How Many Fermenters Do I Need?

Whether you are building a new brewery or expanding an existing one, one of the most important decisions is determining how many fermenters you will need. Fermenters are critical to the brewing process, converting wort into beer through the addition of yeast. The number of fermenters you need depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your brewery, the type of beer you brew, and your production goals. In this article, we'll explore these factors and provide guidance to help you determine the number of fermenters you need for your brewery.

Brewery Size

size of your brewery is a key factor in determining how many fermenters you need. A small brewery with limited space and production capacity may only need a few fermenters, while a larger brewery with higher production volumes will need more. Consider your available space and production goals when determining how many fermenters to purchase.

Types of beer

Different types of beer require different fermentation times and temperatures, which will affect how many fermenters you need. For example, lagers typically require longer fermentation times and lower temperatures than ales. If you plan to brew multiple styles of beer, you may need more fermenters to meet the different fermentation needs.

Production Goals

Your production goals will also affect how many fermenters you need. If you are a new brewery, your production goals may be more modest, so you will need a smaller number of fermenters. However, as your brewery grows and production increases, you may need to invest in more fermenters to keep up with demand.

Calculating Fermentation Tank Requirements

Now that we have explored the factors that influence the number of fermentation tanks required, let's look at some calculations that can be used to determine the number of fermentation tanks required.

Production

Production is the total amount of beer you plan to produce in a specific period (usually a year). To calculate the number of fermenters you need based on production, divide production by the number of batches you plan to brew per year, then divide that number by the number of fermenters you plan to use for each batch.

For example, if you plan to produce 10,000 barrels of beer per year, brew 20 batches per year, and use two fermenters per batch, then you will need 200 fermenters total.

10,000 barrels per year ÷ 20 batches per year ÷ 2 fermenters per batch = 200 fermenters

Turnaround time

Turnaround time refers to the time it takes to empty and refill a fermenter. To calculate how many fermenters you need based on your turnaround time, divide the total time it takes to ferment a batch of beer by your turnaround time, then multiply that number by the number of batches you plan to brew per year.

For example, if it takes 10 days to ferment a batch of beer and your turnaround time is 5 days, you will need two fermenters per batch. If you plan to brew 20 batches of beer per year, you will need 40 fermenters in total.

(10 days fermentation time ÷ 5 days turnaround time) × 20 batches of beer per year = 40 fermenters

Peak Production

The peak production is the maximum amount of beer you plan to produce at any given time. To calculate how many fermenters you need based on peak production, divide the peak production by the number of fermenters required for each batch.

For example, if your peak production is 1,000 barrels of beer, and you need four fermenters for each batch, you’ll need a total of 250 fermenters.

1,000 barrels peak production ÷ 4 fermenters per batch = 250 fermenters

Conclusion

Determining the number of fermenters you need for your brewery requires careful consideration of a variety of factors, including production volume, the types of beer you brew, and the space you have available. By taking these factors into account, and using the calculations we've provided, you can determine the number of fermenters you need for your brewery.

Keep in mind that the number of fermenters you need may change as your brewery grows and expands. It's critical to regularly evaluate your production goals and adjust your equipment needs accordingly.

In addition to calculating the number of fermenters you need, you also need to consider the maintenance and care your fermenters will require. Proper maintenance and cleaning are critical to the lifespan and performance of your equipment.

Regular cleaning is essential to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the quality and consistency of your beer. You should develop a cleaning schedule and follow the manufacturer's cleaning and maintenance recommendations.

Investing in high-quality fermenters is also critical. While it may be tempting to opt for cheaper equipment, investing in durable, well-made fermenters can save you money in the long run. Low-quality fermenters are more likely to experience leaks and other issues, leading to costly downtime and repairs.

In summary, determining how many fermenters you need for your brewery requires careful consideration of your production volume, the types of beer you brew, and the space you have available. By using the calculations we provide and regularly evaluating your equipment needs, you can ensure you have the right number of fermenters to meet your production goals. Remember to prioritize maintenance and invest in high-quality equipment to ensure the longevity and performance of your fermenters.