EnglishViews: 26 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-12 Origin: Site
Fermentation is one of the most critical stages in brewing, and the design of the fermentation tank has a major influence on beer quality, production efficiency, and sanitation. Among all fermentation vessel types, the conical fermentation tank has become the preferred choice in modern breweries.
This guide from DEGONG Brewery Equipment explains why the conical design is adopted, what advantages it offers, and how it benefits both small craft breweries and large-scale operations.
A conical fermentation tank consists of a cylindrical upper body and a cone-shaped bottom, typically angled at 60 degrees. This design allows solids—including yeast, trub, and sediment—to naturally collect at the lowest point of the vessel. Brewers can then discharge these solids through a dedicated bottom valve without disturbing the beer above. This seemingly simple geometric feature dramatically improves beer clarity, yeast recovery, and overall process control.
The cone allows all solids to settle at the bottom, where they can be easily discharged. This results in:
Cleaner, clearer beer
Fewer transfers between vessels
Reduced oxygen exposure
The ability to harvest healthy yeast for reuse
Reusable yeast lowers operating costs and improves batch-to-batch consistency—an important advantage for breweries of all sizes.
Conical fermenters eliminate many “dead zones” found in traditional flat-bottom tanks. With smooth internal surfaces and sanitary welds, they are compatible with CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems, allowing:
Full internal cleaning coverage
Reduced risk of microbial contamination
Shorter turnaround time between batches
DEGONG tanks are engineered with polished interiors and efficient spray balls to ensure complete sanitation with minimal labor.
A traditional fermentation setup may require transferring beer into a secondary vessel for clarification. Conical fermenters enable primary fermentation, secondary fermentation, and conditioning in the same tank, commonly known as a unitank configuration.
Benefits include:
Less manual handling
Lower contamination risk
Reduced oxidation
More compact brewery layout
This is especially valuable for craft breweries looking to streamline operations.
Conical tanks are tall and narrow, reducing floor space requirements compared with flat-bottom tanks of similar capacity. This allows breweries—especially those with limited building footprint—to maximize production capacity. Gravity also helps with beer transfers, yeast dropping, and sediment removal, making the brewing process more efficient.
Modern conical fermenters from DEGONG include:
Full-coverage glycol jackets
Insulated sidewalls
Pressure-rated designs
Adjustable pressure relief valves
This allows brewers to precisely control fermentation temperature and pressure for different styles, ensuring optimal flavor development and consistent results. Pressurized fermentation and natural carbonation can also be performed directly in the same tank, eliminating additional equipment.
Conical fermenters are used widely in:
Craft breweries – flexible batch sizes, easy yeast harvesting
Commercial breweries – large-scale production efficiency
Pilot systems – fast turnaround and consistent test batches
Cold conditioning and maturation – no need for separate tanks
Their versatility reduces equipment investment and improves workflow efficiency.
| Feature | Conical Fermenter | Flat-Bottom Fermenter |
|---|---|---|
| Sediment removal | Easy, bottom discharge | Requires siphoning or transfer |
| Hygiene | Very high, easy CIP | Harder to clean, more residues |
| Beer clarity | Naturally higher | Often requires secondary vessel |
| Space usage | Vertical, efficient | Larger footprint |
| Yeast reuse | Convenient | Difficult |
| Workflow | Primary + secondary in one tank | Multiple transfers needed |
It is clear why conical designs have become the industry standard in modern breweries.
The adoption of conical fermentation tanks is driven by their practical advantages—improved sanitation, easier yeast management, reduced transfers, and efficient use of space. By streamlining critical brewing steps, conical fermenters enhance both beer quality and overall production efficiency.
DEGONG Brewery Equipment provides conical fermenters engineered with precision, hygiene, and durability in mind, helping brewers achieve consistent, high-quality results while optimizing workflow. Whether you operate a small craft brewery or a large production facility, choosing the right conical tank can significantly improve your brewing performance.
