Fermentation is the main pillar of craft beer production. This is where the magic takes place and wort turns into beer; hence, the choice of fermenter is essential to every brewer. It gives an overview of commonly used fermenters in craft beer production each having its unique characteristics and benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Cylindroconical tanks are predominant in most modern breweries due to their adaptability that allows both fermentation and maturation under one roof.
- Open fermentation tanks which are traditional ones are mainly for certain types including any ale with an easy skimming of yeast but high risk of contamination.
- Wooden barrel fermenters give characteristic flavors and have historical importance although they need more care than others.
- Unitanks’ advantage lies in dual purpose functionality during fermentation and maturation thereby making them efficient thus widely employed in brewing industry.
- Plastic fermenters are cheaper alternatives suitable for homebrewing although stainless steel options may be long-lasting.
Cylindroconical Tanks
Cone shaped bottoms distinguish cylindroconical tanks, an essential piece of equipment in the modern craft beer production. With these tanks, brewers can easily separate yeast for discarding or re-pitching facilitating efficient brewing process.
1、Design and Structure
Although the design of cylindroconical tanks goes back to patents from 1908 and 1927, it was not until the 1960s that they became feasible due to progress in stainless steel fabrication. These vessels are commonly vertical with a height-to-diameter ratios ranging between 1:1 and 5:1 to promote mixing and avoid excessive hydrostatic pressure on the yeast. Many recent tanks have more than one cooling jacket, as well as a permanent cleaning device at their tops for easy maintenance.
2、Advantages in Brewing
Because of its design, cylindroconical tanks have several benefits; among them are space-saving because of their vertical orientation and placing outside in tank farms. Fermentation is aided by multiple cooling jackets which give a chance for optimal thermal movement within the beer during fermentation while automated cleaning systems allow for ease of maintenance.
3、Common Uses
These are some of the most commonly used storage facilities found in bigger breweries where space is costly to install building materials or land may be limited. They help make just about any kind of beer owing to their better construction as well as ease when it comes to management of yeast during fermentation; this includes everything from lagers down through stouts up towards pale ale styles like pilsners thanks yet again! Additionally, they are suited for making a variety of beers like Ales Lager from very efficient designs such slight modification within one line above perfectly illustrates: they can ferment all sorts except maybe saison noted below good job here….!
The beginning of cylindrical conical tanks proliferation occurred around Ireland since early sixties thereby leading into revolutionizing brewing industry through improved designs which were practical.
Open Fermentation Tanks
1、Traditional Methods
Open fermentation tanks are one of the oldest types of vessels used for fermenting beer. The tanks have no covers or seals meaning that beer is fermented in direct contact with the surrounding environment. Some craft breweries still make use of this method as it is associated with traditional brewing and helps produce unique beer styles.
2、Benefits and Drawbacks
In addition to allowing access to the beer during the fermentation process, easy monitoring and adjustments can be made by opening up these types of tanks. On the other hand, such openness exposes the beer to airborne microorganisms which may contaminate it. Thus, breweries should always ensure strict sanitation measures are taken to guarantee sterile conditions at all times.
3、Types of Beers Brewed
Open fermentation tanks are frequently used in brewing certain beers that need environmental exposure. This includes:
- Belgian-style ales
- Certain wheat beers
- Traditional English ales
Reproducing successful batches with high accuracy using open fermentation tanks enable brewers to set a standard for each bottle or pint according to their breweries’ specifications and flavors they know well since inception hence laborious but valuable training!
Wooden Barrel Fermentation Tanks
1、Historical Significance
For centuries, wooden barrels have been used in brewing because of their traditional approach that modern brewers utilize to trace back their history. However, this type of barrel was not the first choice for fermentation vessels but it has become iconic in the craft beer industry.
2、Flavor Profiles
Craft brewers who want different flavors in their beers from wooden barrels are more suited to using barrel fermenters. When it comes to aging beer, oak is a favorite for many since it gives it a slight wood and vanilla taste. Nevertheless, the process requires careful monitoring and patience since barrel micro-oxygenation can add complexity to beer.
3、Modern Applications
Wooden barrels are currently being utilized in breweries not just as fermentation vessels but also as aging containers. Simply choose a yeast combination and put wort into a barrel using this method. The beer made through this process should not be mistaken for cask ale; rather, cask ale undergoes its second fermentation inside the container.
The entire process begins with maturation which is an unearthly transformation of basic ingredients such as malt, water, yeast and hops into delightful aromas of craft beer through barrel fermentation.
Unitanks
1、Dual Functionality
Unitanks alternatively known as universal tanks combine both allocated duties of fermenting and conditioning tanks in one vessel simplifying brewing by reducing beer transfers. Typically constructed from stainless steel unitanks also come equipped with pressure and temperature control systems enabling them work effectively when brewing various kinds of beers including lagers or ales.
2、Efficiency in Brewing
Unitank systems offer huge efficiency gains. They have tapered bottoms along with temperature control jackets; they have pressure relief valves that are needed if you want to carbonate your beer directly within the same vessel.This saves on space and operational costs while still using only one tank.
3、Popular Models
There are many models of unitanks that are popular in the market for each of them has its own unique features:
- Blichmann Cornical Unitank: This is a modular design and offers user friendliness.
- Ss Brewtech Unitank: Allows advanced pressure management and temperature control.
- Spike Brewing Flex+: Compact design which is ideal for small scale breweries.
These cater to various requirements from homebrewing to craft beer production on a larger-scale.
Horizontal Fermentation Tanks
Horizontal fermenters are specific options mainly used in lager production. They have been designed horizontally so as to get the large surface areas necessary for low temperature lagering. The tanks are commonly made using stainless steel material that is fitted with cooling jackets in order to maintain precise temperature control.
1、Design Features
Horizontal beer tanks are big cylindrical tanks meant specifically for beer, which requires longer fermentation and maturation period at cooler temperatures. In order to make it easier for brewers during lagering process, the tanks should be significantly wider than they would be if erect like ale tanks.
2、Usage in Lagering
The reason why horizontal fermenters are better suited to lagers is because they facilitate more even distribution of yeast and more controlled temperatures. Ales typically do not require extensive fermentation periods like lagers, these beers can be fermented within as little as 2 weeks provided that the ambient temperatures stay between 18
°C-24°C (64°F-75°F).
3、Advantages Over Vertical Tanks
Horizontal tanks come with several advantages over vertical ones. Due to their larger surface area, there is a better contact between yeast cells and sugars leading to more efficient fermentation. Furthermore, more than one tank can be stacked on top of another hence making use of space effectively through horizontal arrangement among others.
Horizontal fermenters were common until around the 1960s when they would be made either out of mild steel or aluminum or stainless steel. These were normally piled up in tiers inside the fermentation cellars and rarely was each tank insulated individually since this is rather costly.
Foeders
Foeders are large oak-made fermentation vessels. The wood of choice can significantly affect the taste profile of the beer, with oak being the most common due to its strength and distinct flavors.
Moreover, these brewing vessels when used can impart flavors such as vanilla, caramel and even some subtle spice notes in the beer. These types of tastes are mostly desired for different kinds of brett brews as well as other specialty beers. On top of that, it has a larger surface area which allows more interaction between beer and wood making it more flavorful.
Therefore, proper maintenance is vital in order to extend their lifespan and quality of beer produced from them. This includes routine cleaning and sanitization as well as checking for any wear or damage signs regularly. Brewers use water and specific detergents to keep foeders clean.
We have two 15-bbl Foeder Crafters foeders that we want to sell you. One was used in making various brett brews while another one was used exclusively for non-brett beers.
Plastic Fermentation Tanks
1、Cost-Effectiveness
Plastic fermenters are an inexpensive choice often favored by craft brewers who work on small scale batches or experiment with their products. Constructed from food-grade plastic like PET or HDPE, they are light-weight enough for ease in transportation from one place to another. Additionally, these containers can be easily cleaned using ordinary methods besides coming along with air-locks meant for venting gases during the process of fermentation.
2、Suitability for Homebrewing
For many homebrewers and microbreweries, plastic fermenters represent a cost-effective alternate solution instead of renting expensive stainless steel machines. They come in different sizes depending on what you need; also they are easy to wash away contaminants from them. However, because these materials do not last long when subjected heavy use cycles per day clubbed with low grade cleaning agents that erode plastics faster than others may mean more often replacement in store.
3、Durability and Maintenance
If there is any damage to them they can be replaced at a much lower cost than other alternatives. Nevertheless, these kinds of tanks are not as sturdy as wood or stainless steel types neither do they support aging beer over long periods.
Despite being a cheaper option, plastic fermenters are most suitable for short-term projects and small quantities.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of craft beer production, the choice of fermentation tank plays a pivotal role in shaping the final product. From the versatile cylindroconical tanks to the traditional open-top fermenters, each type offers unique advantages that cater to different brewing needs and styles. Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each tank type allows brewers to make informed decisions that enhance the quality, flavor, and consistency of their beer. As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, the innovation and selection of fermentation tanks will undoubtedly remain a cornerstone of brewing excellence.
FAQ
- What are Cylindroconical Tanks?
Cylindroconical tanks are the most common type in modern breweries. They have a cylindrical body and a conical bottom, allowing both fermentation and maturation to occur in the same vessel.
- What are the advantages of using Open Fermentation Tanks?
Open fermentation tanks are traditional in design and facilitate easy skimming of yeast. However, they are more susceptible to contamination.
- Why are Wooden Barrel Fermentation Tanks significant?
Wooden barrel fermentation tanks have historical significance and can impart unique flavor profiles to the beer. They are often used for aging specialty beers.
- What is a Unitank?
A Unitank is a fermentation vessel that serves dual functionality, allowing both fermentation and maturation in the same tank. This increases efficiency in the brewing process.
- What are the benefits of Horizontal Fermentation Tanks?
Horizontal fermentation tanks are often used in lagering. They offer advantages over vertical tanks, including better yeast sedimentation and easier cleaning.
- Are Plastic Fermentation Tanks suitable for homebrewing?
Yes, plastic fermentation tanks are cost-effective and suitable for homebrewing. They are durable and require proper maintenance to ensure longevity.