There’s a lot that goes into producing a great bottle of beer. Quality ingredients are essential, as is an intimate understanding of brewing techniques. But ultimately, it is reliable machinery that turns your vision into something that is safe and satisfying to drink.
Modern technology has made even home brewing operations more sophisticated than ever before. A typical setup can include fermentation tanks, mash infusion systems, heat exchangers and more, as well as computerized circulation and bottling systems.
Many of these essential tools of the trade are powered by compressed air, which is where Quincy Compressor products come in. We have been a leading manufacturer of reciprocating and rotary screw air compressors since 1920, and we are a proud partner to many of today’s most innovative microbreweries. Read on to learn more about some of the many potential applications of our products.
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Compressed Air’s Role in Today’s Breweries
Breweries today wouldn’t be able to produce consistent quality products without compressed air. A Quincy air compressor can be used in several aspects of the overall beer brewing process, including:
- Bottling: Bottling is one of the most common uses for air compressors in home breweries and smaller commercial operations. Pressurized air is essential for moving beer from the conditioning tank to the bottle, and for keeping lines clean and free of water.
- Clarifying: Several prominent microbreweries, such as Asheville, NC’s Wicked Weed Brewery, also use compressed air to power machinery during the clarifying process. After primary fermentation, many of the brewery’s beers are clarified using a pressure-driven centrifuge that removes heavier solids and results in cleaner, clearer finished product.
- Aeration: Aeration is required to ensure yeast cultures have sufficient oxygen during the fermentation process. Clean air is the best way to do this in a reliable manner that promotes quality control. These applications typically employ an oil-free compressor to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Cleanup and maintenance: Air compressors can be used to power tools such as pressure washers which are essential for maintaining a clean and sanitary operation. Many breweries will also use air-powered drills, screwdrivers, hammers and other tools for regular maintenance and installation of new equipment.
To support these and other applications, Quincy Compressor manufactures a comprehensive line of products in a range of sizes and configurations. Whether you’re looking for a versatile variable speed machine capable of multitasking and running different types of equipment at once, or a specialized product for one aspect of your operation, we can help.
Our Products
The best type of air compressor for brewing beer will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your operation, your intended purpose, space considerations and, of course, your budget. Quincy Compressor is one of the world’s oldest and most diverse compressor manufacturers. Our products can be found in breweries across North America and around the world.
Some of our most popular air compressors for microbreweries and home beer production include:
- The QGS series of compressors, which consists of several highly efficient screw drive units designed to meet the demands of industrial operations. Units range in size from 5 to 100 horsepower and are engineered for 100% duty cycle operation.
- QGD gear drive compressors, which range in size from 15 to 60 horsepower and produce between 100 and 150 psig. Rugged yet quiet, their beltless design keeps maintenance requirements to a minimum.
- The QSI series of premium industrial direct air drive compressors. One of our most durable and powerful product lines, the QSI series consists of machines ranging from 20 to 350 horsepower, with capacities up to 1500 CFM. The QSI line includes some of our best air compressors for breweries running multiple air tools at once.
- QT two-stage reciprocating compressors. Packing a lot of power into a small footprint, QT compressors are a great choice for home and light industrial use. Available in 3 to 15 horsepower configurations.
- QP industrial duty compressors, which are fully pressure-lubricated for smoother continuous operation, and capable of delivering up to 175 psig. Use it for any brewery application in which a lighter-duty machine won’t do.
- The QR-25 compressor, a recognized industry workhorse with roots dating back to the 1930s. Today’s QR-25 compressors are known for producing more capacity per horsepower than the competition, making them a great choice for any budget-conscious brewery in the market for an efficient machine that won’t compromise on performance.
The smartest way to determine the best type of air compressor for your brewery or home operation is to contact a Quincy Compressor representative. One of our team members will be happy to go over your requirements and recommend a unit that will get the job done. Give us a call to get in touch today.