The fermentation tank is a vital component of the brewing process, and ensuring proper fermentation is key to producing high-quality beer. Whether it’s a small-scale home brewery or a commercial beer business, any container capable of holding liquid can be used as a fermenter. However, advancements in technology have led to the development of specialized containers.
What is a fermentation tank?
A fermentation vessel, also known as a fermenter or FV (sometimes spelled fermentor), is a container such as a tank or barrel that holds the wort as it ferments into beer. Fermentation tanks have always been an essential part of even the simplest home breweries.
The modern technology of beer fermentation can be divided into two categories: traditional fermentation innovation and modern fermentation innovation. Modern fermentation methods include circular open-air conical fermentation tanks, constant-speed fermentation, and high-concentration dilution fermentation. Circular open-air conical fermentation tanks are commonly used for fermentation.
- The inner tank is made of high-quality stainless steel, meeting global standards, and features polyurethane high-pressure foam insulation material.
- The fermentation tank adopts international beer standardized production technology, allowing for real-time online monitoring and remote tracking. It is equipped with a PLC automatic cleaning and sanitation system for automation control.
- The cooling jacket of the fermentation tank meets the technical standards of various countries worldwide and offers different heat exchange methods, including plate, curved mesh, and ceramic tile mesh, to accommodate the heat exchange requirements of modern technology and various cooling media.
Classification of fermentation tanks
The fermentation system consists of a fermentation tank, a sake tank, and a temporary storage tank. The fermentation tank is responsible for the activities of brewer’s yeast, which utilizes the fermentable substances in the wort under specific conditions to produce the desired craft beer.
- Classification based on hygienic standards: sanitary stainless steel tanks, ordinary stainless steel tanks.
- Classification based on pressure requirements: stainless steel pressure vessels, non-stainless steel pressure vessels.
- Classification based on form: vertical stainless steel tanks, horizontal stainless steel tanks.
Fermentation tank models
The models of fermentation tanks range from 100L to 5000L and can be customized according to customer requirements. Fermentation tanks are divided into two types: waist manhole and top manhole. The quantity of tanks should be calculated based on the daily output and available space. The inner liner and outer cover of the fermentation tank are made of high-quality SUS304 stainless steel, and the interior is polished and cleaned thoroughly.
Precautions when using a fermenter
To prevent deformation of the inner tank due to negative pressure, the upper valve should not be closed after cleaning the fermentation tank; it can be plugged with alcohol cotton.
- Regularly inspect circuits, switches, wiring connectors, pipes, and joints to prevent aging and loose connections.
- Check the pressure and temperature of the fermentation tank daily and promptly address any abnormalities that may affect the fermentation process.
- Take precautions to prevent valves, switches, and hoses from falling off and causing burns during high-temperature operation.
Why choose a conical fermenter?
There are several advantages to using a conical fermenter in home brewing. They are highly convenient, easy to use, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Conical fermenters allow for the removal of lees and yeast from the beer before and during fermentation through the bottom outlet, eliminating substances that can cause off-flavors.
- They enable the collection of high-quality yeast near the end of fermentation for immediate or later re-use, providing flexibility (yeast can be stored in the refrigerator for a period).
- Conical fermenters eliminate the need for transferring between primary and secondary fermentation vessels, streamlining the brewing process.
- The side outlet facilitates easy transfer of beer into kegs. In summary, conical fermenters greatly simplify the home brewing process.
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