The cost of a beer fermentation tank is an important part of the brewing process, directly affecting production efficiency and economic benefits. With the rise of home brewing and commercial brewing, a variety of types of fermentation tanks have appeared on the market, suitable for users of different sizes and needs. From fermentation tanks used in small laboratories to large industrial fermentation tanks, the price difference is large, usually affected by factors such as capacity, materials, brand, and additional functions.
¿Qué es un fermentador?
A fermenter is a device specifically used for microbial fermentation and is widely used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. It provides a confined space with controlled environmental conditions such as temperature, pH, oxygen, and nutrients to promote the growth and metabolism of microorganisms. Fermenters are usually equipped with stirring systems, temperature control systems, and gas control devices to ensure the efficiency and stability of the fermentation process. Depending on the application, there are many fermenters, ranging from small equipment in the laboratory to huge tanks for large-scale industrial production.
Types of Fermenters
Fermentadores abiertos
This is a traditional fermenter where the surface of the fermenting liquid is exposed to the air. Historically, many breweries have used open fermenters because they believe they provide a better flavor, especially for certain types of beer, such as Belgian lambics.
Closed Fermenters
These fermenters are completely sealed, providing a more controlled environment. They are popular in many modern brewing and winemaking facilities because they are effective in maintaining sanitation and controlling the fermentation process.
Fermentadores cónicos
A favorite of homebrewers and commercial brewers, conical fermenters are shaped so that yeast and sediment settle to the bottom, making it easier to separate liquids from solids.
Unitanks
Unitanks are versatile tanks that handle both fermentation and carbonation in the same vessel. They can be more cost-effective for some brewers because they reduce the need for multiple tanks.
Material del tanque de fermentación
The material of the fermentation tank directly affects its performance, durability, and the difficulty of cleaning and maintenance.
Common materials include:
- Stainless steel: Stainless steel fermentation tanks are widely used in industry and laboratories because of their corrosion resistance and easy cleaning.
- Glass: Suitable for small laboratory fermentation and easy to observe the fermentation process, but not suitable for large-scale production.
- Polymer material: Lightweight, low cost, suitable for certain specific applications, but poor resistance to high temperature and chemical corrosion.
|
Material |
Características |
Applicable occasions |
|
Acero inoxidable |
Corrosion-resistant, easy to clean |
Industry, laboratory |
|
Vidrio |
Easy to observe |
Small laboratory |
|
Polymer materials |
Lightweight, low cost |
Specific applications |
Fermenter Features
Controlled Environment
Fermenters provide a sealed environment that protects the fermented product from external contaminants such as wild yeasts, bacteria, and airborne particles, ensuring the purity of the fermentation process.
Regulación de la temperatura
Many fermenters, especially closed fermenters, come with temperature control systems. Maintaining the correct temperature is critical because it affects yeast metabolism and overall fermentation dynamics, ultimately affecting the flavor and quality of the final product.
Agitación y mezcla
Some fermenters have built-in agitators. Proper mixing ensures even fermentation, and better temperature control, and can enhance yeast health, especially in larger-volume fermenters.
Sediment Separation
Specially designed tanks, such as conical fermenters, allow yeast and other sediment to naturally settle to the bottom. This design simplifies the cleanup process and makes subsequent filtration or decanting stages more efficient.
Carbonatación
Some fermenters, especially single-tank fermenters, can handle the carbonation process. Once fermentation is complete, the beverage can be carbonated directly in the same tank without transferring to another container.
What is the cost of a fermentador?
The price of a fermenter can vary greatly depending on its size, material, function, and manufacturer. From amateur brewers to large-scale industrial production, the price of a fermenter ranges widely.
- Type and capacity: The cost of small, medium, and large fermenters varies greatly. Small fermenters are generally cheaper, while large industrial fermenters are expensive. The larger the capacity, the higher the material and manufacturing costs.
- Different materials: Commonly used in industrial fermenters, it is popular for its corrosion resistance and easy cleaning, and the cost is higher. Used in laboratory fermenters, the price is relatively low, but it is not as durable and stable as stainless steel.
- Design function: High-end fermenters are usually equipped with automatic temperature control, stirring, online monitoring systems, etc., which increases the overall cost of the equipment. The addition of functions such as gas exchange and defoaming will also increase the price of the equipment.
- Brand and manufacturer: Equipment from well-known brands tends to be more expensive, but provides better quality and after-sales service. Choosing a reputable manufacturer may mean higher costs, but more reliable equipment.
- Transportation and installation: The transportation costs of large fermenters are usually higher, especially when transporting across regions or internationally. Professional installation and commissioning may require additional fees, especially in the case of complex equipment.
- Maintenance and operation costs: High-end equipment may require regular maintenance and inspections, which will increase long-term operating costs. The operation and maintenance of equipment require professionals, and personnel training and wages are also part of the cost.
- Market demand: Changes in market demand for beer may affect the price of fermentation tanks, and the supply and demand relationship directly affects the cost of equipment.
Price Range Table:
|
TAMAÑO/CAPACIDAD |
MATERIAL |
PRECIO PROMEDIO (USD) |
|
5 galones |
Vidrio |
$50 – $100 |
|
5 galones |
Acero inoxidable |
$150 – $300 |
|
50 galones |
Plástico |
$300 – $500 |
|
50 galones |
Acero inoxidable |
$1.000 – $2.500 |
|
500 galones |
Acero inoxidable |
$5.000 – $10.000 |
|
1,000+ Gallons |
Acero inoxidable |
$10,000 and up |
Applications of Fermenters
Winemaking
The most well-known application of fermenters is in the winemaking industry. Breweries use these fermenters to ferment wort (the liquid extracted from the mashing process) into beer. The controlled environment ensures that the brewed beer is of consistent quality.
Winemaking
Similar to the winemaking process, brewers use fermenters to turn grape juice (or must) into wine. While some brewers prefer to use open fermenters to introduce wild yeasts, many modern breweries use closed fermenters to tightly control the process.
Dairy Industry
In the dairy industry, fermenters play a key role in the production of yogurt, kefir, and certain cheeses. The fermentation process helps break down lactose and introduces beneficial bacteria, which improves the taste and nutritional value of the product.
Food Processing
In addition to beverages and dairy products, fermenters also play an important role in the production of various fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles. These foods benefit from fermentation in terms of flavor and preservation.
Destilación
For spirits such as whiskey, rum, or brandy, fermenters are the first step. Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is transferred to a distillation unit to increase the alcohol concentration.
Non-alcoholic beverages
Many popular non-alcoholic beverages, such as kombucha and certain probiotic drinks, require fermentation. Kombucha, for example, is made by fermenting sweetened tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, commonly known as a SCOBY. The fermentation process gives these drinks their unique flavor, bubbles, and purported health benefits.
Factors to consider when choosing a fermenter
- Capacity requirements: Determine the required fermentation volume to select the appropriate capacity. Different-sized breweries require fermenters of different sizes.
- Type and application: Select the type of fermenter based on the specific application, such as laboratory, small or large fermenters, or solid or liquid fermenters for specific products.
- Material: Choose corrosion-resistant and easy-to-clean materials (such as stainless steel) to ensure product quality and extend service life.
- Automation and control system: Consider the degree of automation of the fermenter, and whether temperature control, stirring, and online monitoring functions are required to improve operating efficiency.
- Budget: Consider the cost of the equipment based on the capital budget, including purchase, transportation, and installation costs.
- Temperature control: Maintaining precise temperature is essential for many fermentable products. Integrated temperature control systems can meet such requirements.
- Brand and manufacturer: Choose a well-known brand or a reputable manufacturer to get more reliable products and excellent after-sales service.