Brewery Equipment Checklist
Creating a brewery equipment checklist is a great way to ensure all your equipment is maintained and operating properly.
1.
Brewhouse Equipment
Mash Tun:
- Check for proper insulation and heating elements.
- Ensure the mash tun is equipped with a false bottom or filter for grain separation.
- Verify that the agitator/mixer is functioning properly.
Lauter Tun (if separate from Mash Tun):
- Ensure proper drainage and sparging systems.
- Check the rakes and grain-out mechanisms.
Brew Kettle:
- Verify the heating source (steam, gas, or electric) is operational.
- Ensure the kettle has a whirlpool system for trub separation.
- Check for proper venting and exhaust systems.
Hot Liquor Tank (HLT):
- Verify temperature control systems.
- Check for proper insulation.
Boil Kettle:
- Ensure proper steam ventilation.
- Verify boil-off rate consistency.
- Check whirlpool port functionality.
2.
Fermentation Equipment
Fermentation Vessels (Conical or Cylindroconical):
- Verify temperature control and glycol jacket systems.
- Check pressure relief valves and CO2 venting systems.
- Ensure proper sealing and cleanliness of valves and ports.
Fermentation Tanks:
- Verify cooling systems (glycol jackets or internal cooling).
- Check for proper pressure relief valves.
Yeast Brink:
- Ensure the brink is sanitized and operational.
- Verify fittings and valves for transferring yeast.
3.
Cellar Equipment
Bright Beer Tanks (BBT):
- Check temperature control systems.
- Ensure carbonation stones are clean and functional.
CIP (Clean-in-Place) System:
- Verify the availability of necessary chemicals (caustic, acid, sanitizer).
- Ensure that all tanks and lines can be effectively cleaned.
- Check for proper pump operation and flow rates.
Cooling System:
- Inspect glycol chiller for leaks and proper operation.
- Verify glycol lines are insulated and free of blockages.
4.
Packaging Equipment
Kegging Equipment:
- Ensure the keg washer/sanitizer is operational.
- Verify keg filling lines are clean and functioning.
- Check CO2 purging system for effectiveness.
Bottling Line:
- Inspect the bottle rinser, filler, and capper.
- Verify labels are correctly applied and aligned.
- Check for proper operation of pasteurization systems (if applicable).
Canning Line:
- Ensure proper seamers and gas purging systems.
- Verify canning line cleanliness and maintenance.
- Check for accurate fill levels and lid application.
Labeling Machine:
- Ensure labels are correctly aligned and adhered.
- Verify the functionality of the applicator.
5.
Utilities and Support Systems
Water Treatment System:
- Ensure water filtration and softening systems are operational.
- Verify reverse osmosis (RO) systems, if used.
- Check water quality parameters (pH, hardness).
Compressed Air System:
- Inspect the air compressor and dryer for proper operation.
- Verify the absence of oil and moisture in air lines.
Steam Boiler:
- Ensure the boiler is properly maintained and inspected.
- Verify that all safety valves and pressure controls are operational.
Electrical System:
- Check wiring, control panels, and circuit breakers for proper operation.
- Ensure backup generators or power sources are available if needed.
6.
Storage and Handling Equipment
Grain Mill:
- Ensure rollers are properly adjusted for consistent crush.
- Check for dust control systems to prevent explosions.
Grain Storage Bins:
- Verify bins are sealed to prevent moisture ingress.
- Check the functionality of augers and conveyors.
Hop Storage:
- Ensure hops are stored in a cool, dry environment.
- Check for proper packaging to maintain freshness.
Malt Handling System:
- Ensure conveyors, hoppers, and mills are operational.
- Verify dust collection systems are working effectively.
Refrigeration Units:
- Inspect coolers and freezers for proper temperature control.
- Verify that refrigeration units are clean and well-maintained.
CO2 and Nitrogen Tanks:
- Ensure tanks are filled and regulators are functioning.
- Verify gas lines for leaks and proper connection.
7.
Quality Control Equipment
Laboratory Equipment:
- Verify the operation of pH meters, spectrophotometers, and other lab instruments.
- Ensure calibration of all measurement devices.
Hydrometers and Refractometers:
- Check for cleanliness and calibration accuracy.
Microscope:
- Ensure proper functioning for yeast counting and contamination checks.
Sample Ports:
- Verify all sample ports are clean and operational.
8.
Safety Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Ensure availability of gloves, goggles, and protective clothing.
- Verify that PPE is accessible and in good condition.
Fire Extinguishers:
- Ensure fire extinguishers are accessible and inspected.
- Verify proper placement near high-risk areas (e.g., near boilers, electrical panels).
First Aid Kits:
- Check that first aid kits are stocked and accessible.
Safety Showers and Eyewash Stations:
- Verify the operational status and accessibility.
Spill Containment Kits:
- Ensure kits are available for handling chemical spills.
9.
Sanitation and Hygiene
Cleaning Supplies:
- Verify the availability of sanitizers, detergents, and cleaning tools.
- Ensure proper storage and labeling of cleaning chemicals.
Drainage Systems:
- Check that brewery floors are sloped correctly for drainage.
- Ensure drains are free of blockages.
Hand Washing Stations:
- Verify stations are stocked with soap and towels.
- Ensure accessibility and proper functioning.
10.
Maintenance and Documentation
Maintenance Logs:
- Ensure all equipment maintenance is documented.
- Verify that a schedule for regular maintenance is in place.
Operational Manuals:
- Confirm that manuals for all equipment are available and accessible.
Inspection Records:
- Ensure all required inspections (boiler, electrical, safety) are up to date.
Calibration Records:
- Verify that all equipment calibration records are current.
Brewery Equipment Checklist using eAuditor Audits & Inspection
1.
Pre-Inspection Setup
Create Inspection Profile:
- Set up profiles for each piece of equipment in the eAuditor Audits & Inspection.
- Assign specific team members to each inspection task.
Schedule Regular Inspections:
- Set up reminders or recurring tasks for regular equipment checks using Brewery Equipment Checklist.
- Assign priority levels (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly inspections).
Documentation Upload:
- Upload past inspection reports for easy reference.
2.
Brewhouse Equipment
Mash Tun:
- Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
- Check insulation and heating element functionality.
- Inspect the false bottom or filter for cleanliness and damage.
- Verify agitator/mixer operation.
- Add photos of any issues found.
- Record temperature readings and note any discrepancies.
- Mark tasks as complete when inspections are done.
- Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
Brew Kettle:
Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
- Inspect heating sources (steam, gas, electric) for proper operation.
- Check the whirlpool system for blockages or damage.
- Ensure exhaust systems are clear and functioning.
eAuditor Audits & Inspections Tasks:
- Log the condition of the kettle and any necessary repairs.
- Attach a video walkthrough if issues are complex.
Hot Liquor Tank (HLT):
Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
- Verify temperature controls and sensor accuracy.
- Check insulation and overall condition.
- Record temperature readings.
- Set a reminder for the next inspection.
3.
Fermentation Equipment
Fermentation Vessels:
Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
- Inspect glycol jackets for leaks or blockages.
- Check pressure relief valves for proper function.
- Ensure valves and ports are sealed and clean.
- Input pressure readings.
- Capture images of any potential leaks.
Yeast Brink:
Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
- Verify that the brink is clean and sanitized.
- Inspect fittings and valves for any signs of wear.
- Log sanitation steps taken.
- Note any parts that need replacement.
4.
Cellar Equipment
Bright Beer Tanks (BBT):
Brewery Equipment Checklist Items:
- Check temperature controls.
- Inspect carbonation stones for cleanliness.
- Log tank pressure and temperature.
- Schedule follow-up for any issues detected.
CIP (Clean-in-Place) System:
Checklist Items:
- Verify availability of cleaning chemicals.
- Inspect pumps and flow rates.
- Record the completion of the cleaning cycle.
- Attach photos of the cleaned equipment.
5.
Packaging Equipment
Kegging Equipment:
Checklist Items:
- Check the operation of keg washers and fillers.
- Inspect CO2 purging system.
- Log keg counts and any anomalies in operation.
- Attach videos for team review if needed.
Canning/Bottling Line:
Checklist Items:
- Inspect all moving parts for wear.
- Verify the proper application of labels.
- Record production numbers.
- Upload images of any misapplied labels.
6.
Utilities and Support Systems
Water Treatment System:
Checklist Items:
- Test water quality (pH, hardness).
- Inspect filtration and RO systems.
- Log water test results.
- Schedule maintenance based on findings.
Compressed Air System:
Checklist Items:
- Check for moisture or oil in air lines.
- Inspect air compressor and dryer.
- Record system pressure.
- Attach any relevant sensor data.
7.
Storage and Handling Equipment
Grain Mill:
Checklist Items:
- Inspect rollers for wear and adjust as needed.
- Verify dust control systems.
- Record roller settings.
- Note any adjustments made.
Hop Storage:
Checklist Items:
- Check storage temperature and humidity.
- Inspect packaging for freshness.
- Log inventory and condition of hops.
- Upload photos of storage conditions.
8.
Quality Control Equipment
Laboratory Equipment:
Checklist Items:
- Calibrate pH meters, spectrophotometers, etc.
- Inspect and clean sample ports.
- Log calibration results.
- Attach reports from quality checks.
Hydrometers and Refractometers:
Checklist Items:
- Verify accuracy and cleanliness.
- Record readings and calibration status.
9.
Safety Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Checklist Items:
- Check availability and condition of PPE.
- Log inventory and condition.
- Set reminders for PPE replacement.
Fire Extinguishers:
Checklist Items:
- Ensure extinguishers are accessible and up to date.
- Record inspection dates.
- Attach photos of extinguisher tags.
10.
Sanitation and Hygiene
Cleaning Supplies:
Checklist Items:
- Verify stock levels of sanitizers and detergents.
- Inspect storage conditions.
- Log inventory levels.
- Set reminders for restocking.
Drainage Systems:
Checklist Items:
- Check for blockages and proper slope.
- Record the inspection and note any required cleaning.
11.
Maintenance and Documentation
Maintenance Logs:
Checklist Items:
- Ensure all equipment maintenance is documented.
- Verify adherence to maintenance schedules.
- Update logs with maintenance tasks completed.
- Attach reports or receipts from service visits.
Calibration Records:
Checklist Items:
- Ensure all equipment calibration records are current.
- Log calibration results and attach supporting documents.
12.
Reporting and Review
Generate Reports:
- Use the eAuditor Audits & Inspection to compile inspection data into reports.
- Share reports with team members or management directly from the app.
Review and Action Items:
- Set up follow-up tasks based on inspection results.
- Assign responsibility and due dates for any corrective actions.