Sponsored Preventative Maintenance for Beverage Producers

Why should you do preventative maintenance?

In the intricate brewing world, preventive maintenance and regular inspections of brewery equipment is paramount to assure the quality of a craft beer.

• Daily maintenance routines are crucial for ensuring the optimal functioning of all machinery, focusing primarily on cleaning and inspecting for wear and tear.
• Weekly maintenance checks involve a more thorough inspection of brewing systems, ensuring no minor issues have arisen that could escalate into major problems.
• Quarterly maintenance takes a deeper dive, including calibrating and servicing critical components such as valves and sensors, that are essential for maintaining product quality and consistency.
• Yearly maintenance is the most comprehensive and includes tasks like deep cleaning, replacing parts with an annual lifespan, and performing specialized servicing requiring more time and expertise.

Adhering to a structured preventative maintenance schedule is pivotal for keeping brewery equipment in prime condition. It is crucial to avoid costly downtimes and potential voiding of equipment warranties. This diligent approach ensures a seamless brewing process, leading to a consistent product and a thriving brewery business. The following are common preventative maintenance practices. This article does not replace the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific equipment. MARKS is not liable for any equipment malfunctions that may arise due to neglect or inadequate equipment maintenance.

Daily Maintenance

• Run hot water through the entire brewhouse system to clean the vessels and pipes.
• Check, after each use, the heat exchanger for any scale buildup, corrosion, or leaks and clean as necessary.
• Inspect the lighting and electrical systems for any faults or damage, ensuring proper functionality and safety.
• Inspect and clean the sight glasses on vessels to ensure clear visibility during brewing processes.
• Inspect the control panel, ensuring HMI screen is functioning properly.
• Pump seals are easily damaged if the pump is run while dry. Always ensure that pumps have an adequate supply of liquid fed into the inlet.

Weekly Maintenance

• Check the pumps for any leaks, noises, or vibrations. Do not run the pumps dry at any time.
• Check the valves and tri-clamps for any wear or damage and replace them, if necessary.
• Periodically inspect and deep clean the MLT (Mash/Lauter Tun) screen or screens to prevent clogging and maintain efficient lautering.

Monthly Maintenance

• Inspect the chiller for any leaks, debris buildup, or water damage. Clean it thoroughly to ensure optimal performance.
• Check pumps for leaks or blockages. Clean them as needed to maintain efficient water circulation.
• Check power boxes for any signs of damage. Address any issues promptly to ensure electrical safety.
• Monitor the glycol tank level and glycol concentration to ensure proper cooling capacity.
• Regularly check and tighten Tri-Clamps on all valves and connections to prevent leaks.

Quarterly Maintenance

• Inspect the heating/cooling systems, including the heat exchanger, for scale buildup, corrosion, or leaks. Clean or repair them as needed to maintain optimal heat transfer.
• Check the motors on vessels for any signs of wear or damage. Arrange for repairs or replacements, if necessary.
• Inspect the control panel’s wiring, connections, and terminal blocks and have serviced by a professional electrician if necessary.

Annual Maintenance

For the Brewhouse

• Check the drain valves of the brewhouse for any blockages and clear them, as needed.
• Check the stack condensate system of the brewhouse for any leaks or damage and fix as needed.
• Check and clean the mixer (if supplied) to ensure proper operation and mixing efficiency.
• Inspect the drain valves of the brewhouse for any blockages and clear them as needed.
• Check the stack condensate system for any leaks or damage and repair, as necessary.
• Perform a chemical CIP (Clean-In-Place) flood of the Hot Liquor Tank to thoroughly clean and sanitize it.
• Inspect and replace gaskets and O-rings as needed for vessels and connections.
• Inspect and the brewhouse control panel, ensuring all components are functioning properly.

For the Electrical System

• Before performing any maintenance, ensure the power is turned off.
• Visually inspect the electrical panel for signs of deterioration, overheating, or loose connections.
• Thoroughly clean the enclosure, both the exterior and interior, and vacuum any dust or debris. **Ensure main power is disconnected from control panel.
• Check for loose connections and ensure grounding conductors are properly installed.
• Contact a professional electrician to address any repairs or further electrical work required.
• Test the emergency stop buttons and safety systems to ensure they are in proper working condition.

Brewhouse Soft Parts Replacement

• Replace all Tri-Clamp gaskets to ensure proper seals and prevent leaks (as necessary).
• Inspect and replace (if necessary) all butterfly valve seats for optimal functionality.
• Check and replace pump seals (if necessary) to maintain efficient pumping operations (as necessary)
• Inspect and replace O-ring seals on sight glasses to prevent leaks and ensure clear visibility.
• Inspect and, if necessary, replace the rake/mixer dust seal to prevent contamination and ensure proper mixing.
• Replace rubber sweepers on plows to maintain effective grain removal during lautering.
• Inspect and replace manway door gaskets, if needed, to maintain a secure seal.
• Inspect, clean, and rebuild all check valves to ensure proper flow control.
• Inspect and replace any damaged Tri-Clamps to maintain secure connections.
• Inspect CIP spray balls, checking for proper flow and operation of all parts.
• Inspect sample valves for damage and wear, replacing as needed.
• Conduct regular inspections of the heat exchanger for leaks and flow restrictions. If any issues are found, contact a qualified professional for tear-down and repair.

Cellar Equipment (Fermentation and Brite Tanks)

• Replace all Tri-Clamp gaskets (if necessary) to ensure proper seals and prevent leaks.
• Inspect and replace any damaged Tri-Clamps to maintain secure connections.
• Inspect carb stones for any damage or blockages.
• Inspect sample valves for damage and wear, replacing as needed.
• Inspect butterfly valve seats for wear or damage and replace, as necessary.

Visit https://marksdmw.com/parts-store/ for all of your preventative maintenance needs!

Please Note: These preventative maintenance tips are merely suggestions. MARKS is not liable for any equipment malfunctions that may arise due to neglect or inadequate equipment maintenance. These guidelines can help maintain your equipment but do not guarantee immunity from potential malfunctions. Regular professional servicing and adherence to the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations are strongly advised to ensure the equipment’s optimal performance and longevity. It is also crucial to ensure that any third-party parts and components used adhere to these recommendations, maintaining the equipment’s integrity and efficiency according to the manufacturer’s standards and MARKS guidelines.