In the modern beer brewing industry, the fermenter is one of the most important equipment. An efficient, stable, and easy-to-operate industrial beer brewing fermenter can directly affect the quality, taste, and production efficiency of beer. Therefore, how to choose a suitable industrial beer brewing fermenter has become a key issue for beer production companies. In this guide, Micet Group engineers will discuss the advantages and characteristics of industrial brewing fermenters and how to choose a brewing fermenter that suits you.
What is an industrial brewing fermenter?
Industrial fermenters are closed containers used for large-scale beer production, which play a vital role in the beer fermentation process. The fermenter can provide suitable temperature, pressure, and environmental conditions so that yeast can fully ferment in it, thereby producing alcohol and carbon dioxide, and giving beer a unique flavor.
Industrial fermenters are generally made of stainless steel, and the interior is polished to ensure sanitary conditions and prevent microbial contamination. The tank body is usually equipped with a cooling system, a pressure regulation system, a sampling port, a cleaning device, etc. to meet the needs of industrial production.
Importance of industrial brewing fermentation tanks in production
Ensure the stability of the fermentation process
During the brewing process of beer, yeast decomposes sugars in the fermentation tank to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide, while giving the beer a unique flavor. Industrial fermentation tanks can provide a stable fermentation environment, including precise temperature control, oxygen management, pressure regulation, etc., to ensure the taste and quality of each batch of beer are consistent.
Improve production efficiency and meet market demand.
Industrial-grade fermentation tanks usually have a large capacity and can support large-scale continuous production, greatly improving production efficiency. Compared with traditional small-batch fermentation containers, industrial fermentation tanks can reduce the time loss between batches, increase the output per unit time, and meet the market’s large demand for beer.
Ensure product quality and food safety.
The fermentation tank is made of food-grade stainless steel, which has good corrosion resistance and hygiene, avoiding the risk of contamination by miscellaneous bacteria. In addition, the CIP (clean in place) system inside the tank can effectively remove residues and microorganisms, ensure the cleanliness of the production environment, and ensure that the beer meets food safety standards.
Control fermentation parameters and optimize beer flavor
Different types of beer (such as lager, ale, wheat beer, etc.) have different requirements for temperature, oxygen content, pressure, and other conditions. Industrial fermentation tanks can accurately adjust these key parameters through the automation system, so that the yeast works in the best environment, thereby optimizing the flavor and taste of the beer and making the product more competitive.
Reduce production costs and improve economic benefits.
The industrial fermentation tank has a high degree of automation, which can reduce manual operation and human errors, and reduce the waste of raw materials in the production process. In addition, since the equipment adopts efficient and energy-saving cooling system and fermentation control technology, it can reduce energy consumption, reduce production costs and improve the profitability of enterprises.
Support diversified beer production and improve market competitiveness
As consumers’ demand for personalized beer grows, breweries need to produce different types and flavors of beer. Industrial fermentation tanks can flexibly adjust fermentation conditions and support the brewing needs of various beers, enabling enterprises to respond quickly to market changes and enhance market competitiveness.
Features and advantages of industrial beer brewing fermentation tanks
- Efficient production capacity: The main advantage of industrial fermentation tanks is their large-capacity design, which is usually in the scale of thousands of liters to tens of thousands of liters, which can support large-scale beer production and improve the production efficiency of enterprises.
- Good temperature control performance: Temperature is crucial to beer fermentation. Industrial fermentation tanks are usually equipped with cooling jackets or coil systems to accurately control the fermentation temperature and ensure that the yeast works at the optimal temperature, thereby improving the quality of beer.
- Corrosion resistance and hygiene: Stainless steel materials (such as 304 or 316L) make the fermentation tanks extremely corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean and disinfect, prevent microbial contamination, and ensure food safety.
- Automated control: Modern industrial fermentation tanks are usually equipped with automated control systems that can monitor key parameters such as temperature, pressure, pH, dissolved oxygen, etc. in real-time, reduce manual intervention, and improve production stability and consistency.
- Pressure regulation capability: Some beers, such as lager, need to be fermented under higher pressure. Industrial fermentation tanks have good pressure regulation capabilities, which can maintain stable fermentation conditions, increase the carbonation of beer, and enhance the flavor.
- Adapt to different process requirements: Different types of beer (such as ale, lager, wheat beer, etc.) have different requirements for the fermentation environment. Industrial fermentation tanks can adapt to different fermentation process requirements, flexibly adjust fermentation conditions, and support different types of beer production.
- Easy to clean: Modern industrial fermentation tanks are generally equipped with CIP systems, which can automatically clean the inside of the tank, reduce the workload of manual cleaning, and improve hygiene and safety.
Types of Industrial Brewing Fermentation Tanks
Industrial brewing fermentation tanks come in various types based on structure, functionality, and usage scenarios. The table below summarizes the key types:
|
Type |
Features |
Application |
Pros & Cons |
|
Cylindroconical Fermentation Tank (CCT) |
Cylindrical body with a conical bottom, facilitating yeast settling and discharge. |
Suitable for large-scale industrial beer production, especially lager beer. |
Pros: Easy to clean, suitable for automated control, enables yeast collection for reuse, improves production efficiency and consistency. |
|
Open Fermentation Tank |
Open-top design, allowing exposure to air during fermentation. |
Primarily used for specific beer styles like Belgian wheat beer and ales. |
Pros: Ideal for traditional beer fermentation, beneficial for certain yeast strains that require natural fermentation. |
|
Horizontal Fermentation Tank |
Horizontally positioned tank with a larger surface area, leading to slower fermentation. |
Mainly used for lager beer and specialty beer fermentation. |
Pros: Lower height design, suitable for breweries with limited space, provides more even temperature distribution. |
|
High-Pressure Fermentation Tank |
Designed to withstand higher pressures for fermentation under increased carbonation. |
Used for beers requiring higher carbonation levels, such as lagers and specialty beers. |
Pros: Enhances beer carbonation and improves flavor stability. |
|
Micro Fermentation Tank |
Smaller capacity, designed for experimental or small-scale brewing. |
Used for developing new recipes and small-batch production. |
Pros: Ideal for experimental brewing, highly flexible, great for testing new yeast strains or formulations. |
How to choose the right industrial beer fermentation tank equipment?
Tank material
The material of the fermentation tank is an important consideration when choosing a beer fermentation tank. The most common materials for beer fermentation tanks are stainless steel, aluminum, and plastic. Stainless steel is the most popular choice because it is durable, easy to clean, and does not react with beer. Aluminum is also a good choice because it is lightweight and affordable. Plastic tanks are cheaper than metal tanks, but they may not be as durable and are difficult to clean.
Tank size
The size of the fermentation tank is another important factor to consider. The size of the fermentation tank should be appropriate for the size of your brewery and the amount of beer you plan to produce. Small breweries may need a fermentation tank with a capacity of 5 to 10 barrels, while large breweries may need a fermentation tank with a capacity of 30 to 50 barrels or more.
Cooling system
The cooling system of the fermentation tank is another important consideration. The cooling system should be able to maintain the temperature range required for the fermentation process. Most fermentation tanks are equipped with cooling jackets that allow glycol to circulate inside the tank to regulate the temperature. Other fermentation tanks may have built-in coolers or external cooling systems.
Shape and Design
The shape and design of the fermenter can also affect the fermentation process. Conical tanks are the most popular because they make it easy to collect yeast and other sediment during fermentation. However, other shapes such as cylindrical, cylindrical, or square may also be suitable depending on the specific needs of the brewery.
Pressure Rating
The pressure rating of the fermenter is another important consideration. The fermenter should be able to withstand the pressure generated during the fermentation process without compromising the integrity of the fermenter. Pressure ratings are usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and the fermenter should be rated for the type of beer you want to produce.
Accessories
The accessories that come with the fermenter can also affect whether it is a good fit for your brewery. Some fermenters come with additional accessories such as thermometers, pressure gauges, or sampling ports that can help monitor the fermentation process. Other accessories may include manholes for easy access to the fermenter, pipetting arms, or sight glasses.
FAQ
What factors should be considered when choosing an industrial fermentation tank?
Main considerations include production scale, material, temperature control, pressure management, degree of automation, cleaning system, and budget. Current demand and future expansion plans should be considered when choosing.
What material should be chosen for the fermentation tank?
Food-grade 304 stainless steel is suitable for most beer production, and 316L stainless steel has stronger corrosion resistance and is suitable for beer with higher acidity, such as fruit beer. 316L is more durable but more expensive.
How to choose the temperature control system for the fermentation tank?
It is recommended to choose a fermentation tank with a cooling jacket or coil to ensure that the temperature can be accurately adjusted. Some high-end fermentation tanks are equipped with automatic temperature control systems to reduce manual intervention and improve fermentation stability.
Do you need to choose an automated fermentation tank?
Automated fermentation tanks can monitor temperature, pressure, and fermentation progress in real-time, reduce human errors, and improve production efficiency. For medium and large breweries, automated systems can increase production and stability.
How to ensure that the fermentation tank is easy to clean and maintain?
Choose a fermenter equipped with a CIP (clean-in-place) system to ensure automatic cleaning. The inside of the tank should be polished with high precision and equipped with a spray ball to ensure that the cleaning liquid covers all surfaces and reduces the risk of contamination.
What should I pay attention to when choosing a fermenter supplier?
Give priority to experienced and reputable manufacturers to ensure reliable equipment quality. Pay attention to the supplier’s after-sales service, installation support, accessories supply, and ensure that the product meets international standards such as CE, ISO, and FDA.
What is the general service life of an industrial fermenter?
Usually 10-20 years, depending on the quality of the material, daily maintenance, and cleaning management. Proper operation and regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of the equipment.
How to choose a cost-effective fermenter when the budget is limited?
If the budget is limited, you can choose a 304 stainless steel fermenter and choose the appropriate degree of automation according to your needs. In addition, you can give priority to purchasing a tank with complete core functions, and then upgrade accessories or systems according to your needs.