Everything changes

So.

Sometimes things go strange.

The brew system I spoke of... It's kind of in limbo.

See- people are all different. What is completely normal to one person, is strange to another.

Push comes to shove, there is a local supplier who is NEW to building complete systems, who is getting a quote together for us. This is not to say the system has any problems or drawbacks, it is simply dealing with what some may consider an "unknown"

The local supplier can provide a very high level of support, which is certainly a plus.

So. People. Look at it like this- a brewery is a collection of stainless steel tubes with holes and plugs in it. Plus fermenters, which are double layered tubes with a cone shaped bottom and holes and plugs. Plenty of valves and clamps are involved, but that's beside the point.

In a brewery, you want a consistent product to result. In home brewing, the brewer uses thermometers and timers to make the product as consistent as they wish. Though this is fine, when it is for sale and taxable, there is a bit higher expectation. A brewery CONTROLLER helps this process by monitoring and adjusting the process. Human interaction is important, and electromechanical assistance is helpful to monitor and alert to potential problems.

A brewery controller is a device which monitors temperatures then makes something happen. In the mash tun, the brewery controller turns a heating device (electric or gas or steam) on or off.  In a Mash Tun, similarly the controller turns a pump or element or something on or off.  Boil kettle, pumps, etc.  In fermentation, the brewery controller will open or close valves which allow glycol to move in or out of the jacket surrounding the vessel, cooling the wort depending on the monitored temperature.

The brewery controller is not that difficult.  It can boil down to simple thermo controllers.

To ensure the consistency, it is very helpful to be able to program the controller to do some of these things autonomously, and repeatably.

SO- as with most things, the devil is in the details.  Making all these little things work together, is where the critical point occurs. How easy is it to see all the details of the brewery or each fermenter?  How do you program a "schedule" for these things?  This is where it gets sticky.

Never a dull moment.  It is important to remember- keep your eye on the prize. Particularly in the situation we find ourselves in, having a committed team will overcome the obstacles, no matter how large.  Helping each other, being able to understand the perspective of each team member, and knowing that everyone is striving for the same goal, is INVALUABLE.  Frustrations will occur, and having faith in your team will keep you grounded.