15 BBL Brite Tank

A 15 BBL brite tank is a critical piece of brewery equipment used for fermentation and conditioning of beer before packaging. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of 15 BBL brite tanks including types, sizing, design considerations, suppliers, prices, installation, operation and maintenance.

Overview of 15 BBL Brite Tank

• Brite tanks, also known as bright beer tanks, serve the vital functions of clarifying, carbonating and storing beer after primary fermentation and before packaging
• 15 barrel (BBL) tanks have a capacity of around 465 gallons or 1760 liters
• Choosing the right size, number of vessels, layout and custom features is key for an efficient brewery workflow
• Prices range widely from $15,000 to $60,000+ based on material, quality and customization
• Proper installation, cleaning and maintenance ensures optimum performance and beer quality

Types of 15 BBL Brite Tanks

Type	Details
Cylindroconical	Cone bottom with cylindrical upper vessel; efficient sedimentation
Vertical	Upright cylindrical vessel; moderate sedimentation
Horizontal	Cylindrical laid on side; less sedimentation

Design and Customization

Parameter	Options
Material	Stainless steel (304, 316L), aluminum, fiberglass, plastic composite
Finish	Polished, brushed, electropolished, passivated
Features	Sight glass, sample valve, racking arm, temp indicators, sensors
Layout	Standalone, integrated bank, above/below fermenters
Dimensions	Diameter, height and footprint can be customized

Sizing and Capacity

Details	Specifications
Number of tanks	Based on batch size and production requirements
Total capacity	15 BBL = 465 gallons = 1760 liters
Dimensions	e.g. 72″ diameter x 96″ height
Spacing	18-24″ between standalone tanks

Suppliers and Pricing

Supplier	Price Range
JV Northwest	$15,000 – $25,000
Stout Tanks	$18,000 – $38,000
SS Brewtech	$22,000 – $60,000
Maverick	$20,000 – $55,000
Premier Stainless	$19,000 – $50,000

Price varies based on material used (stainless, aluminum etc), quality of construction, and customization. Get multiple quotes before deciding on a supplier.

Installation, Operation and Maintenance

Parameter	Details
Installation	Leveling, plumbing, glycol if needed, electrical, test batches
Cleaning	CIP sprayballs,pbc, manual scrubbing
** Safety**	Pressure relief valves, guards
Maintenance	Inspections, leak checks, lubrication
Monitoring	Temp, pH, DO sensors; control system

Proper installation, cleaning and preventative maintenance is vital for safety, performance and beer quality.

How to Select a Bright Tank Supplier

Important criteria when selecting a brite tank supplier include:

• Experience and reputation
• Quality of tanks – material, welds, finish
• Customization and layout options
• Lead time and shipping
• Staff support and responsiveness
• Installation services offered
• Warranties and maintenance/repair capabilities
• Local suppliers preferred for support
• Client references and testimonials
• Competitive pricing

Get quotes from 3+ suppliers before deciding. Review sample contracts carefully on pricing, timelines, contingencies etc.

Pros and Cons of 15 BBL Tanks

Pros	Cons
Optimized clarification and yeast sedimentation	Higher capital investment than fermenters
Flexible conditioning and carbonation options	Additional floorspace required
Bright stainless tanks improve cold room aesthetics	Need glycol/refrigeration systems
Independent scaling of brite and fermentation capacities	Cleaning can be labor intensive
Allows uninterrupted packaging workflow

15 BBL brite tanks require higher capital expenditure but allow proper beer clarification and flexible packaging workflow.

FAQs

Q: How many 15 BBL bright tanks are ideal for a 30 BBL brewhouse?

A: A good rule of thumb is to have total brite tank capacity equal to 1 to 1.5 times weekly brewing capacity. For a 30 BBL brewhouse, 4 to 6 units of 15 BBL brite tanks is ideal.

Q: Should brite tanks be horizontal or vertical?

A: Vertical tanks provide better sedimentation but take up more floorspace. Horizontal tanks can save space but circulation is not as efficient. Choose based on layout, footprint and budget considerations.

Q: What temperature are brite tanks typically held at?

A: For ales, brite tank temperature is maintained between 32-40°F during crash cooling, conditioning and carbonation before packaging. Lagers require colder 26-32°F temperatures.

Q: What is the difference between uni and bi-directional agitation?

A: Uni-directional agitation moves liquid in one circular direction for gentle mixing. Bi-directional reversing agitation provides more vigorous mixing for yeast suspension and special batches.

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