications. One of those products is the ZPI Positive Displacement Pump. While the product is manufactured to meet the needs of wineries, the company touts it as tough enough for the demands of breweries, including spent yeast with hop material. The ZPI can also handle product handling for harvesting yeast, propagation skids, feeding a centrifuge and cone-to-cone transfer.

FLUX Pumps is another industry leader. FLUX Pumps made its mark when the first electric pump was introduced to the marketplace in 1950, and the name bore the moniker FLUX. Soon after, the company launched the first explosion-proof drum pump for use in hazardous areas. In the decades since, FLUX Pumps has paved the way as one of the frontrunners in drum and container pumping technology.

The company has its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Germany. It has global ties that include six subsidiaries and a comprehensive roster of distribution centers that give FLUX the ability to service clients in more than 100 countries. FLUX Pumps also operates corporate offices in the United States, Belgium, India, Thailand, the United Kingdom and France.

Glenn Mulligan is the president of FLUX Pumps North America. He explains how pump performance helps keep production lines running efficiently. He says his product advice is the same for all craft breweries. Product longevity and performance play important roles because the duo increases productivity by shifting tasks that used to be done by hand to automation.

Recent product releases by FLUX Pumps include the VISCOPOWER product line. These pumps phased out the company’s F550 and F560 pump models.

The newer design was created for easier assembly and dismantling, a change that reduces cleaning and maintenance while simplifying the pump design. VISCOPOWER pumps are designed with a modular configuration that allows for streamlined spare parts, while at the same time, offering a customizable pump design.

FLUX Pumps also offers flow meters and control panels, which can turn a standard drum or tote pump into a one-touch batching/metering system. This technology eliminates the guesswork of dispensing the right amount of product. As Mulligan explains, adding just a few components to a pump can help FLUX Pumps customers come away with an accurate, repeatable dosing product that saves clients time and money by reducing costly mistakes. 

Distillers have some of the same challenges as brewers when it comes to choosing the right pumps to get the job done. Todd Thrasher is the founder and owner of Potomac Distilling Company, located in Washington, D.C.’s waterfront District Wharf. In business since 2018, the industrial distillery is the headquarters for Thrasher’s signature Thrasher’s Rum, which is sold in island-inspired flavor profiles, such as white, spiced, coconut, green spiced and gold.

Thrasher knows a thing or two about what pumps and accessories he needs to create his products, while at the same time ensuring a work environment that is both safe and productive.   For transferring high-proof spirits, Thrasher’s Potomac Distilling Company prefers the SimpleSpirits 49 Air Diaphragm Ethanol Transfer Pump.

“I purchased this pump first because I knew it would handle high ethanol spirits,” he said. “It has been a great piece of equipment in the distillery. I made this specific selection upon research and other industry recommendations.”

The pump is manufactured by Versamatic, headquartered in Mansfield, Ohio. One of Versamatic’s key suppliers is TCW Equipment, which is in California’s Sonoma Valley. In business since 1966, TCW Equipment is a supplier to multiple areas of the beverage industry, including breweries and distilleries.

The SimpleSpirits 49 pumps are ATEX-rated, which means that, when used as instructed, they comply with all safety regulations that govern atmosphere explosive devices. The pumps are equipped with EPDM diaphragms, which are durable and compatible with ethyl alcohol. In addition, the pumps run entirely on compressed air, therefore reducing the threat of static discharge from electrical equipment that could cause fires when encountering flammable vapors. Finally, the pumps can be connected to a ground source in the distillery, ensuring that any naturally occurring static build-up is discharged into the ground.

For low-proof spirits, Thrasher looks to McFinn Technologies out of Kenosha, Wisconsin for its 22060, a self-priming, multiple-speed and reversible-flow direction pump with a standard wireless remote control. 

“This pump was purchased shortly after Potomac Distilling Company opened as I realized that another pump was needed – this is made to move wash that isn’t overproof,” he said. “And it gets used before spirit runs to move the fermentations over to the still.”

The pump’s three-horsepower version features a 1750 TEFC motor and NEMA 4 VFD with a standard stainless-steel cart. This model also features voltage options. Additional pump models by McFinn Technologies include the 20035, 20035CC and the 30080.

There are multiple choices for distilleries and breweries when it comes to choosing pump products and accessories. The decision-making comes down to price, productivity and safety protection in the workspace. Expert companies with years of engineering and scientific knowledge can help. Combining that knowledge with years of experience working with clients in the production of spirits and beer can go a long way toward helping breweries and distilleries make the right moves to move their products to the market.