7 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
7 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks are stainless steel vessels used to store and help clarify beer after the initial fermentation and before packaging. With a capacity of 7 barrels or 217 gallons (820 liters), these tanks allow efficient storage, settling, and cooling of medium batch volumes typical for many craft breweries.
Stackable tank design allows multiple units to be placed atop each other, saving floor space. The cylindrical stainless bodies with double-walled insulated construction maintain precise temperature control during cold secondary fermentation and clarification. Conical bases facilitate sedimentation while round manways or doors provide access for cleaning and dry-hopping.
Benefits of 7 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
Compared to single-level fermenters, stackable brite tanks offer several advantages for craft brewers seeking to maximize production in limited floor space while ensuring beer purity through cold conditioning:
- Vertical stacking saves up to 70% floor space versus same capacity in flat-bottom tanks
- Better temperature control retains flavors during lagering, while chilling hot wort faster
- Conical bottom and racking port leave less sediment behind, improving clarity
- Access doors simplify loading ingredients, monitoring fermentation, cleaning
- Modular expandable design enables adding more units as production grows
Types of 7 BBL Stackable Tanks
7 BBL brite tanks come in different configurations but typically feature stainless steel cylindrical vessels with an angled conical base and insulated jacket around the body. Key aspects that vary among models relate to dimensions, number of stackable layers, and options like added cooling mechanisms or customizable manways:
Height/Width Ratio – A taller, narrower tank has a smaller footprint. Standard units have a 2:1 to 3:1 height-to-width ratio. Number of Layers – Some brands allow 3 to 5 brite tanks to be stacked while others permit 8 to 10 layers, for significant space savings. Cooling Features – Glycol, steam, or cold-water running through the jacket, chilling plates, or internal cooling coils control temperature. Custom Manways – Doors with different mechanisms (hinged, rotary, hydraulic) facilitate whole hop dosing, fruit additions, and cleaning.
Brewing Process Role of Brite Tanks
In beer production, 7 BBL brite tanks carry out the vital functions of cold conditioning, clarification, and storage after standard fermentation:
- Cold crashing – Chilling hot fermented beer causes proteins and yeast to settle out, improving clarity. Stackable tanks with glycol or plates rapidly cool wort.
- Lagering – Extended cold storage matures the beer while sediment drops out. Conical bottom allows collection and removal.
- Dry hopping – Tank access doors simplify adding aroma hops once active fermentation finishes.
- Carbonation – CO2 can be injected prior to serving if the brite tank has lines configured for maintaining pressure.
- Short-term storage – Clean, chilled beer awaits packaging or dispensing directly from the brite tank’s racking port. Reduced oxygen exposure protects taste.
Specifications of 7 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
In considering 7 BBL brite system capabilities, key tank specifications involve capacity, height, diameter, number of stackable layers, and customization options:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Capacity | 7 barrels or 217 gallons (820 liters) |
| Volume per Layer | 217 gallons, equal across layers |
| Tank Height | 84 – 132 inches, varies by design |
| Tank Diameter | 30 – 48 inches typical |
| Stackable Layers | 3 to 10 depending on manufacturer |
| Rotation Mechanism | Casters or custom-engineered rotating system for cleaning access |
| Cooling Method | Glycol, steam, cold-water jackets; chilling plates; cooling coils |
| Custom Manways | Hinged, hydraulic, or rotary doors; different mechanisms and locations |
| Level Gauges & Sensors | Depth markers and electronic monitoring of liquid level and temperature |
| Stand Materials | Stainless steel, aluminum stands to raise bottom tank off floor |
Suppliers of 7 BBL Stackable Brite Tanks
Many leading brewing equipment manufacturers offer customizable 7 BBL brite tank systems. Prices vary from around $10,000 to $30,000 based on capacity and features. Some top stainless steel tank suppliers include:
| Supplier | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ss Brewtech | USA | $11,000 – $22,000 |
| Spike Brewing | USA | $10,500 – $17,000 |
| JV Northwest | USA | $13,000 – $30,000 |
| ABS | Canada | $12,500 – $25,000 |
| Rolec | Germany | $14,000 – $28,000 |
Operations: Installation, Cleaning, Maintenance
Getting the most out of a 7 BBL brite tank system requires understanding key operational considerations around setup, cleaning, and maintenance:
Installation
- Level stable floor to prevent tank movement and shifting during stacking
- Have roof vents and height clearance for crane lifting during assembly
- Anchor stands to floor and bolt tanks together for maximum stability
- Connect glycol or steam lines for temperature control jacket
Cleaning & Sanitation
- Use tank rotation casters to fully expose interior surfaces
- Clean with caustic/acid solutions via spray balls and manual scrubbing
- Rinse thoroughly; verify pH neutrality
- Check door seals and gauges; repair or replace if needed
- Test cleaned tanks using ATP swabs to ensure sanitary state
Maintenance
- Lubricate manway mechanisms with food-grade lubricant
- Inspect insulation, glycol lines, cooling jackets for leaks
- Confirm tank pressure settings and relief valves function normally
- Monitor tank exterior & interior for dents, cracks, damage during use
- Schedule annual check-ups to assess repairs or part replacements
Choosing the Best 7 BBL Brite Tank
Selecting an appropriately designed and sized 7 BBL brite tank comes down to tailoring specs and options to the available production space, cooling needs, beer varieties, and packaging method:
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Height vs Footprint | Does vertical stacking of more layers make sense or does brewery height limit number of tanks? |
| Glycol vs Steam Cooling | Glycol for rapid chilling or hot summer days; steam limits temperature flexibility but lower operating costs |
| Number & Size of Doors | Smaller hinged doors allow multiple additions; larger doors needed for whole fruit dosing |
| Casters vs Rotation Stand | Integrated casters improve mobility but may shift; custom rotation stands offer cleaning access without moving tanks |
| Automatic vs Electronic Sensors | More expensive automatic systems reduce labor needs for monitoring |
Ultimately selecting reputable manufacturers like JV Northwest, Rolec or SS Brewtech with strong craft brewing track records helps ensure optimal brite tank performance and longest working lifespan under production conditions. Investing extra in options like manway mechanisms, jacket thickness, or number of stackable layers pays off over years of continuous use.
FAQ
What are the key functions of a brite tank?
Brite tanks clarify and condition beer after primary fermentation while storing cleanly before packaging. Main functions are cold crashing to settle yeast, lagering for aging flavor, dry hopping to add aroma, adding carbonation, and short-term storage.
How many barrels of beer can a standard 7 BBL brite tank hold?
7 barrels is the typical capacity of a single layer, equaling 217 gallons or 820 liters. So a 4-high stack would hold 28 barrels or 4 x 217 = 868 gallons.
What temperature are brite tanks kept at?
For ales, ideal brite tank temperature is 35 to 45°F for lagering. For lagers that require colder conditioning down to near freezing 32°F is maintained. Cooling jackets, chilling plates or glycol/steam lines control temperature.
Can brite tanks carbonate beer?
Yes, brite tanks can carbonate beer to desired volumes by injecting CO2 through carb stones or special racking ports prior to serving. Pressure is maintained to prevent off-gassing.
How much do 7 BBL brite tanks cost?
The price range is $10,000 to $30,000+ depending on the number of stackable layers (more layers means higher cost), material grades, cooling systems, automation features, and manufacturer brand.
