Spent grain silos for breweries
Storage and reuse of co-products of brewing
Re-use of by-products of brewing
Spent grain is the solid waste produced by wort filtration: a wet mixture of malt and cereal, rich in fibre and protein.
Nowadays, rather than being considered waste, it represents a re-usable co-product, used in animal feed, methanation or biomass production.
At ZIEMEX, we design and manufacture custom spent grain silos capable of storing these large volume, wet materials under conditions that are practical, durable and hygienic.
Our installations combine large capacity tanks, robust supporting structures and high-performance extraction systems for smooth, clean management of spent grain in the brewery.
SPENT GRAIN SILOS IN THE BREWERY:
role and operation
Each mash generates several hundred kilos of spent grain. Intermediary storage is therefore essential for guaranteeing production continuity. The ZIEMEX spent grain silo has three main functions:
- Simplify logistics: it acts as a buffer zone, eliminating the need for immediate evacuation after each batch.
- Secure storage: the airtight tank minimizes odors and microbial contamination.
- Add value to a byproduct: the stored spent grain can then be easily transferred to animal feed or biogas production channels.
Material is transferred from the tank-filter (lauter tun) via a conveyor or an endless screw which feeds the silo.
In some installations, a drive ball is used to push the wet spent grain up to the entrance of the silo, then separated out via an openwork basket.
The bottom of the tank, which is conical or pyramidal in shape, is equipped with an extraction screw which enables the stored volume to be emptied. The valves, drainage arms and discharge hatches facilitate the transfer of spent grain to the trailers or containers located under the structure.
A CUSTOMISED
and modular design
At ZIEMEX, we adapt the design of our spent grain silos in line with the size of the brewery, the operational mode and the on-site logistics:
- Storage volumes sized in accordance with the number of mashes per day,
- Supporting frame calculated to allow lorries or tractors to pass directly under the tank,
- Access and integrated platforms for maintenance and control,
- Stainless steel materials ensure corrosion resistance and easy cleaning.
The entire assembly — tank, extraction screw, motorisation, frame and accessories — can be delivered turnkey, fully assembled, or pre-assembled at our Sarre-Union production facilities.
HYGIENE, SAFETY
and durability
ZIEMEX spent grain silos are designed for intensive use and reduced maintenance:
- smooth internal surfaces limit the adherence of wet materials,
- washing or rinsing options prevent residual fermentation,
- corrosion protection suitable for constant humidity,
- integrated safety devices (handrails, hatches, controlled accesses).
Each installation is sized to handle the mechanical requirements associated with the weight of wet spent grain, and variations in load during emptying.
ZIEMEX spent grain silos are developed both to re-use resources and improve industrial efficiency.
Designed to simplify logistics, improve hygiene and reduce material loss, they are a natural addition to the brewery’s hot and cold runner system.
Custom designed, robust and easy to maintain, they provide a durable solution for managing co-products of brewing.
Tell us about your projects!
Get in touch with our teams to design your custom water tanks and improve the energy efficiency of your brewery.
