Fermentation tanks are specially designed containers for fermenting beverages such as wine and beer. They can store up to 2,400 gallons of wort. A single fermentation tank holds enough wort to process four batches of brew. During this process, yeasts will convert sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fermentation takes at least two weeks to complete, so the number of tanks you need is a limiting factor in your production capacity. Fermentation tanks are characterized by specific gravity measurements, which are used to determine how much alcohol the wort contains. Eventually, the level of alcohol will be reached and you will know when the process should stop.
Before stainless steel became available on the commercial market, most breweries used plastic buckets for their fermentation processes. These tanks are inexpensive and easy to use, often featuring a spigot for easy transfer. They are also easily corroded by beer, so you will need to line them with a suitable material. Glass and enamel linings are recommended, as they create a sanitary inner surface. And because stainless steel is brittle, it is prone to rusting and developing a metallic flavor.
Another important feature of a used fermentation tank is its sanitizing and cleaning capabilities. They are equipped with sanitation showers, removable level indicators, sample cooks, and spray balls. The sanitization process is made easier by the tanks' design. They don't use cheap fittings or cheap materials, which may cause the tank to be unsanitary or unclean. You should check the sanitizing capabilities and the overall design of a used fermentation tank before making a final decision.
Cylindroconical fermenters are the most popular outside the UK. Cylindroconical fermenters are three to four times taller than their width and are also equipped with internal cooling coils. Internal cooling coils help regulate fermentation temperatures. The latter are more durable and sanitary than the former. This makes them more cost-effective than used tanks. And if you need more space, consider buying a used fermentation tank. The benefits are obvious: reduced startup costs and lower maintenance cost.
Before purchasing a used fermentation tank, it's important to consider the types of fermentation tanks you need. Different brewing styles require different size tanks. You should also consider the working pressure of the tank. High-pressure fermentation tanks can carbonate your beer faster. For wheat beer, for instance, you can spin the fermenter to 30 PSI to shorten the tank time. But the most crucial consideration for buying a commercial fermenter is introducing wort and yeast to the fermentation process. The fermenter should also have proper aeration and mixing capabilities.
The price of a large fermentation tank is not necessarily exponential - the larger the vessel, the lower the cost. A 2,000 litre vessel is not going to cost twice as much as a 1,000 litre tank. Larger vessels usually require more fabrication work and materials. In addition, larger tanks can hold more brew. If you can afford it, go for it. However, the main takeaway is to understand your needs before buying a used fermentation tank.
