How to choose a fermentation tank?

//Fermentation tank drawings//

Fermentation tank material: At first, it was made of carbon steel plate, which is easy to rust and must be treated with anti-corrosion paint. Now the fermentation tank is mostly made of stainless steel, at least the inner tank is S304, and the thickness of the 500-1000L inner tank is generally 2.5-3.0mm. The smoothness of the inner surface of the fermenter is very important. In the rough part of the tank wall, bacteria may multiply inside and cause pollution, so the inner surface must be treated.

The structure of the fermentation tank: the height of the tank is too large, the convection of the fermentation liquid is too strong, and it is easy to form agitation and fermentation. Therefore, the liquid level in the tank is an important parameter, which not only affects the composition of fermentation by-products, but also affects the activity and physiological metabolism of yeast. Practice has proved that the maximum liquid level of wort in the conical fermenter is 15m, and there are different views on the height ratio, generally 1:2~1:5 is appropriate. The angle of the cone bottom of the fermenter is generally 60-90°, 60° is the best.

Insulation of fermentation tanks: insulation materials require low thermal conductivity, low density, low water absorption, and are not easy to burn. The type and thickness of the insulation material also depends on the local temperature and climate conditions. The insulation thickness of 300L-2000L is 80mm. 60-300 ton tank insulation thickness is 150-200m. An outer protective layer of 1.5mm thick stainless steel plate is required on the outside of the insulation material.

Beer fermentation tank

The pressure of the fermentation tank: generally greater than 1 bar, the pressure is different, and the requirements for the wall thickness of the fermentation tank are also different. The pressure of the head and the bottom of the cone is greater, and the lower part of the cylinder is greater than the upper part of the cylinder. For parts that are under high pressure, the compressive strength should be high, and the thickness of the tank wall should be increased accordingly.

Cooling jacket of fermentation tank: Generally, the column part of the fermentation tank is equipped with 2 to 3 cooling jackets, and the cone part is equipped with a cooling jacket, which is conducive to the settlement and preservation of yeast.

Surface smoothness of the inner surface of the fermentation tank: The smoothness of the inner surface of the fermentation tank is very important. If the inner surface of the tank wall is relatively rough, it is easy to cause bacteria to cause pollution. Surface roughness depth is generally 0.4 ~ 0.6μm.

Thermometer: Accurate control and temperature measurement, installed on the upper 1/3 of the tank and the lower part of the tank

Inspection hole: Check whether there are cracks or corrosion in the conical tank or dead angles on the tank or in the pipeline. There should be a manhole with a diameter of not less than 50cm on the upper and lower sides of the fermenter.