Mash tun is a vessel used in the beer brewing process, specifically during mashing, where milled grains (usually malted barley) are mixed with hot water. This process activates enzymes in the malt, converting the starches into fermentable sugars.
Here are some key features of a mash tun:
Insulated or Jacketed: To maintain a stable temperature.
False Bottom or Screen: Separates solid grain from liquid wort.
Recirculation Ports (for HERMS/RIMS systems): Helps maintain uniform temperature.
Lauter Arm/Sparge Arm: Used during lautering to rinse sugars from the grain.
Mash-In: Grains and water are mixed at specific temperatures.
Temperature Rests: Different enzymes work best at different temperatures, so the mash may rest at multiple temps (e.g., protein rest, saccharification rest).
Conversion: Starches turn into sugars, creating sweet wort.
10BBL brewhouse system is a complete brewing setup designed for brewing at a commercial or advanced craft scale. It typically includes multiple vessels and all the necessary equipment to go from mash to wort production efficiently. It's a popular size for small to mid-sized craft breweries.
Let's break it down:
Typical Components in a 10 BBL Brewhouse
Depending on the setup (2-vessel, 3-vessel, or 4-vessel), it usually includes:
2-Vessel System
Mash/Lauter Tun (MLT) – Combined vessel for mashing and lautering
Kettle/Whirlpool Tun (KWP) – Combined boiling and whirlpooling
3-Vessel System
Mash Tun
Lauter Tun
Kettle/Whirlpool
4-Vessel System
Mash Tun
Lauter Tun
Boil Kettle
Whirlpool Tun
Key Specs to Consider
Steam, Electric, or Direct Fire heating
Automated vs Manual controls
Material: 304 stainless steel (food grade)
Agitators and rakes (especially in larger systems)
Grain out doors, CIP (Clean in Place) spray balls, sight glasses, temp and pressure sensors
Support Equipment
Hot Liquor Tank (HLT)
Cold Liquor Tank (CLT) – if using a heat exchanger
Heat Exchanger (HX)
Control panel (manual, semi-auto, or PLC)
Wort pump, transfer lines, valves, etc.
Optional Add-Ons
Grist case
Auger system
Grant
Flow meters
Oxygenation setup
| Component | Description |
| Hot Liquor Tank (HLT) | Heats and stores hot water for mashing/sparging |
| Cold Liquor Tank (CLT) | Chilled water for rapid wort cooling |
| Heat Exchanger (HX) | Plate or tube exchanger to cool wort post-boil |
| Wort Pumps | For transferring mash, wort, and water between vessels |
| Control Panel | Manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated PLC |
| CIP System | Clean-in-place system for sanitation |
| Grain Out System | Rakes, plows, or augers for spent grain removal |
| Platform/Walkway | For operator safety and convenience |
