Author: Henry Chen Publish Time: 2026-09-29 Origin: Cassman
Many brewery inquiries start with a short message like:
“Please quote a 10HL brewhouse.”
But serious brewery projects — especially those planned for the European market — require much more than a simple price request.
Recently, one of our potential customers sent a highly detailed inquiry for a 10HL brewery system. Instead of asking only for a brewhouse price, the customer clearly defined:
brewhouse vessel configuration
production target per day
fermentation cellar scope
PED certification requirements
automation brand preferences
future expansion preparation
FAT expectations
installation and commissioning scope
This is exactly how professional buyers reduce project risk.
In this article, we break down what a well-prepared brewery equipment RFQ should include, why each point matters, and how a detailed inquiry helps suppliers prepare a more accurate and comparable proposal.
If you want an accurate quotation for a 10HL brewery project in Europe, your RFQ should define much more than brewhouse size.
At minimum, you should specify:
brewhouse configuration and production target
fermentation tank quantity and options
PED / CE requirements
utility systems such as glycol, steam, and compressed air
PLC and automation expectations
future expansion preparation
FAT, documentation, and commissioning scope
The more complete the RFQ, the more reliable the quotation, project planning, delivery scope, and long-term operating result.
A generic inquiry usually produces a generic quotation.
If a buyer only asks for a “10HL brewhouse price,” different suppliers may quote completely different scopes:
one may include only the brewhouse vessels
another may include HLT, CLT, and pumps
another may include basic PLC
another may exclude installation, PED, or FAT completely
That makes price comparison difficult and often misleading.
A detailed RFQ solves this problem by creating a common technical baseline. It helps the buyer compare suppliers more fairly and helps the supplier understand the real project requirements.
For European craft brewery projects, this is especially important because documentation, certification, and expansion planning often affect both price and lead time.
In the inquiry we received, the customer did not just ask for a 10HL brewhouse. The customer specified a 10HL 3-vessel system consisting of:
10HL Mash Tun
10HL Lauter Tun
10HL combined Kettle/Whirlpool Tun
30HL Hot Liquor Tank
20HL Cold Liquor Tank
full working platform
sanitary piping and valves
wort and water pumps
wort grant
wort aeration
yeast dosing
automatic wort cooling
automatic hot/cold water mixing
sanitary instruments and flowmeters
Most importantly, the customer added a key operational target:
The system should be designed for two 10HL brews per production day.
That sentence matters because brewhouse design should support a real production rhythm, not just a theoretical tank volume.
A 10HL system designed for one brew per day may differ significantly from a system intended for two brews per day in terms of:
vessel sizing logic
HLT and CLT volume
heat-exchange efficiency
piping arrangement
brewhouse workflow
automation strategy
When requesting a quotation, buyers should always define not only the brewhouse size, but also the intended brew cycle and daily output target.
The customer also requested a separate price for the same brewery in a 4-vessel format:
Mash Tun
Lauter Tun
Kettle Tun
Whirlpool Tun
All other equipment and specifications were to remain the same.
This is a very smart request because it allows the buyer to understand the real additional investment required to move from a 3-vessel to a 4-vessel brewhouse.
A 3-vessel brewhouse may offer:
lower capital cost
smaller footprint
simpler piping
good efficiency for many small and mid-size breweries
A 4-vessel brewhouse may offer:
more process separation
more batch flexibility
better scheduling potential
improved efficiency for higher output or future growth
If the buyer only asks for one option, it is hard to understand whether the extra investment for a 4-vessel design is justified by the business plan.
When comparing 3-vessel and 4-vessel brewhouses, do not ask only:
“Which one is better?”
Ask:
“What is the additional cost?”
“What extra brewing flexibility do we gain?”
“Will it materially improve our production plan over the next 3–5 years?”
The inquiry also included a complete malt handling request:
malt mill around 800 kg/h
stainless steel malt conveying / auger system
VFD control
pneumatic discharge arrangement
grist hydrator
complete control panel
This is important because malt handling is often forgotten in early quotations. Yet it strongly affects brewhouse workflow, labor demand, and brew-day efficiency.
If milling and conveying are excluded from the quotation stage, buyers may later discover:
additional installation cost
layout conflicts
dust management issues
missing electrical requirements
manual labor bottlenecks
A brewhouse should not be quoted in isolation. It should be considered as part of the complete hot-side process.
For the cellar, the customer requested:
6 × 10HL Unitank Fermenters
2 × 10HL Bright Beer Tanks
The RFQ also specified the fittings required on each FV and BBT, including:
carbonation stone
adjustable spunding / bunging valve
dry hopping port
racking arm
sanitary sampling valve
CIP spray device
PVRV
temperature sensor
glycol cooling jacket
carbonation stone
pressure control
sampling valve
CIP system
temperature sensor
glycol cooling jacket
This level of detail is extremely useful because “10HL fermenter” can mean very different things depending on fittings and intended use.
The quotation for a basic fermenter may look attractive, but if it excludes key accessories such as:
carbonation stone
dry-hop port
spunding valve
sampling valve
quality pressure fittings
the buyer will either need expensive additions later or end up with a tank that does not match the brewery's production style.
If you want comparable quotations, define the cellar equipment clearly from the start.
You can also browse real project references on our Case Studies page to see how different breweries configure their fermentation cellar based on production goals.
One of the most important points in the inquiry was the request for PED certification under Directive 2014/68/EU for:
6 × 10HL FV
2 × 10HL BBT
The customer also asked the supplier to clearly state the Notified Body used, and to provide a separate option with TÜV SÜD PED certification, if available.
For European projects, pressure equipment compliance is not optional. Buyers should not assume that a general CE mark is enough for pressure vessels.
A professional quotation should clearly state:
whether the tanks fall under PED
what conformity route applies
which Notified Body is involved
what documentation will be provided
whether the quoted scope includes PED costs
This is one of the most important differences between a serious European project quotation and a basic export quotation.
If your project is for the EU market, PED requirements should be discussed at the beginning of the project, not after production starts.
The customer requested a complete glycol system including:
glycol tank sized for the full system
1 × 5HP chiller
1 × 8HP chiller
about 18 kW total cooling capacity at -5°C
Copeland or equivalent compressor
circulation pumps
insulated glycol piping
stainless steel glycol distribution piping preferred
The cooling system needed to serve:
6 FV
2 BBT
wort cooling
cold liquor requirements
and also be prepared for future cellar expansion.
Cooling systems are often under-specified in early quotations. But glycol design affects:
fermentation temperature stability
cold-crash performance
brewhouse cooling speed
cellar expansion flexibility
energy efficiency
A proper RFQ should state not only the current tanks, but also whether the cooling system should be sized or prepared for future additions.
The customer asked the supplier to prepare the system for future installation of approximately:
6 × 20HL FV
2 × 20HL BBT
and specifically requested:
spare PLC I/O
spare temperature controllers
electrical preparation
glycol distribution preparation
adequate circulation system
connection points
This is exactly how experienced buyers think.
It is much cheaper to prepare for expansion at the initial design stage than to retrofit later.
Without early preparation, future expansion may require:
control panel replacement
new cable routes
chiller upgrade
glycol header redesign
added labor and downtime
piping modifications after production has already started
A good brewery quotation should reflect not only today's equipment list, but tomorrow's realistic growth path.
The automation request in this inquiry was also very clear. The customer requested:
Siemens S7-1200 PLC
HMI touchscreen, preferably Siemens
Schneider / ABB electrical components
Danfoss or equivalent VFDs
automatic multi-step mashing
recipe storage and editing
process trend / curve recording
automatic tank temperature control
flowmeter display and control
pump control
pneumatic valve control
alarm history
remote monitoring / assistance
data logging
The customer also requested all controllers needed for the current 6 FV + 2 BBT, plus 8 additional prewired tank controllers for future expansion.
Automation is one of the easiest areas for suppliers to quote differently.
One supplier's “PLC system” may include only basic pump on/off control. Another may include recipe management, trend recording, remote support, and fully integrated tank control.
If automation is important to your project, define it in writing. Otherwise, price comparisons are almost meaningless.
The inquiry specifically requested:
a list of all pneumatic valves included
the function of each valve
a preliminary P&ID
The P&ID was expected to identify:
automatic operations
manual operations
product lines
CIP lines
water lines
steam lines
glycol lines
A preliminary P&ID is not just an engineering formality. It helps the buyer understand:
how the process will actually operate
what is automated and what is manual
whether the system logic matches the intended workflow
how cleanability and maintenance access are handled
Serious suppliers should be able to provide at least a preliminary process logic drawing before final production.
For breweries that value cleanability and operability, this is especially important.
The customer requested a complete 300 kg/h natural-gas steam generator with:
CE compliance
water softening system
feed-water system
pressure reduction station
safety devices
steam piping to brewhouse and HLT
steam traps and fittings
The customer also requested a separate alternative quotation for a 300 kg/h electric steam generator.
Steam systems are often quoted too narrowly. A “steam boiler price” alone does not tell the buyer whether the quoted scope includes:
water treatment
feed water arrangement
steam pressure control
steam distribution piping
installation accessories
compliance requirements
Asking for both gas and electric options is also a smart way to compare local operating conditions, energy cost, and site limitations.
The requested CIP system included:
100L disinfection / acid tank
100L heated caustic tank
200L recovery / rinse-water tank
sanitary CIP pump
piping
valves
heating control
level and safety control
Many brewery buyers focus heavily on the brewhouse and fermenters but underestimate CIP design.
A proper quotation should explain whether the CIP system is:
manual, semi-automatic, or automated
sized for current tanks only or future expansion as well
designed for chemical recovery
equipped with heating and safety interlocks
integrated into PLC control or operated separately
CIP is one of the most important systems for beer quality protection.
The customer also asked for a suitable oil-free air compressor for all pneumatic valves, with clear indication of:
air flow
pressure
receiver volume
power
air treatment included
Compressed air is often forgotten until late in the project, especially when pneumatic valves are included in the process scope.
But if the air supply is undersized or not properly treated, it can affect:
valve response
automation reliability
instrument performance
sanitary risk in some applications
A complete brewery quotation should include the air system whenever pneumatic automation is part of the design.
The RFQ requested clear confirmation of:
CE conformity
PED certification
EU Declaration of Conformity
material certificates
food-contact certificates
pressure-test certificates
electrical drawings
P&ID
operation manuals
maintenance manuals
spare-parts list
For European buyers, documentation is not a minor issue. It affects:
customs clearance
installation
local compliance review
FAT and SAT acceptance
operator training
maintenance and spare-parts planning
If documentation is not clearly listed in the quotation, buyers may later face delays, disputes, or missing deliverables.
The inquiry requested a documented Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) before shipment, including testing of:
vessels
pumps
motors
pneumatic valves
PLC
HMI
sensors
automatic sequences
safety systems
The customer also stated that the final balance payment should be made only after successful FAT and approval.
A well-defined FAT helps both sides.
For the buyer, FAT reduces risk before shipment.
For the supplier, FAT clarifies the acceptance standard and avoids misunderstandings later.
For automated brewery systems, FAT is especially important because many issues can be found and corrected more efficiently in the factory than on site after delivery.
Finally, the customer requested quotation for:
installation supervision
commissioning
PLC commissioning
operator training
remote technical support
and asked the supplier to state:
expected number of technicians
expected duration
Installation is one of the biggest areas of confusion in brewery projects.
A quotation should clearly explain:
what the supplier will do
what the customer or local contractor must do
whether service is remote or on-site
how many technicians are needed
how long installation and commissioning are expected to take
Without this clarity, project schedules and budgets can quickly go off track.
At CASSMAN, installation support, commissioning, training, and remote technical assistance are important parts of many international brewery projects. You can explore more brewery project references on our global case studies page.
Below is a practical summary of what a strong 10HL brewery RFQ should include:
RFQ Section | What to Define Clearly | Why It Matters |
Brewhouse | 3-vessel or 4-vessel, batch size, brews/day | Determines real production capability |
Hot/Cold Liquor | Tank size and integration | Affects brew-day efficiency |
Milling | Mill capacity, auger, hydrator, controls | Prevents workflow bottlenecks |
Fermentation | FV/BBT quantity and fittings | Ensures comparable cellar quotations |
PED | Scope, Notified Body, certification option | Critical for Europe |
Cooling | Chiller size, piping, future load | Protects fermentation performance |
Expansion | Spare I/O, glycol, electrical prep | Reduces future retrofit cost |
PLC | Brands, functions, spare controllers | Avoids unclear automation scope |
P&ID | Valve list and process logic | Clarifies operation and design |
Steam | Boiler type, accessories, gas/electric options | Affects utilities and cost |
CIP | Tank sizes, heating, recovery, controls | Protects hygiene and beer quality |
Air | Oil-free compressor and treatment | Supports pneumatic reliability |
Documents | CE, PED, DoC, drawings, manuals | Essential for EU projects |
FAT | Test scope and acceptance standard | Reduces shipment risk |
Installation | Supervision, commissioning, training | Defines project responsibility |
A detailed inquiry like this tells the supplier something important:
This is not a buyer who is only shopping for the lowest visible tank price.
This is a buyer who understands:
brewery process design
utility integration
long-term expansion
compliance requirements
acceptance testing
real operating needs
These are usually the projects that move more efficiently from quotation to engineering, from production to FAT, and from installation to stable operation.
At CASSMAN, we work with brewery investors, brewpub owners, and production breweries that need more than a basic tank quotation.
For projects like this, our team can support with:
brewhouse configuration comparison
fermentation cellar planning
glycol and utility sizing
preliminary P&ID preparation
control-system discussion
FAT planning
export documentation
installation and commissioning support
If you are still comparing configurations, you can browse more technical planning content on the CASSMAN Blog or contact our team directly through the CASSMAN website.
A good brewery quotation starts with a good brewery inquiry.
For European 10HL brewery projects, the difference between a vague RFQ and a professional RFQ can affect:
quotation accuracy
compliance scope
lead time clarity
installation planning
automation functionality
expansion readiness
final project cost
If you want a serious, comparable, engineering-based brewery equipment proposal, do not ask only for “a 10HL brewhouse price.”
Define the real project.
That is how serious buyers get serious quotations.
At minimum, buyers should define brewhouse configuration, daily brew target, fermentation cellar scope, utility systems, automation requirements, certification expectations, future expansion needs, FAT scope, and commissioning support.
Requesting both options helps you understand the true extra investment required for greater process separation and potential throughput flexibility. It is one of the best ways to compare short-term budget versus long-term production planning.
Applicable pressure vessels for the European market may require PED compliance under Directive 2014/68/EU. Buyers should always confirm the scope, conformity route, documentation, and Notified Body involvement before placing an order.
Preparing spare PLC I/O, electrical capacity, glycol distribution, and connection points at the beginning usually costs much less than retrofitting them later. Early planning reduces future downtime and engineering changes.
A proper FAT should test vessels, pumps, motors, valves, sensors, PLC logic, HMI screens, safety functions, alarms, and automatic sequences. The FAT should be documented and agreed before shipment.
A preliminary P&ID helps the buyer verify operating logic, manual vs automatic functions, process flow, and utility integration. It also helps avoid misunderstandings before fabrication begins.
Yes, but buyers should confirm this explicitly in the quotation stage. Not all suppliers offer the same level of engineering support, documentation, automation brand options, or compliance experience. The RFQ should make those expectations clear from the beginning.
You can visit the CASSMAN Case Studies page to see brewery and distillery projects delivered in different countries and for different production scales.
Planning a 10HL brewery project for Europe?
Send CASSMAN your target output, preferred brewhouse format, fermentation plan, automation requirements, and certification needs.
Our engineering team can help you prepare a more accurate proposal with the right technical scope, documentation, and expansion planning from the start.
Contact us to discuss your brewery RFQ today.
