Table of Contents
What is a stainless steel tank?
Stainless steel tanks are an essential component in the production process of beer and other beverages. Made from high-grade stainless steel, these tanks provide an ideal environment for fermenting and conditioning beers and beverages.
Basic Components of a Stainless Steel Brewing Tank：
COMPONENT | DESCRIPTION |
Body | Main storage area, usually cylindrical |
Cone Bottom | A conical section at the bottom to collect sediments |
Cooling System | Coils or jackets to regulate temperature |
Pressure Valve | To release excess pressure |
Sampling Port | To extract beer samples without opening the main tank |
Types of stainless steel tanks
Fermenter
Mixing tank
Mixing tanks, also known as blending tanks and stainless steel mixing vessels, are designed for mixing liquids and have separate and distinct lines for the introduction and exit of liquid ingredients into and out of the mixing unit. As part of the automated process, this makes it possible to transport components into the tank and transfer the contents to the next stage via pipes next to or below the tank (depending on the setup or layout).
They are used to mix different ingredients (flavor, texture, viscosity, color). The role of mixing tanks in manufacturing and production is to mix large quantities of ingredients. During the mixing process, different ingredients are refined and mixed to form a composite whole.
Storage tank
Storage tanks are one of the most reliable and versatile options for industrial storage solutions. Tanks used for storage are usually located in cooler sections and are often not insulated. Manholes are located on the top of the storage vessel, or sometimes on the side (side manholes) if the tank has an ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) pressure rating of 30-psi. There is a drain hole at the bottom to help the discharge of contents.
Basic components of storage tanks:
- Pressure relief valve
- Construction site glass
- Sample test cock
- Side frame arms for yeast cake positioning
Hot and cold liquid tanks
Why choose stainless steel?
- Easy maintenance: This is by far one of the biggest advantages of using stainless steel equipment. Maintenance of steel equipment is very easy compared to wooden coffins. From unwanted residue to waste, all can be eliminated with stainless steel equipment.
- No leakage: Another advantage of stainless steel equipment is that it is leakproof. Unless there is some kind of hole, there’s no way a leak could happen. Since the material is quite tough, it is difficult for stainless steel equipment to experience any kind of leakage.
- friendly: The manufacturing of traditional equipment often involves the use of wood such as oak. While it was and is even now enough often, the fact is that building the equipment for any standard brewery does need a lot of wood.
- Anti-corrosion: Stainless steel is more durable than concrete, plastic, or carbon steel. This sturdy material resists oxidation by biocides and water.
- Long service life and durability: Stainless steel tanks have greater resistance to crevice corrosion, cavitation, and wear in pure water and contaminated water. The material is also heat-resistant and will not be affected when exposed to harmful radiation. Additionally, stainless steel tanks are less likely to crack, rust, or freeze.
Stainless steel tank cost
When considering which tank to buy, it is important to consider not only the initial cost but also potential maintenance expenses, operating costs, and the expected lifespan of the tank.
- Size: Prices increase with size from small 100-liter tanks to large 30,000-liter tanks.
- Features: Integrating advanced features such as temperature control, pressure monitoring or stirring systems will increase costs.
- Manufacturer: Brands known for their quality and service may have higher prices than their less well-known counterparts.
- Location: Import duties, shipping costs, and local market conditions may affect the final price.
- Customization: Custom tanks designed for specific needs are usually more expensive than off-the-shelf models.
Estimated Price Range for Stainless Steel Brewing Tanks
TANK CAPACITY (LITERS) | PRICE RANGE (USD) |
100 – 500 | $1,500 – $5,000 |
500 – 5,000 | $5,000 – $20,000 |
5,000 – 15,000 | $20,000 – $60,000 |
15,000 – 30,000 | $60,000 – $150,000 |
Functions of stainless steel tanks
- Temperature regulation: Fermentation is a temperature-sensitive process. Stainless steel tanks often come with built-in cooling jackets or coils to ensure the beer is fermented at the optimal temperature.
- Prevent aeration: Exposure to oxygen will reduce beer quality. These tanks are designed to be airtight to prevent unnecessary oxygen exposure.
- Yeast collection: The tapered bottom of many brewing tanks helps collect and remove yeast after fermentation, promoting beer clarification.
- Carbonation: Beer can be carbonated directly by introducing carbon dioxide in tanks designed for this purpose, allowing precise carbonation levels to be achieved.
- Beer storage: After brewing, beer needs to be stored in a controlled environment before being packaged or consumed. These tanks ensure the beer stays in top condition.
Choose stainless steel tanks
Deciding where to buy a stainless steel tank is important, the quality, durability, and efficiency of the tank can significantly affect yields.
- Manufacturer direct sales: This is often the best way to ensure you are getting genuine, high-quality equipment. Buying directly from the manufacturer means you can get a custom solution tailored to your specific needs. In addition, manufacturers can provide after-sales support, warranty, and expert guidance.
- Specialty retailers: Some specialty retailers focus solely on brewing equipment. These can be physical stores or online platforms. They often sell products from multiple manufacturers in a wide variety of categories.
- Second-hand market: Established breweries sometimes upgrade or expand their operations and sell old equipment. Platforms like ProBrewer or even local classifieds may list used brew tanks.
- Micet craft: Micet craft is dedicated to customized solutions. The product range covers a variety of beverages including kombucha, cold brew coffee, bubble tea, and wine. This diversity ensures they stay ahead of the curve on industry trends and technologies.