3 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
Brite tanks, also known as bright beer tanks or serving tanks, are crucial for clarifying, carbonating, and storing beer post-fermentation. 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks balance capacity and footprint for small to mid-sized craft breweries. This guide covers key details on 3 BBL stackable brite tank options from design to installation.
Overview of 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
Stackable brite tanks utilize vertical space while maximizing batch sizes upwards. Typical 3 BBL brite tank specifications:
Table 1: 3 BBL brite tank equipment specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Volume | 3 barrels or 93 gallons or 352 liters per tank |
| Height | 6 – 7 feet |
| Diameter | 2 – 3 feet |
| Weight | 150 – 300 lbs empty |
By stacking multiple units, brewers can scale capacity with a compact footprint. Brite tanks clarify and carbonate beer with precision prior to serving. Let’s explore popular 3 BBL brite tank models next.
Types of 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
Reputable brewing equipment suppliers offer various 3 BBL stackable brite tank designs:
Table 2: Major 3 BBL stackable brite tank types
| Type | Construction | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Polished stainless interior and exterior | Extremely durable, customizable | Expensive, heavy |
| Plastic | Molded HDPE or PET plastic | Affordable, scratch-resistant | Limited durability guarantee |
| Stainless + plastic jacket | Stainless tank with plastic outer shell | Balances cost and benefits | Limits customization options |
Now let’s break down leading 3 BBL stackable brite tank manufacturers and price ranges…
3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Equipment Suppliers
There are several reputable brewery equipment vendors offering quality 3 BBL stackable brite tanks:
Table 3: Leading 3 BBL brite tank manufacturers
| Company | Offerings | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Ss Brewtech | Uni-tanks, Flex-tanks | $$$ |
| Spike Brewing | Uni-tanks, Flex-tanks | $$ |
| Blichmann | Uni-tanks | $$$ |
| Keg King | Plastic tanks | $ |
These companies provide 3 BBL brite tanks in both standardized and customizable configurations to suit unique needs. Costs range from premium stainless models to affordable plastic vessels. We’ll overview popular design choices next.
Key 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Design Features
When selecting a 3 BBL brite tank system, key factors include:
Table 4: 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Design Choices
| Consideration | Options | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Straight side walls or conical bottom | Conicals allow yeast collection from dump valve |
| Construction | Stainless, plastic, or combo | Stainless best for durability, plastic for cost |
| Temperature control | Glycol, steam, cooling jacket | Glycol recommended for precise clarity and carbonation |
| Accessories | Casters, sample valve, sight glass, CO2 injection, racking arm | Depends on degree of automation |
Additional key brite tank specifications involve:
Table 5: 3 BBL Brite Tank Sizing Parameters
| Parameter | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 – 7 feet |
| Diameter | 2-3 feet |
| Capacity | 3 BBL (93 gallons) each, scale by stacking |
| Stand height | 12 – 18 inches for cleaning underneath |
| Ladder width | 16+ inches for ergonomic access |
With good design, stackable brite tanks maximize quality and efficiency for clarifying, carbonating, and storing bright beer.
Designing A 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Layout
Properly locating 3 BBL stackable brite tanks improves brewhouse workflow. Ideal placement focuses on:
Table 6: 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Placement
| Consideration | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Quantity | Size for peak production volume, leave room to add tanks |
| Location | Near fermentation room for transferring, temperature controlled |
| Floor | Smooth, non-porous, seamless, with drains |
| Access | 2+ feet clearance on all sides for maintenance |
| Stacking | Recommend max 3-high without hoist assist |
| Height | At least 10 feet to top unit |
Position brite tanks close to fermentation area for easy transferring once beer is ready. Now let’s explore the clarifying and carbonating process…
The 3 BBL Stackable Brite Process
Here are the key steps when utilizing 3 BBL stackable brite tanks:
- Clean and sanitize tanks, fittings, filters thoroughly before each use
- Transfer mature beer from fermenters via pump, avoiding splashing
- Chill to clarifying temperature, often just above freezing
- Allow particles to settle for 1-3 days based on beer style
- Optionally filter to polish clarity
- Transfer filtered bright beer back into brite tank
- Chill to carbonation temperature, often 30° – 35° F
- Inject food-grade CO2 evenly for desired volumes
- Store carbonated bright beer chilled until ready for serving
- Maintain CO2 pressure through portable taps or long draw lines
Following these best practices for chilling, clarifying, carbonating and storing delivers consistent premium beer.
Maintenance Recommendations for 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
To sustain performance of 3 BBL stackable brite tanks:
Table 7: 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Maintenance
| Activity | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Interior cleaning | Each use |
| Sanitization | Weekly rotation of chemicals |
| Gasket inspection | Annual replacement |
| Hardware checks | Annual verify |
| Calibration | Every 2-3 years |
| Preventative maintenance | Per manufacturer |
Scheduled maintenance supports precise clarity control, carbonation, and cold storage of bright beer in a production environment.
How To Select A Quality 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tank Supplier
When evaluating 3 BBL stackable brite tank manufacturers:
Table 8: Vetting and choosing reputable brite tank vendors
| Consideration | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Reputation | Choose established brewing equipment vendors |
| References | Ask for and contact current brewery customers |
| Technical support | Ensure complete documentation and assistance |
| Warranties | Look for 1-5 years coverage on tanks |
| Lead times | Confirm production and delivery schedules |
| Customization | See if they offer beyond standardized packages |
Carefully qualifying suppliers gives brewers confidence in receiving high-performing brite tanks purpose-built for their needs.
Key Pros and Cons of 3 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
Table 9: Comparing 3 BBL stackable brite tank advantages and limitations
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saves floor space with small footprint | Height can impact building infrastructure |
| Modular, expandable capacity by stacking | Requires equipment like pallet jacks for moving |
| Independent temperature per tank | Harder to access units at the bottom |
| Flexible production based on market demand | More expensive than single open tank |
| Maximizes quality control for bright beer | Heavy once installed permanently |
When thoughtfully designed and located, 3 BBL stackable brite tanks optimize clarification, carbonation and cold storage tanks while minimizing footprint.
FAQ
Q: What cooling systems work best for 3 BBL stackable brite tanks?
A: For precise temperature control, a glycol chiller with distribution to brite tanks is recommended. This allows adjusting within 1°F to optimize clarity and carbonation. Insulated jackets also help maintain cold temps.
Q: How many 3 BBL brite tanks should a typical small brewery plan for in their production layout?
A: A good starting point is 2-3 primary 3 BBL brite tanks, with capability to expand. This enables 1-2 week clarification cycles at peak production. Have additional units for new releases and seasonal recipes allowing flexibility.
Q: Is filtration necessary if using 3 BBL brite tanks for clarification?
A: Filtration can polish clarity but often isn’t essential. Allowing extended chill times, using fining agents, and maintaining cold temperatures will help beer clarity without filtering – saving time and money.
Q: What are best practices for cleaning and sanitizing 3 BBL stackable brite tanks?
A: Clean thoroughly after each use with hot water or chemicals. Follow with a weekly sanitizing regime rotating between iodine, peracetic, quaternary ammonium to avoid building resistance. Verify any cleaning agents are compatible with construction material.
