What Is The Difference between Fermentation Tanks And Bright Tanks?

What is a fermentation tank?

The fermentation tank is one of the key equipment in the alcohol fermentation process. Its main function is to provide a suitable fermentation environment for alcohol. The fermentation tank can convert the sugar in the malt into alcohol and fermentation agent, thereby completing the alcohol fermentation process. The fermentation tank is usually made of stainless steel. This material is corrosion-resistant and pressure-resistant, and can withstand the air pressure generated during the fermentation process. Its shape is usually high and closed to ensure airtightness and precise temperature control during the fermentation process.

Advantages of fermentation tanks

• Precise temperature control: Temperature is a key factor in the fermentation process, because the activity, fermentation rate and flavor of the final fermentation product are closely related to temperature. Fermentation tanks are usually equipped with efficient temperature control systems that can accurately control and maintain the temperature of the fermentation environment to ensure that the yeast works actively within the optimal temperature range.

• Controlled gas emission and pressure management: During the fermentation process, yeast converts sugar into alcohol, producing large amounts of high-pressure (carbon dioxide) gas. The fermentation tank is equipped with a venting system and pressure regulator to effectively control the release of gas inside the tank.

• Hygienic and safe: Stainless steel is a very hygienic material and is the best choice for fermentation tanks. The smooth, non-porous surface of stainless steel prevents the accumulation of bacteria and other contaminants, ensuring that the fermentation tank remains clean and safe to use. Stainless steel fermentation tanks are also safe for food and beverages.

• Versatility: Another benefit of stainless steel fermenters is their versatility and adaptability. These fermenters can be used for a variety of fermentation processes, including the production of beer, wine, cider, kombucha, and more. They can also be customized to the specific needs of each application and offer options such as temperature control, pressure release valves, and agitation systems.

• Reduced risk of contamination: When beer is removed from the fermenter, it is exposed to air, which produces dissolved oxygen. In addition, the beer may come into contact with other contaminants, such as microorganisms. While these microorganisms are not usually fatal, they can cause off-flavors in the beer. Using a fermenter can reduce this risk of contamination.

What is a Bright Tank?

A Bright Tank is a stainless steel container used to carbonate and store beer. Bright Tanks are also known as serving tanks, clear tanks, storage tanks, or secondary fermentation tanks. These tanks are usually pressure rated and can be equipped with accessories that can safely transfer pressure.

The main function of a Bright Tank is to complete the post-fermentation stage of beer and plays a key role in the beer brewing process. Bright Tanks have a very simple flat-bottomed cylindrical design. The flat-bottom design is not as well suited to the fermentation process as the tapered bottom of a one-piece tank, but Bright Tanks are still very suitable for storing beer that is maturing or awaiting packaging.

Bright tank features

• Carbonation control

Another notable feature of the bright tank is the ability to precisely control the carbonation level of the beer. Carbonation is an important factor in the flavor and taste of beer, directly affecting the beer's fizziness and mouthfeel. In the bright tank, brewers can achieve this through natural carbonation and forced carbonation. Therefore, the bright tank is able to provide greater flexibility and precision to achieve the ideal fizziness of the beer.

• Aging and Optimizing Taste

The bright tank provides an additional aging stage for the beer, which is essential for optimizing the flavor and stability of the beer. After fermentation, there may still be some unconsumed yeast, proteins and other compounds left in the beer, which can be further "aged" by standing in the decanter, removing these residues and giving the beer a smooth and rich taste.

• Storage and stability

In this case, the bright tank is not only used for certain recipes and carbonation, but also for the storage of beer. It provides a stable environment for the beer, keeping it at ideal temperature and pressure conditions until packaging and distribution. This process helps improve the stability and quality of the beer and avoids oxidation or other quality issues.

• Suitable for different types of beer

The bright tank is suitable for a variety of beer types, not limited to a specific flavor or alcohol concentration. Whether it is a light lager, a full-bodied IPA beer, or a complex Belgian late beer, the best results can be achieved by adjusting the treatment methods of the bright tank, such as carbonation and maturation time. This makes the bright tank a very flexible and versatile equipment in beer production.

How do bright tanks work?

Bright tanks are commonly used in commercial breweries because they offer a number of advantages over other types of beer storage containers. For example, because bright tanks are pressurized, they can be used to force-carbonate beer, a faster and more efficient carbonation method than natural carbonation that relies on yeast activity. Additionally, because bright tanks are typically made of stainless steel, they do not absorb the flavors or odors of the beer they are storing. This means that the beer that goes into a bright tank will taste the same as the beer that comes out of it.

How to choose between a fermentation tank and a bright tank?

For a small brewery or craft beer bar, a fermenter is the perfect choice. These facilities usually have limited space, the brewery does not produce a high volume of beer, and the focus is not on packaging but on serving beer directly. In this case, a fermenter is the ideal choice because it saves space and labor and does not affect the productivity of a separate packaging team.

Bright tanks are better suited for large-scale production, especially those that need to package and ship large quantities of product. Bright tanks allow you to open more fermentation tanks at once. And, because Bright tanks can hold more liquid at once, you can produce more beer. Generally speaking, if you're stretched beyond your limits and brewing more barrels than a small brewery, it might be a good idea to consider Bright tanks.