CASE-040 · Engineering case

Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Prepared the winery for centrifuge-based wine clarification through supplier evaluation, utility upgrades and trial infrastructure.

Conceptual engineering visualization: Installed vertical centrifuge separator: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination
Conceptual engineering visualization · AI generated

Why the Work Mattered

Purpose and Operating Need

The work was driven by process change cider vinegar formulation change, DE filtration bottlenecks, estimated annual filtration cost increasing (about 3.08 times the baseline, or a 208% increase), centrifuge supplier service-response issues, automation gaps, waste-disposal issues, high ownership cost, and vinegar-specific wear.

Engineering Approach

Engineering Approach

Coordinated and reviewed vendor/site centrifuge piloting at the facility, comparing the Brew 250 and three other centrifuge-supplier alternatives across throughput, solids removal, outlet clarity, automation, documentation, serviceability, reliability, and lifecycle cost; The operating target was 40 GPM with 20 to 30 NTU outlet clarity; Comparative centrifuge supplier trial evidence recorded 95% solids removal at 40 GPM and 83% at 50 GPM; During the Brew 250 work, the vendor identified a missing deaeration nozzle and temporarily fitted a larger nozzle while the specified small orifice was being obtained; outlet results remained 36 to 40 NTU, which the vendor interpreted as a dissolved-solids limitation on further turbidity reduction; The Brew 250 subsequently operated at 40 GPM near the established baseline, and the centrifuge AFE was approved with purchase order release authorized; Trial infrastructure included permanent electrical service, product/CIP/waste/feedwater/air hoses, CIP chemical equipment, and future 316L hard-piping scope.

Outcome & Engineering Context

Outcome and Context

Improved centrifuge trial readiness, supplier defensibility, and filtration modernization path.

Workstream Results & Impact

Workstream Portfolio Rollup

18,317,000 USD

Wine Clarification and Vinegar Polishing Modernization

Recorded workstream portfolio reference. This is the workstream-level value and is not a project expenditure or a new total of reassigned projects.

Measures & Operating Detail

MeasureValueType & meaningAttribution & operating context
Centrifuge Throughput Target40 GPMTarget
Trial operating target

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

40 GPM operating target

Outlet Clarity Target20 to 30 NTUTarget
Trial target

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

20–30 NTU outlet target

Brew 250 Outlet Turbidity36 to 40 NTUObservation
Trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

After temporary deaeration-nozzle correction — approximately 36–40 NTU observed after nozzle correction

Brew 250 Later Throughput40 GPMObservation
Later trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

After nozzle correction — Brew 250 subsequently operated at 40 GPM near the established baseline; distinct from the earlier 20 GPM supplier-comparison limitation.

Flow40 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded flow at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Inline Inlet Turbidity482.9 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded inline inlet turbidity at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Inline Outlet Turbidity17.3 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded inline outlet turbidity at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Laboratory Inlet Turbidity687 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded laboratory inlet turbidity at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Benchtop Inlet Turbidity661 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded desk benchtop inlet turbidity at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Laboratory Outlet Turbidity51.7 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded laboratory outlet turbidity at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Benchtop Outlet Turbidity46.6 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded desk benchtop outlet turbidity at 40 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Flow30 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded flow at 30 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Inline Inlet Turbidity490.4 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded inline inlet turbidity at 30 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Inline Outlet Turbidity8.3 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded inline outlet turbidity at 30 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Laboratory Outlet Turbidity44 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded laboratory outlet turbidity at 30 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Benchtop Outlet Turbidity39.7 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded desk benchtop outlet turbidity at 30 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Flow20 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded flow at 20 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Inline Inlet Turbidity505.5 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded inline inlet turbidity at 20 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Inline Outlet Turbidity5.3 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded inline outlet turbidity at 20 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Laboratory Outlet Turbidity40.2 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded laboratory outlet turbidity at 20 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Benchtop Outlet Turbidity36.5 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Recorded desk benchtop outlet turbidity at 20 GPM; inline EBC and benchtop NTU remain separate instrument observations.

Pre-Nozzle Inline Outlet Turbidity52.2 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor nozzle-comparison report;66% is the reported reduction, distinct from bench NTU values.

Post-Nozzle Inline Outlet Turbidity17.3 EBCObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor nozzle-comparison report;66% is the reported reduction, distinct from bench NTU values.

Reported Outlet-Solids Reduction66 %Observation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor nozzle-comparison report;66% is the reported reduction, distinct from bench NTU values.

Comparison Flow40 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor nozzle-comparison report;66% is the reported reduction, distinct from bench NTU values.

Additional Benchtop Spin Duration10 minDesign Parameter
Vendor benchtop comparison method

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor sample comparison at 40 GPM; supports its interpretation of residual turbidity, not a universal separation guarantee.

Outlet-Sample Turbidity Before Additional Spin46.6 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor sample comparison at 40 GPM; supports its interpretation of residual turbidity, not a universal separation guarantee.

Outlet-Sample Turbidity After Additional Spin38.2 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Vendor sample comparison at 40 GPM; supports its interpretation of residual turbidity, not a universal separation guarantee.

Earlier Steady-State Turbidity Baseline15 to 20 NTUBaseline
Reported baseline

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Earlier reported baseline before recent fermentation changes.

Recent Fermentation Turbidity38 NTUObservation
Reported batch context

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Reported turbidity after fermentation changes such as extra yeast to restart stalled batches.

Different Batches Filtered2 batchScope or Inventory Quantity
Trial context

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Only two materially different batches had been filtered in over a month, limiting trial comparability.

Laboratory Centrifuge Outlet Turbidity17 to 20 NTUObservation
Laboratory comparison

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Separate startup assessment; do not merge with later 36–40 NTU fermentation conditions.

Field Centrifuge Outlet Turbidity at 25 GPM21 to 28 NTUObservation
Field comparison

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Separate startup assessment; do not merge with later 36–40 NTU fermentation conditions.

Estimated Dissolved-Impurity Contribution10 to 12 NTUEstimate
Engineering interpretation

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Separate startup assessment; do not merge with later 36–40 NTU fermentation conditions.

Existing Acetator Feed Turbidity< 5 NTUBaseline
Reported feed baseline

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Existing feed reported below 5 NTU.

Field Centrifuge Flow25 GPMObservation
Field comparison

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Flow for the separate 21–28 NTU field assessment.

Fermenter Volume26,000 galScenario or Model Result
Operating model

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Operating-window sizing calculation, not a completed-batch performance result.

Available Filtration Window17.5 hScenario or Model Result
Operating model

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Operating-window sizing calculation, not a completed-batch performance result.

Modeled Filtration Flow25 GPMScenario or Model Result
Operating model

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Operating-window sizing calculation, not a completed-batch performance result.

Calculated Window Capacity26,250 galScenario or Model Result
Operating model

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Operating-window sizing calculation, not a completed-batch performance result.

Minimum Comparison Flow Requirement>= 25 GPMTarget
Requirement

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

supplier comparison — Requested minimum throughput for the vendor comparison.

Higher-Turbidity Flow Alternative40 to 50 GPMTarget
Operating alternative

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

supplier comparison — Flow alternative discussed with higher outlet turbidity.

Annual Design-Load Scenarioapproximately 5,000,000 gal/yearDesign Parameter
Design basis

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

centrifuge sizing — Approximate annual throughput used in one supplier-sizing scenario.

Weekly Product-Load Scenario 140,000 gal/weekDesign Parameter
Design basis

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

centrifuge sizing — One of three separately listed weekly product loads in the sizing discussion.

Weekly Product-Load Scenario 240,000 gal/weekDesign Parameter
Design basis

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

centrifuge sizing — One of three separately listed weekly product loads in the sizing discussion.

Weekly Product-Load Scenario 39,000 gal/weekDesign Parameter
Design basis

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

centrifuge sizing — One of three separately listed weekly product loads in the sizing discussion.

FY 25 Production Planning Question8,600,000 gal/yearUnresolved Value
Planning question

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

FY 25 discussion — Annual figure raised for confirmation in the later planning discussion.

Temporary Clarity-Focused Flow Alternative15 to 20 GPMTarget
Operating alternative

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

acetator acclimation review — Lower flow considered while checking solids removal and acetator response.

Fermenter Manifold to Pass-Through Hose Length25 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — Fermenter manifold to pass-through.

Pass-Through to Feed-Pump Inlet Hose Length15 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — Pass-through to feed-pump inlet.

Feed Pump to Centrifuge Hose Length15 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — Feed pump to centrifuge.

Product Outlet to Storage Pipe Hose Length10 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — Product outlet to storage pipe.

Waste-Hose Length30 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — Waste hose.

CIP Tank to Pump Hose Length20 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — CIP tank to pump.

Centrifuge to CIP-Tank Top Hose Length30 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Temporary trial hose schedule — Centrifuge to CIP-tank top.

CIP Tank Purchasing Alternative100 galEquipment Rating
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

site readiness — Tank purchase alternative if the existing larger poly tank was unavailable.

Engineering-Network Ethernet Route100 to 200 ftDesign Parameter
Installation planning

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

engineering network — Approximate route to the QA-lab master switch.

Additional Operator-Training Requestapproximately 1 dayTarget
Schedule request

Applies to: Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Supplier startup planning — Requested extra training duration subject to pricing.

Solids Removal95 %Observation
Trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge Trial Performance, Documentation, and Supplier Tradeoff Analysis

Centrifuge supplier comparative trial — 95% solids removal at 40 GPM

Trial Throughput40 GPMObservation
Trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge Trial Performance, Documentation, and Supplier Tradeoff Analysis

Centrifuge supplier comparative trial — 95% solids removal at 40 GPM

Solids Removal83 %Observation
Trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge Trial Performance, Documentation, and Supplier Tradeoff Analysis

Centrifuge supplier comparative trial — 83% at 50 GPM

Trial Throughput50 GPMObservation
Trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge Trial Performance, Documentation, and Supplier Tradeoff Analysis

Centrifuge supplier comparative trial — 83% at 50 GPM

Oil-Change Procedure Duration10 minObservation
Vendor training record

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier startup, 2024-10-22 — Centrifuge supplier reported demonstrating the ten-minute oil-change process during operator training at the startup.

Flow30 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Initial Apple Wine startup — Vendor-reported initial apple wine startup: flow.

Outlet Backpressure150 psiObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Initial Apple Wine startup — Vendor-reported initial apple wine startup: outlet backpressure.

Flow30 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — After inline-to-lab scaling — Vendor-reported after inline-to-lab scaling: flow.

Outlet Backpressure100 psiObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — After inline-to-lab scaling — Vendor-reported after inline-to-lab scaling: outlet backpressure.

Outlet Turbidity17 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — After inline-to-lab scaling — Vendor-reported after inline-to-lab scaling: outlet turbidity.

Flow40 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Raised flow — Vendor-reported raised flow: flow.

Outlet Backpressure100 psiObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Raised flow — Vendor-reported raised flow: outlet backpressure.

Outlet Turbidity20 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Raised flow — Vendor-reported raised flow: outlet turbidity.

Flow40 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Reduced outlet backpressure — Vendor-reported reduced outlet backpressure: flow.

Outlet Backpressure75 psiObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Reduced outlet backpressure — Vendor-reported reduced outlet backpressure: outlet backpressure.

Outlet Turbidity20 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Reduced outlet backpressure — Vendor-reported reduced outlet backpressure: outlet turbidity.

Flow50 GPMObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Following-day repeated run — Vendor-reported following-day repeated run: flow.

Outlet Backpressure100 psiObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Following-day repeated run — Vendor-reported following-day repeated run: outlet backpressure.

Outlet Turbidity23 NTUObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Following-day repeated run — Vendor-reported following-day repeated run: outlet turbidity.

Stable Production Durationapproximately 5 hObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor reported approximately five hours without production issues at the stated settings after the air adjustment.

Additional Air-Pressure Adjustment5 psiObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor increased supply air another 5 psi after a low-pressure alarm.

Solids Discharge Interval4 to 5 minObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor-reported discharge interval at 50 GPM; solids packing and post-rinse needs varied with flow.

Solids Discharge Interval12 to 13 minObservation
Vendor trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor-reported discharge interval at 40 GPM; solids packing and post-rinse needs varied with flow.

Automatic Recipe Flow50 GPMOperating Control
Configured trial recipe

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor-developed automatic recipe; 10 GPM was a slow overnight option with occasional checks recommended.

Automatic Recipe Flow40 GPMOperating Control
Configured trial recipe

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor-developed automatic recipe; 10 GPM was a slow overnight option with occasional checks recommended.

Automatic Recipe Flow10 GPMOperating Control
Configured trial recipe

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier trial, 22–23 October 2024 — Vendor-developed automatic recipe; 10 GPM was a slow overnight option with occasional checks recommended.

Operator-Reported Flow40 GPMObservation
Operator trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier operator report, 25 October 2024 — Operator report of the stated run; no reported issues during this 5,500 gallon observation.

Operator-Reported Outlet Turbidity21 NTUObservation
Operator trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier operator report, 25 October 2024 — Operator report of the stated run; no reported issues during this 5,500 gallon observation.

Operator-Reported Processed Volume5,500 galObservation
Operator trial observation

Applies to: Centrifuge filtration recovery and equipment-relocation evaluation

Centrifuge supplier operator report, 25 October 2024 — Operator report of the stated run; no reported issues during this 5,500 gallon observation.

Engineering scope and design basis

Supported filtration-throughput recovery evaluation, assessment of DE/bentonite dependency and waste exposure, and a defensible manufacturer decision.

Coordinated and reviewed vendor/site centrifuge piloting at the facility, comparing the Brew 250 and three other centrifuge-supplier alternatives across throughput, solids removal, outlet clarity, automation, documentation, serviceability, reliability, and lifecycle cost. The operating target was 40 GPM with 20 to 30 NTU outlet clarity. Comparative centrifuge supplier trial evidence recorded 95% solids removal at 40 GPM and 83% at 50 GPM. During the Brew 250 work, the vendor identified a missing deaeration nozzle and temporarily fitted a larger nozzle while the specified small orifice was being obtained; outlet results remained approximately 36 to 40 NTU, which the vendor interpreted as a dissolved-solids limitation on further turbidity reduction. The Brew 250 subsequently operated at 40 GPM near the established baseline, and the centrifuge AFE was approved with purchase order release authorized. Trial infrastructure included permanent electrical service, product/CIP/waste/feedwater/air hoses, CIP chemical equipment, and future 316L hard-piping scope.

Improved centrifuge selection and installation readiness by coordinating and evaluating vendor/site production piloting, the vendor's nozzle correction and approximately 36–40 NTU interpretation, 40 GPM operation near baseline, and the approved AFE and purchase-order release.

40 GPM operating target; 20–30 NTU outlet target; approximately 36–40 NTU observed after nozzle correction; centrifuge supplier 95% solids removal at 40 GPM and 83% at 50 GPM; AFE approved and purchase-order release authorized.

Coordinated plant utilities and sanitary connections and reviewed vendor/site production trials, the vendor's deaeration-nozzle correction and dissolved-solids interpretation. Compared throughput, automation, documentation, service, reliability and lifecycle cost.

Actions, Methods & Controls

ACTIVITIES IN CONTEXT

Conceptual engineering illustration: as built turnover

TSK-000068 · Action

Centrifuge Piloting Compared the Brew 250 and Three Other Centrifuge-Supplier Alternatives Across Throughput, Solids Removal, Outlet Clarity, Automation, Documentation, Serviceability, Reliability, and Lifecycle Cost

Winery Centrifuge Trial Prep and Utility Coordination

Additional Technical Detail

Roles & contributions
  • Centrifuge Supplier

    Vendor Trial Interpretation and Equipment/Service Proposal

    Vendor Contribution

    Provided vendor interpretation of the Brew 250 trial data and equipment and service proposals for supplier evaluation.

  • Project Ownership

    Full lifecycle project ownership

    Owned the full project lifecycle: capital planning and prioritization, need definition, feasibility and scope development, engineering and AFE justification, procurement and vendor coordination, construction sequencing and field oversight, commissioning, turnover, and post-startup support. Connected operating requirements with technical scope, funding decisions, execution readiness, and the needs of operations and maintenance.

  • Plant Personnel

    Project coordination

    Project coordination

    The plant was assigned hose/hardware and PVC-manifold costs and assembly, or the cost of vendor assembly; engineering would supply the equipment and interface BOM.

  • Centrifuge Supplier

    Project Reference Context

    Reference Context

    startup, recipe, training and trial-performance evidence was used in the supplier comparison.

Workstream context
Additional technical detail
Explore 18 detail records
  • Trial target

    The operating target was 40 GPM with 20 to 30 NTU outlet clarity.

  • Trial result

    Comparative centrifuge supplier trial evidence recorded 95% solids removal at 40 GPM and 83% at 50 GPM.

  • Trial and procurement result

    The Brew 250 subsequently operated at 40 GPM near the established baseline, and the centrifuge AFE was approved with purchase order release authorized.

  • Brew 250 trial comparison

    Compared Brew 250 inline EBC readings with separate laboratory and desk benchtop NTU readings at 40, 30 and 20 GPM. The vendor cautioned that the instruments differ and need correlation; the stated 1 EBC = 4 NTU conversion does not make the recorded instruments agree. A missing deaeration nozzle was temporarily replaced with an oversized nozzle; the specified nozzle was still pending. At 40 GPM, inline outlet turbidity fell from 52.2 to 17.3 EBC, reported as 66% reduction. A 46.6 NTU outlet sample measured 38.2 NTU after ten minutes of additional benchtop centrifugation. The vendor interpreted the approximately 36–40 NTU residual as dissolved-solids limitation. A suspected short disc stack and forecast additional 15–20% reduction with the final nozzle remained hypotheses. Recent fermentation changes and only two differing batches in over a month limited comparability with the earlier 15–20 NTU baseline.

  • Product and baseline comparison

    A separate startup assessment compared 17–20 NTU after laboratory centrifugation with 21–28 NTU from the field centrifuge at 25 GPM. Existing acetator feed was reported below 5 NTU. The writer estimated a 10–12 NTU dissolved-impurity contribution and raised a 28% increase concern; those are interpretation/model statements, not directly measured additional solids mass. Different batches and fermentation conditions must remain separate from the later 36–40 NTU residual comparison.

  • Operating-window model

    Modeled a 26,000-gallon fermenter filtered between 1:00 PM and 6:30 AM. At 25 GPM for 17.5 hours, calculated capacity is 26,250 gallons. The calculation supports operating-window selection and is distinct from a measured full-batch run.

  • Capital decision and installation sequencing

    Coordinated the AFE, approval-routing repair, vendor selection, PO release and installation funding sequence. Alternatives included retaining the trial centrifuge supplier while fermentation stabilized or returning it for a centrifuge supplier unit; requested additional centrifuge supplier functions could require costly modifications that were unsuitable for field installation. A single removal/replacement event was evaluated to reduce disruption. Early work through R&M followed by capital reassignment, trial rental timing and final supplier selection required coordination with plant and capital approvers.

  • Trial requirements and design scenarios

    Specified a minimum 25 GPM comparison requirement while evaluating 40–50 GPM operation at a higher outlet turbidity. One design scenario used approximately 5 million gallons per year with weekly 40,000-gallon,40,000-gallon and 9,000-gallon product loads. A later 8.6 million-gallon FY 25 figure was raised as a planning question. Temporary operation at 15–20 GPM was considered while checking the acetator response; these scenarios remained separate from achieved annual production.

  • Feed-pump interface

    Compared a controlled feed pump with a low-positive-pressure gravity-feed option. The vendor pump could be supplied loose with VFD control in the skid panel, leaving plant wiring and process connections to Food and beverage manufacturer. Feed-pump size, finish/paint requirements, suction conditions and the interface with the existing transfer pump were coordinated before installation.

  • Sanitary connection schedule

    Specified DIN 50 liner/nut adapters to 2-inch Tri-Clamp,2-inch cam-and-groove transitions and 316 stainless fittings for the centrifuge interfaces. Identified fermenter-manifold tees, product outlet adapters, pipe supports and the storage-tank connection as separate installation items.

  • Temporary trial connection schedule

    Planned hoses of 25 ft from fermenter manifold to pass-through,15 ft from pass-through to feed-pump inlet,15 ft from pump to centrifuge,10 ft from product outlet to storage piping,30 ft for waste,20 ft from CIP tank to pump and 30 ft from centrifuge to CIP-tank top. Freshwater hose length required a site measurement. The temporary arrangement supported trial operation before permanent hard-piping commitment.

  • Installed-cost alternatives

    Compared an approximately 130000 USD installation estimate within a 350000 USD centrifuge supplier project budget with a centrifuge supplier baseline estimated nearer 450000 USD, including about 50000 USD electrical work and at least a similar mechanical/CIP allowance. A 230000 USD centrifuge supplier equipment figure excluded commissioning and shipping. Advanced recirculation/NTU-control configurations were discussed at 350000 USD or more versus simpler 180000–230000 USD choices. Plant labor, hoses/PVC, critical spares and service contracts affected the comparison.

  • Piping and CIP interface revisions

    Revised the trial arrangement after a walkdown to favor hoses at process and utility connections while retaining suitable fixed piping. The centrifuge manifold combined product inlet/outlet, freshwater inlets and waste outlets into accessible connection points. The CIP tank and pump were to be hard-piped together and hose-connected to the product path, with waste routing retained. A separate ceramic-skid manifold example used 2-inch product/waste lines and 1-inch water distribution to guide interface discussion.

  • Trial and engineering-network coordination

    A comparison-facility trial considered an approximately 150 ft Ethernet run only if remote support required it. The installation plan called for a Cat 6 drop to the QA-lab master switch, approximately 100–200 ft away, and coordinated network startup with centrifuge startup. Conditional trial connectivity and permanent engineering-network work were kept separate.

  • Fermenter-to-storage interfaces

    Mapped the fermenter manifold through an existing approximately 30 ft,3-inch at-grade transfer line to the centrifuge room. Considered placing the feed pump about 6 ft from the centrifuge inlet, with 3-way valves for dedicated CIP circulation. Product discharge would reach Tank 32 approximately 5 ft away through about 35 ft of 2-inch pipe to the tank top, using a penetrated top port and ground-level CIP-return valves. A 15–20 GPM transfer estimate was a planning assumption.

  • Plant and engineering responsibilities

    Coordinated unload/uncrate/set work, water pressure measurement and filtering, compressed-air coalescing, CIP tank/pump availability, actuator wiring, waste and solids-pump interfaces and quotation walkdowns. Plant personnel were responsible for hose/hardware costs, PVC fermenter manifolds and assembly or contractor funding; Engineering supported the BOM and scope. Water-pressure logging was proposed to decide whether an AFE booster pump was needed. An existing larger poly tank was considered before ordering a 100-gallon CIP tank.

  • Startup training plan

    Requested approximately one additional day of operator training and its price alongside the startup visit, connecting practical recipe use and maintenance needs to commissioning planning.

  • Rental and commissioning coordination

    Coordinated December shipment/delivery alternatives, enclosed storage, unloading, electrical/mechanical prework, rental commencement and technician availability. Later scheduling identified January 13 startup after checking January 6 availability. Site readiness, saved product and plant assistance were arranged around the vendor visit; these planning records do not substitute for the separate vendor startup report.

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All portfolio connections (31)
Project ownership and delivery context

Owned the full project lifecycle: capital planning and prioritization, need definition, feasibility and scope development, engineering and AFE justification, procurement and vendor coordination, construction sequencing and field oversight, commissioning, turnover, and post-startup support. Connected operating requirements with technical scope, funding decisions, execution readiness, and the needs of operations and maintenance.

Compared supplier documentation, automation, serviceability and performance, then translated evaluation findings into specifications and procurement planning. Flow measurement, batch control and hard-piped transfer arrangements connected separation performance with repeatable production and cleaning practices.

Related methods and applications
Related analysis and application artifacts
Connected collections

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