With the rapid growth of the Korean craft beer market, breweries are under increasing pressure to expand production capacity while maintaining strict quality standards.
After a successful partnership in 2019 with a 1000L brewhouse system, this well-known Korean craft brewery once again selected Meto as its trusted engineering partner to support its second-stage expansion.
The project included:
- 8 × 2000L stainless steel fermentation tanks
- Fully integrated PLC fermentation control system
- Industrial-grade glycol chiller unit
- Centralized automatic CIP cleaning system
Вся система была успешно поставлена, установлена и введена в эксплуатацию. Благодаря точному управлению температурой, передовому гигиеническому дизайну и бесшовной системной интеграции решение получило высокую оценку заказчика.
Project Background
During supplier evaluation, the brewery conducted multiple international comparisons. Based on their previous experience with Meto’s:
- Precision manufacturing capability
- Automation control expertise
- Advanced temperature management engineering
They confidently chose Meto again as the core equipment supplier for their capacity upgrade.
The client’s key requirements included:
- Higher fermentation temperature accuracy
- Improved batch-to-batch consistency
- Reduced manual intervention
- Compliance with international food-grade hygiene standards
Equipment Highlights & Technical Advantages
1. Temperature Control Principles & Engineering Implementation
(Core Differentiation Advantage)
Fermentation temperature directly affects:
- Yeast metabolism
- Ester and higher alcohol formation
- Fermentation speed
- Flavor stability
- Product consistency
Zoned Full-Jacket Cooling Design
Each 2000L fermenter adopts a dual-zone full jacket cooling structure:
- Independent cooling zone for the cylindrical body
- Independent cooling zone for the conical bottom
- 360° surface heat exchange coverage
The system integrates:
- Glycol circulation loop
- Plate heat exchanger
- Промышленный холодильный агрегат
This design ensures:
- Fast thermal response
- Uniform heat transfer
- Elimination of local overcooling or overheating
Metabolic heat generated during fermentation is removed efficiently, preventing temperature spikes that could impact flavor development.
PLC Closed-Loop Control System
The fermentation system operates on a PLC automation platform combined with:
- High-precision PT100 temperature sensors
- Electric control valves
- PID algorithm-based modulation
This creates a complete closed-loop temperature control system, delivering:
✔ Temperature accuracy within ±0.1°C
✔ Multi-stage fermentation temperature programming
✔ Real-time monitoring of temperature and pressure
✔ Historical data recording and traceability
✔ Remote alarm and supervision capability
Compared to manual valve adjustment systems, this automation platform significantly reduces human error and ensures standardized fermentation management.
Energy Optimization Engineering
Additional system refinements include:
- Insulated glycol piping to minimize energy loss
- Flow rate modulation based on fermentation phase
- Compressor protection logic to prevent frequent cycling
These improvements enhance operational stability while reducing overall energy consumption.
2. Hygienic Design Standards & CIP System Engineering
Hygienic engineering is critical in fermentation systems to prevent contamination, ensure microbial safety, and protect brand reputation.
Meto designed the entire system according to international food-grade sanitary standards.
Fermenter Sanitary Structure
- Material: High-grade SUS304 stainless steel
- Internal surface finish: Mirror polishing, Ra ≤ 0.8 μm
- Full TIG welding with internal polishing treatment
- Sanitary tri-clamp connections
The ultra-smooth internal surface minimizes:
- Biofilm formation
- Protein residue adhesion
- Microbial growth risk
Optimized Conical Bottom Design
- 60° cone angle
- Efficient yeast sedimentation
- Complete discharge without residue
This improves yeast recovery efficiency while eliminating cleaning dead zones.
Integrated Automatic CIP Cleaning System
The centralized CIP system includes:
- Alkali tank
- Емкость для кислоты
- Бак для горячей воды
- Recovery system
- Automated control module
Programmable cleaning sequence:
- Pre-rinse
- Caustic wash circulation
- Intermediate rinse
- Acid wash
- Final sanitation
Automation ensures:
✔ Precise cleaning time control
✔ Stable flow and pressure
✔ Standardized chemical concentration
✔ Cleaning data traceability
Compared to manual cleaning methods, this system:
- Reduces chemical consumption
- Lowers labor intensity
- Enhances overall hygiene safety level
Результаты проекта
After commissioning, the brewery achieved:
- 60% increase in fermentation capacity
- Significantly improved temperature stability
- Enhanced batch-to-batch flavor consistency
- Reduced manual operation workload
The client commented:
“Meto’s fermentation control precision and system reliability exceeded expectations. This expansion lays a strong foundation for our future strategic growth.”
Заключение
Meto specializes in providing complete stainless steel brewing and fermentation solutions for global breweries.
From craft-scale operations to commercial production lines, we deliver:
- Precision temperature-controlled fermentation systems
- Hygienic, food-grade engineered equipment
- Intelligent automation platforms
- Scalable production solutions
If you are planning a brewery expansion or new facility project, our engineering team is ready to provide a customized solution tailored to your production goals.
