lowerylisa1 Posted December 10, 2021 Share Posted December 10, 2021 Does anyone have an all inclusive list of lab equipment needed for a medium sized distillery? If money were no object, what would I purchase? I’m not sure I even know the right questions to ask, but I’m about to be tasked with equipping one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattGarcia Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 For the analytics of Alcohol - 1) TTB Certified Hydrometer 2) Lab Distillation Apparatus 3) Portable Density Meter 4) TTB Approved Digital Density Meter https://www.ttb.gov/images/pdfs/2014-7-21-device-approval-guidlines.pdf 5) Add an Anton Paar Spirits Alcolyzer to the Digital Density Meter 6) Gas Chromatography Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustAndy Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 I would suggest hiring a consultant to help you. "Medium sized" could mean almost anything and the lab needs of different distilleries are wildly different depending on the products that are made, how much R&D will be done, QA procedures, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JailBreak Posted December 13, 2021 Share Posted December 13, 2021 JustAndy brought up a good point, it all depends on the needs of the distillery but here is a list EVERY distillery should have. 1. A set of TTB certified alcohol hydrometers that cover all your bases 2. Set of glass graduated cylinders (50ml, 100 ml, 250 ml, 500 ml, 1000 ml) 3. A handful of HDPE beakers 4. A TTB certified digital thermometer 5. A nice pH meter 6. A brewer's hydrometer for measuring OG/FG 7. A benchtop scale that measures to at least 0.1 grams As you get bigger or have specific products you can add to this list. I'd start here: 1. Portable Density meter (this will save you so much time) 2. Lab distillation apparatus (this is for any products that may have proof obscuration such as liqueurs) 3. Water testing equipment 4. Microbial testing equipment (media, plates, incubation chambers, microscope, etc) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlickFloss Posted December 16, 2021 Share Posted December 16, 2021 Define medium sized. For instance I operate a medium sized distillery and we have 3 large columns (28 inch, 18 inch, 10 inch) and 2 pot stills (240 gallons and 2200 liters). My needs are much different than someone with only 1 240 gallon still, even a 500 gallon still actually.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kindred Spirits Posted December 17, 2021 Share Posted December 17, 2021 JustAndy and Sickfloss have made great points that, depending on the specific needs of the distillery, more or less might be needed. That's why consultants exist. They can typically save thousands of dollars by making sure you get what you need without spending precious funds on something you might never use. My experience is that many people who think they have a "Medium Size" distillery, typically have what would be considered a small one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silk City Distillers Posted December 17, 2021 Share Posted December 17, 2021 Closed off lab area with a sink, ample counter/work space and cabinets to hold everything above, comfortable/ergonomic work chair or taller drafting stools, ample storage for samples and sample bottles. Safety glasses wouldn't hurt. Fume hood. Laptop. Lots of outlets (like every foot or two along the countertops), good lighting. Air conditioning. Fire extinguishers. Cute set of cleaning brushes for all the glassware, drying rack too. Decent radio (Sonos with Pandora or something good like that). What? Am I dreaming again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triangle Distiller Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 What's the budget? For necessities, - hand-held density meter - all ranges of alcohol hydrometers - pH meter (needs calibrating on a regular basis) - multiple sized beakers and graduated cylinders for blending/testing/trial proofing - scales for measuring in grams/kilograms - thermometer for random testing of temps (you should have thermometers on all of your tanks and lines) - water testing equip or a lab nearby to test for you - TTB desktop density meter (add-on for obscuration) - bigger ticket item ~ $30000 - smaller scale glass distillation apparatus - smaller scale copper distillation apparatus (1-2 liter) - microscope (along with plates/medium, etc if necessary) - Methylene Blue - Is RO in your processing plan for water? - DISCUS manual and Fire Code Manual - Tables, Shelving, Fire Extinguishers, Eye Wash Station If you are really going big then GCMS or HPLC - But you will need to hire someone to operate them or train yourself. - Super Big Ticket Item You can always call me - we met at ACSA! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyeWater Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Get a DMA35 - https://www.anton-paar.com/us-en/products/details/dma-35/ Get a PH Meter Get a Bench Distillation kit for determing proof of products with dissolved solid in it - https://www.ebay.com/itm/264399067193?epid=24030617958&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item3d8f699839:g:vc8AAOSwWE1hOcKi&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAACoPYe5NmHp%2B2JMhMi7yxGiTJkPrKr5t53CooMSQt2orsStdebXPz4ZTXCT8FI9kPBh8cCmrOhyJUsfvv6CPgkTHFMqbuXUmQmJgSgGsvSxHAGBmr3e5UHZkY8HZJwVeKy%2BEK712wH3eHnyNg%2BqzmXxWmfB18ua1KUktZOcnTTnfoNUsxR6fzciTSzraNbZYIv4INgIG9lZyf28l59u7kn7y7L8dMkIajMorxWhgMBBC%2FIRMpq7a4Y3gtTudHEWGmTh81fXsQkXvTNXqCkUiaT8vjm2n%2FeJUGibvkua83%2F%2BHAFjxJfFrvKHuLFBAZhxIULdk2jGo1bxmhGUov%2FDzRZxKagTPL5XVO%2FrctKoULCSiZZEIOHjq1G3zfK3lA87nvFhbzGYlZwSOUDbfscsmKIXbLyFHfGPTeGeZmVAGgbsl9dJsrN1hbOQUnP9JJzk95MqQMFEem5pOMbHOaleFjwTwEYuEswdQLO7c4w8Jk2FPjGoLCSul59t%2FQg5Kr%2FgDAkMm6Le2yfudpmddufaVysLckEvkxzUXtTWWh79yKgGzh6IfV01%2FhL4xnkWM%2Bb9oAlHzwtxoff6JkE6dM0DKAgr6yEQJdRKwC8ZNwRw25R73VuVq%2FsfnpgiiC9zeOYhk59upGvI1%2FgpCfdcqWs7cQ%2BUpKSK5djxi87mjRsoMSBRczJafGTaWSdzMil7IeAzVnxURtMiWG91QaWRMk%2FFk7S3KDhgPZozPqJT0uskwbOmqa3QIEXkFjXe9yraD2muM5CXhJ4JKawy8M5vNRd%2FQaRkUMILkz1PyFJ9sQraU59xqF3Ojy1vw5gS0EKyTd%2FDhXgUmUrZc2Ml8PzAHm01R6E4ozvA23zRBTzV9%2FBaoyqFc78QyJrSvwtOotIVN4y6bdQaw%3D%3D|clp%3A2334524|tkp%3ABFBM1L2YhMZf You dont really need too much more as far as equpment Scales, measuring devices etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AKDistiller Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Not to hijack, but what are y'all using for pH meters? Would be great to get some recommendations and move away from test strips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyeWater Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-MW102-PH-Temperature-Meter/dp/B001DTNDME/ref=sr_1_13?crid=2069LR47HKUEL&keywords=PH+meter&qid=1641506995&refinements=p_72%3A1248921011&rnid=1248919011&s=industrial&sprefix=ph+meter%2Caps%2C66&sr=1-13 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004BQFA7M/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B004BQFA7M&pd_rd_w=zdTGz&pf_rd_p=887084a2-5c34-4113-a4f8-b7947847c308&pd_rd_wg=5QuG9&pf_rd_r=XX2A7BWA4E02N92MCQED&pd_rd_r=a1bac172-9744-43bc-84f1-b8f9406345e8&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExQlNISzNBMUZNSzc2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTY3NDI4Mk9INzNJWFBSR0xCOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTk5MDkxMVpNMjBIWkxUN0dYNyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silk City Distillers Posted January 6, 2022 Share Posted January 6, 2022 Hanna pHep series is cheap and easy. Milwaukee and Oakton also good, so is that Extech above. More important is that you use storage solution and calibrate at least weekly. The best meter is junk if stored dry and never cleaned and calibrated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowerylisa1 Posted January 24, 2022 Author Share Posted January 24, 2022 Thank you everyone! As always, you're so very helpful and supportive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlickFloss Posted January 24, 2022 Share Posted January 24, 2022 "what size operation are you running so we can give specific advice?" "Thanks guys!" what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Brungardt Posted May 11, 2022 Share Posted May 11, 2022 On 12/13/2021 at 1:49 PM, JailBreak said: 1.A set of TTB certified alcohol hydrometers that cover all your bases 4. A TTB certified digital thermometer Hello, We are a new Vodka distillery. We only need one hydrometer that is in the range of 75-95 proof right? Also for the thermometer, It can be digital and does not have to be glass? Thank you, Brungardt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JailBreak Posted May 12, 2022 Share Posted May 12, 2022 19 hours ago, Brungardt said: Hello, We are a new Vodka distillery. We only need one hydrometer that is in the range of 75-95 proof right? Also for the thermometer, It can be digital and does not have to be glass? Thank you, Brungardt You will also need a hydrometer for the alcohol over 190 proof, whether you're making it or sourcing it. This is usually a 185-206 proof hydrometer. Other hydrometers are useful in case big mistakes happen. As for the thermometer, you can use either digital or glass as long as it reads accurately to the 0.1 degree. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Brungardt Posted May 13, 2022 Share Posted May 13, 2022 On 5/12/2022 at 9:36 AM, JailBreak said: You will also need a hydrometer for the alcohol over 190 proof, whether you're making it or sourcing it. This is usually a 185-206 proof hydrometer. Other hydrometers are useful in case big mistakes happen. As for the thermometer, you can use either digital or glass as long as it reads accurately to the 0.1 degree. Thank you @JailBreak How come you need the 185-206 proof hydrometer? Is it because you have to gauge it before you dilute? Or If you receive it when you source it? What thermometer do you use? Sorry if the questions are obvious. I'm a newbie. I appreciate your help! Brungardt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JailBreak Posted May 13, 2022 Share Posted May 13, 2022 50 minutes ago, Charles Brungardt said: Thank you @JailBreak How come you need the 185-206 proof hydrometer? Is it because you have to gauge it before you dilute? Or If you receive it when you source it? What thermometer do you use? Sorry if the questions are obvious. I'm a newbie. I appreciate your help! Brungardt No problem, that's what these forums are for. A good consultant is always nice to have in your back pocket and there's quite a few on here. You need the 185-206 hydrometer to gauge the spirit at distillation if you're making it or when you receive them in bond. We have a couple digital thermometers but my favorite is the Thermapen ONE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Brungardt Posted May 13, 2022 Share Posted May 13, 2022 @JailBreak Awesome thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlickFloss Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 If you need a consultant my buddy captain KB is a real killer and I think he's working in Texas currently could swing by you, he's on here somewhere if you ant to find him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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