In the modern brewing industry, equipment selection has a direct impact on beer quality, production efficiency, and business model. Especially when choosing a fermentation tank and a bright tank, many start-up breweries, small craft breweries, or expanding nano breweries are often confused: the functions of the two seem similar, but do they need both? How do you determine which one is more suitable for your production process and business needs? This article will compare fermentation and bright tanks in depth to help you make a reasonable decision.
What is a Fermentation Tank?
The fermentation tank is one of the core equipment in beer production. Its main function is to enable yeast to convert maltose into alcohol and carbon dioxide under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. It can be used for both primary fermentation and secondary fermentation, depending on the equipment configuration and process flow.
The main functions of the fermentation tank include:
- Yeast metabolizes sugar to produce alcohol and CO₂
- Maintain a constant temperature to optimize the fermentation effect.
- Control pressure to improve flavor stability
- Yeast can be recovered and reused.
- Equipped with a CIP cleaning system for easy disinfection and maintenance
The fermentation tank is generally made of stainless steel, with a conical bottom (for collecting yeast), and equipped with a temperature control device, sampling port, and pressure gauge.
What is a Bright Tank?
The bright tank is a piece of equipment required for secondary processing or the final step before bottling in the brewing process. Its main function is to further clarify, carbonate, and adjust the flavor when necessary.
The main functions of a bright tank include:
- Beer clarification and precipitation
- Precise carbonation
- Temperature-stable maturation
- Buffer container before bottling or kegging
- Can be used as a direct supply tank on site (for use in the Taproom)
Bright Tanks are also made of stainless steel, usually in a straight cylindrical or horizontal structure, with a smooth, polished liner to reduce beer residue and facilitate cleaning.
Fermentation Tank vs. Bright Tank Features Comparison
Function | ||
Alcoholic fermentation | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
Yeast recovery | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
Carbonation | ✔ Optional | ✔ Accurate |
clarify | ✘ Not applicable | ✔ Yes |
Storage and Refrigeration | ✘ Generally not recommended | ✔ Long-term stability |
Bottling/kegging | ✘ Uncommon | ✔ Recommended |
Temperature control | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
Cleaning system | ✔ CIP system | ✔ CIP system |
Fermentation Tank and Bright Tank Applicable Scenarios Analysis
Nano Brewery
For small-scale workshops with low initial production, fermentation tanks are the first and essential equipment. With limited funds, brewers sometimes use fermentation tanks to complete all steps, thus eliminating the bright tank. However, this may affect the clarity and carbonation control of beer.
Craft Brewery
When production capacity increases, products diversify, and higher requirements are placed on quality control, bright tanks become a must. It can make beer reach commercial-level clarity and carbonation taste, which is conducive to unifying taste standards and improving consumer experience.
Taproom or direct bar scene
The bright tank is not only used for aging and bottling, but can also be directly used as a wine supply container for the Taproom system. This model is particularly suitable for direct-selling craft beer brands, reducing transportation losses and operating costs.
Brewery export and customization
As breweries gradually develop, many brands begin to consider exporting their products to the international market. Bright tanks not only ensure the clarity and taste of beer, but also effectively control the stability and quality of beer, ensuring that the product quality will not be affected during cross-border transportation and ensuring product consistency.
Innovation in alcoholic beverages
Unique alcoholic beverages often require delicate fermentation and polishing processes to ensure the high quality of each batch. Bright tanks play an important role in this process, helping winemakers not only ensure the clarity of the wine but also achieve precise control over the alcohol content and flavor.
Procurement recommendations and precautions
Cost
The price of fermentation tanks ranges from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the capacity. Common small breweries use 500L~2000L cone-bottom fermentation tanks.
The price of bright tanks is slightly lower than that of fermentation tanks of the same volume because they are simpler in structure, but they are usually equipped with more precise pressure control and carbonation systems.
Budget
Budget | Recommended equipment combination |
<$30,000 | 1-2 fermentation tanks, manual refrigerated maturation |
$30,000-$70,000 | 2-3 fermentation tanks + 1 bright tank |
$70,000 and above | Multiple fermentation tanks + multiple bright tanks + CIP system, bottling line and other auxiliary equipment |
Clarify the production process
Before purchasing equipment, you must first clarify your production process. For example, do you use high temperature and fast fermentation or low temperature and slow fermentation? Is filtration required? Do you need to perform secondary fermentation in the bottle? These factors will determine the type of fermentation tank, cooling system, and filling equipment you need.
Choose brewery equipment with a wide application
It is recommended to choose brewery equipment with a wide application. For example, bright tanks can reserve interfaces to facilitate future access to filling lines, metering systems, or taproom wine supply systems. This design will help future expansion and upgrading, and reduce investment risks.
Pay attention to the stability of the temperature control system
Temperature control and pressure control are crucial to the winemaking process. It is recommended to choose equipment equipped with a refrigerant jacket, a digital temperature control system, and an automatic pressure release device to ensure that the temperature and pressure remain stable during the fermentation process, to ensure flavor and quality.
Choose stainless steel material
It is recommended to choose food-grade 304 or 316 stainless steel. The polishing accuracy of the inner tank should be controlled below 0.4μm, which can effectively reduce the growth of microorganisms, improve cleaning efficiency, and ensure the stability of the wine flavor.
Communicate requirements with suppliers
Before purchasing equipment, fully communicate with suppliers about your production process, expected output, and other requirements. This will help suppliers customize suitable nozzles, temperature control settings, and sampling structures to ensure that the equipment meets your production needs.
How to choose between a fermentation tank and a bright tank?
Small or start-up breweries
Recommendation: Choose only a fermentation tank
- Fermentation and simple clarification can be completed in the fermentation tank.
- The finished product can be directly bottled after simple filtration and cooling, and precipitation.
- Suitable for small batch, experimental, or craft beer production.
- Low investment and simple process.
Supplementary solution: You can choose a pressurized fermentation tank (Unitank), which has the dual functions of fermentation and brightening.
Medium and large breweries
Recommendations: Both fermentation tanks and bright tanks are required
- Fermentation tanks are used for efficient main fermentation.
- After fermentation, transfer to bright tanks for clarification, carbonation, seasoning, etc.
- More suitable for bottled/canned craft beer, with a clear appearance and stable taste.
- Support continuous brewing and improve turnover efficiency.
The product emphasizes natural flavor
Suggestion: fermentation tanks can be used as the main choice, and bright tanks are not needed
- If the product is positioned as a natural style, such as “unfiltered” and “with yeast activity”.
- Consumers accept slightly turbid wine and natural precipitation.
- It can be partially clarified by cooling and standing, but not completely clear.
FAQ
What are the main functions of fermentation tanks and bright tanks?
- Fermentation tanks: Promote alcohol fermentation, maintain appropriate temperature and pressure, and provide a channel for the discharge of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
- Bright tanks: Mainly used to filter and clarify liquids, remove excess yeast, impurities, and sediments, and make the wine clearer.
Can fermentation tanks be used instead of bright tanks?
It can be replaced in small-scale trials, but it is difficult to achieve consistent clarification and carbonation effects.
What is the typical carbonation time of bright tanks?
Generally, 24 to 48 hours, depending on pressure, temperature, and beer type.
Do fermentation tanks and bright tanks have to have the same capacity?
Not necessarily. Many breweries use larger fermentation tanks and multiple small-capacity bright tanks to improve bottling efficiency and flexibility.