copper conical fermenter

Types of Copper Conical Fermenters

A copper conical fermenter is a brewer's vessel for fermenting beer. It is made of copper which is widely known for its antimicrobial features, preventing the buildup of unwanted bacteria. Various fermenters are available in the market, each with distinct benefits and characteristics.

• Traditional open fermenters

  The term 'traditional' means vessels used for large-scale industrial breweries. Smaller breweries still use them. The traditional open fermenters have no lid, allowing spontaneous fermentation. Yeast will get into the unsealed vessel from the brewery's surrounding atmosphere. The lack of control over yeast makes brewing unpredictable. However, brewing with the traditional open fermenters can create beer with complex flavors. Open fermenters provide the brewery with natural ventilation. There will be no pressure buildup within the fermenters, so the risk of explosion is minimal.

• Conical fermenters

  Conical fermenters have cone-shaped bases. At the bottom of the fermenters is a small outlet. It allows brewers to take samples of beer on a regular basis during the fermentation process. The samples can be helpful for the brewing team to decide when to stop the fermentation process and transfer the beer to the next brewing stage. Conical fermenters also make it easy for brewers to remove yeast and sediments buildup. The fermenters can be either open or closed. Generally, closed conical fermenters are more popular among brewers. They allow precise control over beer fermentation and enhance the fermenters' ability to withstand pressure. Like many other copper products, copper conical fermenters are effective heat conductors. Their ability to dissipate heat quickly creates temperature variations within the beer, which accelerates the fermentation process.

• Horizontal fermenters

  Horizontal fermenters are like open fermenters. They are unpressurized vessels. Brewing teams use them to create big ales and IPAs with sediment buildup for cask ales. Horizontal fermenters use gravity instead of conical or vertical fermenters employing pumps. So, less oxidation happens, and more flavor remains in the final product. Horizontal fermenters are expensive options for complex cask ale production.

• Open top fermenters

  Brewers using open top fermenters must cover them with mesh or perforated lids to prevent contamination from insects or debris. The mesh cover will still allow air circulation and let wild yeast get into the fermenter for spontaneous fermentation. Usually, open top fermenters are used for sour and traditional lambic beers. Despite being more popular among small breweries, open top fermenters can also be found in larger ones.

• Stackable fermenters

  With stackable fermenters, brewing teams can use their space for fermentation. They are practical and convenient options for smaller breweries with limited space. Stackable fermenters feature strong frames made of stainless steel or aluminum. The frames support the fermenter vessels during the stacking process. Fermenters with different sizes can be stacked safely. The vertical feature improves efficiency for brewing teams to get the desired fermentation volume.

Specifications and maintenance of copper conical fermenters

The specification details of a copper cone fermenter will vary according to different needs and usages.

• Materials: Copper cones are often made from high-purity copper, which offers the best flavor to the beer. This typically has a copper content of 99.9%, ensuring strong durability, corrosion resistance, and excellent heat transfer capability.
• Sizes: Copper conical fermenters are available in a variety of sizes. Usually, small home brewing fermentation vessels are between 10 gallons and 20 gallons, while commercial fermenters range from 100 gallons to thousands or even over 10,000 gallons. Customization options are available for business buyers who need to choose certain sizes for specific use and brewing processes.
• Shape: Copper fermenters generally have a cone shape, which is conducive to the accumulation of sediment at the bottom. This apex-shaped design also helps improve the quality of the beer.
• Interior coating: Some copper fermenters have an interior coating, such as epoxy, which helps protect the fermenters from the corrosive effects of certain substances during brewing.

Proper maintenance ensures that the copper fermenter for sale will continue to be used for many years, saving both time and money in the production process.

• Regular cleaning: It is important to use brewing sanitizer solutions or neutral cleaning agents to thoroughly clean inner surfaces, pipes, valves, and other accessories, preventing cross-contamination between batches.
• Periodic deep cleaning: This includes descaling and thorough sterilization of the fermenter. Entice deep cleaning services or products as described in the manufacturer's instructions, which will help maintain optimal fermentation conditions.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning products: Products containing abrasive ingredients that will scratch the surface of the fermenter should not be used. This will make it more difficult to clean later and could pose a risk to brewing safety.
• Disinfection of accessories: Other accessories that work with the copper fermenter, such as pipes, valves, pressure gauges, etc., should be cleaned and disinfected along with the fermenter to ensure the overall hygiene of the brewing system.

Applications of copper conical fermenters

Copper conical fermenters are well-suited for brewing small-scale batches of beer on-site at pubs and other establishments for immediate consumption on the premises. Using copper cone fermenters in a brew pub is an eco-friendly approach to reducing beer mileage as customers no longer have to travel long distances to enjoy fresh beer brewed in a facility close to everyone. Brew pubs are increasingly prevalent in urban centers across the globe, and fermenters are ideal for use in such an establishment.

Copper fermenters are perfect for use in breweries looking to produce small-batch brews with distinct flavors that cannot be replicated in larger brewing facilities. Copper conical fermenters can easily be set up in a regional or even an urban brewery to enable the facility to produce small-batch brews for local pub and bar establishments that do not have an in-house brewer. Setting up such a capability in a brewery would enable it to provide more variety to its clientele as well as create the opportunity for the brewery to conduct profitable on-site brewing classes for amateur brewers who are interested in learning about the process of brewing beer.

Diffusion of wort is a common problem brewing facilities face when fermenting beer. This is particularly the case with fermenters that have a wide cone base. Breweries can use copper fermenters to overcome this problem due to copper's superior ability to diffuse oxygen throughout the wort.

Small-scale artisan breweries often opt to use copper conical fermenters instead of those made from stainless steel, as the former is considered more traditional. Such artisan breweries seek to set themselves apart from their competitors and are always in search of ways to enhance the flavor of their beers. Using copper fermenters is a great way to achieve these two objectives, further solidifying one’s brand in an ever-competitive marketplace.

How to Choose Copper Conical Fermenters

A copper conical fermenter may not suit all breweries' needs due to desirable characteristics and price tags. Here are some factors to consider when selecting copper fermenters for sale on a business-to-business platform.

• Capacity

  The capacity of a fermenter refers to the volume of liquid it can hold during the fermentation process. It is significant because it directly impacts the amount of beer that can be produced in one batch. When choosing the size of a fermenter based on capacity, it is crucial to consider the amount of beer that needs to be produced at one time. Additionally, the size of the fermenter must be appropriate for the brewing system being used.

• Materials

  The material of construction used in a fermenter's fabrication can significantly impact the beer's flavor. What a brewer wants to brew and the brewery's existing equipment should guide the choice of fermenter material. Copper is a highly conductive metal, and thermal regulation during fermentation is vital for achieving specific fermentation rates and maintaining optimal yeast activity. When selecting fermenters for sale, consider how well each material manages temperature fluctuations.

• Cost

  Copper fermenters come in various price ranges due to differences in materials, sizes, designs, and features. Conical fermenters made entirely of copper will be more expensive than those that use it as an inner layer while using stainless steel on the outer layer. Additional features like cooling jackets or advanced pressure control systems can also increase the cost. Determine the budget but still prioritize the quality of the fermenter, as its performance will directly impact the brewing process and the final product.

Copper conical fermenter Q&A

Q:1 Does copper fermenter affect flavor?

A: Yes, one of the key reasons why brewers still use copper is its ability to improve beer. Copper aids in the removal of unwanted sulfur compounds that may give the beer a bad flavor. By oxidizing these sulfur compounds, copper helps the brewery to produce beer with a better and more desirable flavor.

Q:2 How big is a copper fermenter?

A: Copper fermenters are available in various sizes to suit different brewing needs, but they are typically quite large. A small copper fermenter could be 15-30 gallons. Commercial sizes include 7BBL, 15BBL, and 30BBL. The biggest copper fermenters stand at 20 feet tall and can hold up to 112 barrels.

Q:3 What does a conical fermenter do?

A: A conical fermenter is a vessel with a cone-shaped bottom used for brewing beer. It is used to control fermentation and make it easier to separate the yeast after fermentation is complete. Conical fermenters are typically made of stainless steel and come in various sizes, from small homebrew setups to large industrial-scale brewing systems.

Q:4 How much does a conical fermentor cost?

A: A small home brew conical fermenter could cost as little as $100-$200, while an industrial-scale copper conical fermenter could cost thousands of dollars, between $10,000 to $30,000, or even higher.