3 Minutes Read
Beer is arguably one of the most popular adult beverages on the market. No matter where you go, you will likely find a brewery, big or small. Regardless of the size, breweries all require the same specialized brewery equipment to function: fermenters, kettles, cooling chambers, bottling machines, and more. Another thing these breweries have a common need for is safe and effective floor drainage.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BREWERY DRAINAGE
Breweries must abide by many safety and sanitation guidelines under the FDA and USDA. One requirement is having an approved drainage system to manage wastewater. Drainage systems help maintain a safe and sanitary facility by keeping wastewater off the floor's surface, allowing it to dry, and preventing the growth and spread of bacteria. They also help to protect the environment, including the local waterways.
In the past, this wastewater–which has a low pH level, is full of sugar and alcohol, and can even have solids–could be dumped directly into the waterways. Now, there is a better understanding of how harmful this practice was to the environment, making treatment plants work harder to clean the water. A drainage system diverts wastewater into the appropriate sewage outlet without causing any harm to the environment.
DRAINAGE PIPES VS. TRENCH DRAIN
Choosing the right option for your brewery drainage is vital. It needs to meet FDA and USDA requirements and provide an effective drainage solution.
DRAINAGE PIPES
One option is a brewery drainage pipe, like the Slot Drain from FoodSafe Drains. This is a subsurface system, similar to a Trench Drain.
Advantages
- The system features an NSF-certified design, using T304 and T316 stainless steel, to create a sanitary system that meets FDA and USDA guidelines.
- Due to the thin, linear design, they do not require a grate cover.
- The 10,000 Series is highly durable and has a Load Class F rating.
- The seamless, grate-free channel is easy to clean, especially with options for CIP (Clean in Place).
- Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and can handle extreme temperatures.
- It is easy to install or retrofit.
- Slot Drain is compatible with a catch basin, making it easy to pick up small solids that enter the system.
Disadvantages
While there are many advantages to choosing a brewery drainage pipe like the Slot Drain, there are also some disadvantages.
The thin channel makes for a sleek design, however, it is not necessarily effective for quickly moving large amounts of wastewater. It also isn't suitable for moving solids, which can often happen in a brewery.
It is also critical to note that, while the Slot Drain is easy to install, the system will be ineffective if you do not install it correctly and with the proper slope.
TRENCH DRAINS
The traditional Trench Drain system is an alternative to the Slot Drain brewery drain pipe.
Trench drains have been around for a long time and are an excellent option for brewery drainage. FoodSafe Drains also offers a high-quality trench drain system for food and beverage facilities.
Advantages
- The Trench Drain system has a wider channel opening in order to allow more wastewater to pass through. It also makes it easier for solids from the production process to pass through.
- The grate cover prevents accidents and injuries and ensures that nothing too big gets into the channel.
- It features the same highly durable stainless steel design as the Slot Drain and has up to a Load Class E rating.
- The grate cover features tamper-proof locks for added security.
- It can work in various areas, including around fermenters, walk-in coolers, bottling or packaging areas, and storage rooms.
- The Trench Drain is compatible with the FoodSafe Drains CIP system.
- It is also compatible with the catch basin.
Disadvantages
There are also some disadvantages to the trench drain system. For one, it is not as discreet as the Slot Drain, nor is it very aesthetically pleasing. You also have to ensure that the floors are properly sloped. Otherwise, the system will be ineffective.
WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR BREWERIES?
The Slot Drain and Trench Drain are both great drainage options and work well in breweries. When deciding which one to go with, Trench Drain is a better option.
The Trench Drain offers higher flow rates, which is essential for a brewery. Otherwise, a Slot Drain could become overwhelmed and unable to move the wastewater quickly. Similarly, the Trench Drain is better equipped to handle the solids you sometimes find in breweries. It may not be the most attractive option, but for a brewery, effectiveness is the primary concern–and a Trench Drain is highly effective.
EQUIP YOUR BREWERY WITH THE BEST DRAINAGE SOLUTION FROM FOODSAFE DRAINS
Breweries need many things to function correctly, including a highly reliable floor drain system. When comparing a brewery drainage pipe and a Trench Drain, there are advantages to both, but at the end of the day, a Trench Drain is a superior option.
With a Trench Drain from FoodSafe Drains, you can rest assured your brewery will have reliable, effective drainage that will never fail and is easier to maintain than other systems on the market. It will help to ensure you are running a safe, sanitary facility.
Contact FoodSafe Drains today to learn more about the Trench Drain system and how it is the perfect option for breweries.
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