Are you and your staff handling way too many 50-pound bags of malt these days? Congratulations! That means you’re brewing great beer and business is growing. So maybe it’s time to consider purchasing larger quantities of malt at a time. But if a silo is too big or not an option for your brewery right now, consider Mini Bulk. Major advantages of Mini Bulk, which contain 1,000-2,000 pounds of malt, include:
- Pre-measured exact batch weights for single brews (+/- 0.1% total weight)
- Eliminates handling many small bags
- Reduces the risk of back injury that may occur when handling 50-pound bags
- One individual can empty a Mini Bulk bag in a very short period of time
- One-way Mini Bulk bags are recyclable
Here are a few specifics about the size and shape of 2,000-pound Mini Bulk bags to consider for receiving, handling, and storing purposes:
- 2,000 pounds +/- 250 pounds gross weight which includes the 13-pound Super Sac and 55-pound pallet
- 39″ x 45″ x 62″ tall
- Baffled Super Sac (poly-wove, coated material)
- Non-returnable, 100% recyclable
- 8″ – 10″ straps on each corner for handling with forklift
- 14″ spout on the bottom for easy dispensing
- Custom weights available upon request. Minimum orders and lead time apply
- Any doorway that the bag must pass through should be at least 55 inches wide
- The bag and straps are extremely strong. This allows one individual with a forklift or overhead winch to efficiently and safely lift and empty a bag
Emptying a Mini Bulk Bag
Handling a Briess Mini Bulk bag requires a forklift or an overhead winch. Both must be able to lift up to 2,000 pounds safely. The operator slides the lifting straps onto the forklift arms or the winch hooks, and lifts the bag off the pallet. He moves and centers the bag over the receiving hopper. The operator opens the flap on the bottom of the bag, pulls down and unties the chute, and the grain flows out.
Bags without chutes are also available. When designing the receiving hopper, Briess strongly suggests placing a screen with 1/2″ openings in the hopper. This will prevent someone from accidentally getting a hand caught in the auger, the bag from getting into the auger, or any large foreign material from entering the system.
Interested? Contact your Briess Division Manager who can discuss equipment necessary for handling Mini Bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How large must my usage be to effectively use Mini Bulk?
A. There is no real size limit. If you use 1,000 pounds per week of a particular malt, have sufficient room in a grain handling area, and use of a forklift, then it may benefit you.
Q. Will Mini Bulk bags save me money?
A. This needs to be addressed on an individual basis. There may or may not be a direct up-front cost savings. In addition to malt prices, other cost factors at your facility need to be considered such as savings in labor, storage, small bag disposal, etc.
Q. What are the trucking considerations?
A. A total of 21-22 pallets fill a truck. If each bag holds 2,000 pounds, the maximum over-the-road weight will be reached at 21 pallets. If each bag only holds 1,000 pounds, then the per pound freight will be higher.
Q. How much lead time is required?
A. Four to six weeks lead time can be required.
Q. Can the bags be double stacked in the warehouse?
A. We do not recommend doing this for safety reasons. Pallet racking is recommended.
Q. Can several types of malt be blended per bag?
A. Yes. This is a custom order and minimum quantities and lead time are required. Contact your Division Manager if you are interested in pursuing custom blending for your brews.