BREWHA brewery installation guide
The BREWHA BIAC system uses a removable Mash Colander inside the 5-in-1 Fermentor. An overhead hoist makes it easier to lift the Mash Colander after mash, move it aside, and lower it for grain removal.
During a BIAC brew day, the Mash Colander is raised from the 5-in-1 Fermentor after mash. With an overhead trolley, the brewer can lift the Colander, roll it clear of the Fermentor, and lower it in a convenient location for emptying spent grain.
The best solution depends on your building, ceiling height, load requirements, budget, and available floor space. Some breweries use a freestanding gantry. Others attach a trolley to an engineered overhead beam. Some use existing industrial infrastructure, such as a machine shop jib gantry.
Hoists, trolleys, I-beams, gantries, ceiling attachments, anchors, fasteners, and building structures must be sized and approved for the load. Consult a qualified structural engineer, contractor, or lifting-equipment professional before installation. Never stand under a suspended load.
Common approaches
A standalone gantry can be a good option when the building structure is not suitable for supporting a hoist, or when the brewery is in a leased space where permanent modifications are limited.
If the brewery already has a properly rated structural beam overhead, a trolley and hoist may be installed directly on that beam after engineering review.
Some customers have repurposed existing industrial lifting equipment. For example, James Calley Brewing used an existing machine shop jib gantry as a practical hoist solution.
Layout tip
If you are using a freestanding gantry, one of the most important layout decisions is where the legs will sit. Ideally, size the gantry so the legs are against walls, beside tanks, or outside the main walking and brewing path. This keeps the hoist useful without making the brewery feel crowded.
The beam should give the Mash Colander enough travel to lift vertically from the 5-in-1 Fermentor and then move far enough aside to lower the Colander for emptying. In many layouts, the goal is not a long runway; it is a short, controlled travel path that clears the vessel and lands the Colander in a practical work area.
Keep the support structure as far out of the working path as practical while maintaining safe lifting geometry and rated support.
Planning checklist
Confirm the weight of the Mash Colander, grain load, hoist, trolley, rigging, and any dynamic lifting factor.
Make sure there is enough vertical clearance to raise the Colander fully out of the Fermentor.
The trolley should move the Colander far enough to clear the Fermentor and lower it in a useful location.
If using a gantry, position legs so they do not obstruct brewing, cleaning, transfer, or service access.
Do not assume rafters, trusses, ceiling joists, or existing beams are adequate without professional review.
A slower hoist gives more control and reduces shock loading compared with a fast lift.
Customer examples
These examples show how customers have adapted the lifting system to their own building, ceiling height, and available equipment.
Wall-to-wall gantry was installed in the small brew area in this heritage designated barn.
Structura I beam had supports out of the way and I beam right under the roof trusses.
Jib Crane was already in place in this converted machine shop.
Installation video
BREWHA has a video showing one economical way to install a small overhead trolley using slotted channel, threaded rod, trolley hardware, and an electric hoist. That approach may be useful for light-duty applications, while larger commercial systems should use properly rated hoists, trolleys, beams, and engineered support.
View Hoist Installation ArticleWhich option fits your brewery?
| Option | Best for | Main advantage | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freestanding I-beam gantry | Leased spaces, non-industrial buildings, flexible layouts | Does not depend on existing ceiling structure | Leg placement must not interfere with brewing workflow |
| Existing structural I-beam | Industrial buildings or purpose-built breweries | Clean floor area with no gantry legs | Beam and connections must be professionally rated |
| Existing jib gantry | Machine shops, industrial spaces, repurposed production areas | Can swing the Colander away from the Fermentor | Working radius and load rating must match the brewing process |
| Light-duty channel trolley | Pilot systems or light lifting tasks | Economical and compact | Not a substitute for engineered commercial lifting equipment |
Common questions
For systems that use a Mash Colander, an overhead hoist is strongly recommended because it makes it easier to raise, move, and lower the Colander after mash. The specific lifting method depends on the system size and brewery layout.
Only if the structure has been evaluated and approved for the load. Ceiling joists, trusses, rafters, and beams are not automatically suitable for lifting. A qualified professional should confirm the structure, fasteners, connections, and load path.
Not always. A gantry can be simpler when the building is not designed for overhead lifting. An existing structural beam can be cleaner because it avoids legs on the floor. The best option depends on the building, layout, required lift height, and approved load rating.
Whenever possible, place the legs against walls, beside equipment, or outside the main brewing path. This gives you the lifting benefit without creating obstacles in the work area.
Yes, if it has the correct load rating, reach, working radius, and clearance. Some BREWHA customers have used existing industrial lifting equipment successfully, but it still needs to be evaluated for the specific brewing application.
Plan your brewery layout
BREWHA can help you understand the space needed around the 5-in-1 Fermentor, Mash Colander, hoist path, and grain removal area so your brewery layout works smoothly from the first brew day.
