At MARKS we understand that breweries have unique needs. From small craft setups to sprawling production facilities, every brewery has distinct requirements when it comes to operations and controls. That’s why our team specializes in creating custom solutions tailored to the specific needs of your brewhouse and cellar. Whether you’re seeking a simple panel interface or a more sophisticated automated system, MARKS has you covered.
The efficiency and productivity of the operations, as well as the quality of the beer, is at the heart of a successful brewery. Equipping your brewery with advanced controls and automation can make all the difference in the competitive landscape that is craft beer. Working with MARKS Design and Metal Works for controls and automation brings you a perfect partnership.
MARKS’ team is skilled to work with various controls and automation software. From Automation-Direct, an open-source product to high-end offerings from Allen-Bradley and other leading manufacturers, MARKS can work with most systems.
MARKS standard automation is powered by Automation-Direct componentry. In our research, this is a game changer for businesses looking to scale their automation processes. It offers a wide array of open-source tools and components that facilitate seamless integration and customization of automation systems. Automation-Direct easily scales up as your business grows. The open-source nature of Automation-Direct means it is continuously updated and refined by a global community of developers. This ensures access to the latest features and technologies. It is a cost-effective solution, with no licensing fees associated with using open-source software. This not only helps in reducing operational costs but also provides flexibility and freedom from vendor lock-in. Overall, Automation-Direct, as a standard offering from MARKS, provides a flexible, cost-effective, and scalable solution for breweries aiming to optimize their automation processes.
A premium upgrade offered by MARKS is Allen-Bradley controls and automation, featuring the CompactLogix PLC. The CompactLogix PLC system is renowned for its superior performance, scalability, and robustness. This makes Allen-Bradley an ideal choice for breweries seeking to enhance their automation capabilities. With its integrated architecture and advanced programming environment, it allows for seamless integration with existing equipment while providing the flexibility to expand as your brewery grows. Additionally, its real-time diagnostics and analytics help in optimizing operations, and increasing overall efficiency. By choosing Allen-Bradley controls as a MARKS upgrade, breweries can invest in some of the most advanced automation technology and ensure the longevity, efficiency, and success of their operations.
MARKS standard controls for brewhouses have several automated features that help optimize the brewing process, ensuring consistency, and reduce manual labor. Here are some key features of MARKS automation:
- Temperature Control: Precise control of temperature is crucial during various stages of brewing, such as mashing and fermentation. Automated systems monitor and adjust temperatures in real-time to ensure optimal conditions.
- Pump Speed Control: Pumps are used to move the liquid between different tanks during the brewing process. Automated controls adjust the speed of the pumps to ensure the right flow rate.
- Automated Valves: Automated valves control the flow of liquids throughout the brewhouse without the need for manual intervention.
- Recipe Management: Brewers can program and store recipes in the automated system. The system then controls the various parameters like temperature, time, and ingredient additions based on the selected recipe.
- Rake Speed Control: precise management of the mixing process, ensuring a consistent mash and optimizing extraction of flavors and sugars from the grains.
- Level and Volume Readout: readout on the brewhouse HMI provides real-time data on the liquid levels in the tanks, enabling precise control and optimization of the brewing process.
- Automated Mix Station: Automated water mix station temperature control ensures that the water used in the brewing process is always at the optimum temperature. This is crucial for achieving consistent taste and quality in the final product.
- Automated Knockout Control: Automated water mix station temperature control ensures that the water used in the brewing process is always at the optimum temperature.
- Clean-In-Place (CIP) System: Automation of the CIP system ensures that the tanks and pipes are cleaned and sanitized at regular intervals without manual intervention.
- Data Logging and Monitoring: Continuous monitoring and logging data like temperature, pressure, and flow rates is used for quality control, troubleshooting, and optimizing the brewing process.
- Managing Energy: Control systems can monitor energy usage, track costs and pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted.
- Remote Access: Brewers can monitor and control certain processes remotely via computers. This allows for real-time adjustments, even if the brewer is not on-site.
- Alarm System: send alerts or sound alarms if any parameter goes out of the specified range, helping in preventing any potential issues before they become significant problems.
- Cellar Controls: With MARKS 16, 32, and 48-zone panels equipped with remote access, you can manage multiple fermenting batches simultaneously and with ease.
Our commitment to quality extends to our UL panel shop. This certification guarantees that our products meet strict industry standards for safety and performance. Regardless of the complexity of your requirements, every panel from MARKS is washdown rated, ensuring durability even in challenging environments.
Our in-house controls team isn’t just technically proficient; we are brewing aficionados. With a rich understanding of both the technical and operational aspects of brewing, we craft programs that bridge the gap between machinery and the art of brewing. By marrying technology with experienced and knowledgeable brewers, our custom programming ensures that each brewery’s unique character is enhanced. Our team remains at the forefront of industry advancements, ensuring that our custom programs not only meet the current needs but are also scalable and adaptable for future requirements. As the brewing landscape evolves, so do our solutions.
In the world of brewing, success is a blend of art, science, and technology. At MARKS Design and Metal Works, we’re dedicated to providing breweries with cutting-edge controls and automation solutions that bring out the best in every batch. So, raise a toast to efficiency, precision, and unparalleled quality with MARKS by your side!
