Ask The Brewmasters

I was hoping to elicit some reading recommendations realted to brewery process control and integration.

I just finished reading through chapter 11, section 3 of Kunze's Technology: Malting and Brewing (second English edition from 1999), titled "The Instrumentation and Automation system of a brewery process plant", which gives a fairly in-depth treatment of the subject. At just over 9 pages, though, I'm wondering if there's anything more thorough (and possibly more up to date) out there.

Specifically this section deals with (and I'm interested in learning more about):

• PLC control (either centralized or unit-level/distributed)
• Sensors for inline measurement
• Input/output signal transmission to/from the controller (binary, analog, analog-to-digital conversion, voltage vs. amperage, electropneumatic conversion, etc.)
• Control valves and other controllable equipment
• Feedback from control equipment (positioners, proximity sensors, etc.)
• Software considerations

I recently picked up a copy of Thomas's Introduction to Process Technology (3rd edition), sections of which do address a fair amount of this, but it seems much more geared towards industrial chemical processes. I also recall reading some good info from The Practical Brewer (my copy of which is, of course, currently in storage) and from my old revision notes from the IBD Diploma in Brewing.

As always, thanks in advance to anyone who may be able to offer advice.

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Zandy Zeiser
Brewer-at-large
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Hello Zandy,

There's a lot to consider when it comes to controls/automation.  There are two big questions you need to answer, how much capital do you want to invest and how much automation are you trying to achieve.  The rest comes down to application and personal preference.

Regarding your bullet points, I could talk for hours on each one.  Listed below would be my personal preferences without knowing any context of what you're trying to accomplish.

• PLC control (either centralized or unit-level/distributed) Decentralized/distributed as often as possible
• Sensors for inline measurement Without a doubt (as long as you have the capital)
• Input/output signal transmission to/from the controller (binary, analog, analog-to-digital conversion, voltage vs. amperage, electropneumatic conversion, etc.)  It all comes down to application.  Each one has its place.
• Control valves and other controllable equipment Actuated valves, control valves, instrumentation, and pumps are the foundation for automation, consistency and repeatability.
• Feedback from control equipment (positioners, proximity sensors, etc.) Anywhere from "nice to have" to "absolutely critical" depending on the application
• Software considerations Widely used and good local support

If you have an application in mind or want some lower-level information on something, feel free to reach out to me directly.

Cheers,

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Patrick Zambon
Controls Engineer
Founders Brewing Co
Grand Rapids MI
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