For newcomers in the craft brewing industry, the equipment from various manufacturers may seem similar, and they may think that they can buy any equipment. However, what they don’t realize is that the operation and service life of the equipment are reflected in these subtle differences. Beer equipment may appear slightly different on the surface, but it’s the invisible parameters such as the thickness of the inner tank, the power of the compressor, the pipeline winding method, and the material of the steel plate and pipeline that truly matter. These parameters determine the value of the fermenter. ACE Equipment has been independently developing beer equipment for over ten years, constantly updating the style and material to make it more reasonable and aesthetically pleasing.
1. First, let’s consider the thickness of the inner liner. If the inner liner is too thin, the welding seams may open and leak due to the repeated heat and cold action of the wine. This not only affects the winemaking process but also requires troublesome maintenance by returning the equipment to the factory.
2. The second aspect is the design of the “manhole” in the fermentation tank. You might wonder, what’s the purpose of the “manhole”? During the welding of the tank body, if no “manhole” is left, it becomes difficult to remove the welding slag inside. Over time, corrosion caused by the wine can lead to leaks and weakened welds. It’s also convenient to have a manhole for observing the internal wine situation later on.
3. Next, we have the thickness of the insulation layer. If the insulation layer is too thin or made of inferior materials, it can affect the equipment’s insulation effect and result in excessive power consumption.
ACE Craft Beer Brewery
4. Lastly, the choice of different materials for the compressor and refrigeration pipeline will affect the refrigeration effect. If the equipment uses aluminum pipes, the refrigeration pipes may rust or develop leaks within six months.
Choice of Various Accessories
1. The first consideration is the power of the heating tube in the mash tun and boil kettle. Higher power will require more time for brewing beer.
2. The mash tun is also designed with double layers inside and outside. Of course, a thicker inner liner is preferable.
3. Filters: Some filter materials are relatively thin, and prolonged pressure from the lees can cause deformation and negatively affect the filtering effect. This can result in cloudy wort or slower filtering speed. The design of the mesh also greatly influences the filtering speed of the beer.
4. Improper selection of the centrifugal pump can lead to slow filtration speed and uneven mixing of the liquor.
5. The power distribution cabinet primarily controls temperature and timing, making the brewing process easier to manage. Some equipment may only have a power distribution box (equivalent to a circuit breaker) instead of a full cabinet. The quality of the circuit breaker and other electrical components will also impact the overall service life of the electrical control cabinet.
The above points briefly describe the function of some components, and the quality choices for each accessory will affect the final brewing outcome. Brewing equipment should not be chosen solely based on price. The quality of the equipment serves as a valuable aid during operation and control, and the brewer’s skill ultimately determines the taste of the beer.