A Korean craft brewery took a bold step toward scaling its operations by partnering with Meto Equipment—a global provider of brewing solutions. The collaboration centered around the installation of eight 2000L stainless steel fermentation tanks, complemented by a fully integrated fermentation control system and a high-efficiency refrigeration unit. A seamless, scalable, and highly reliable fermentation line that has set a new benchmark for craft brewing in the region.
Why Stainless Steel Fermentation Tanks?
At the heart of this expansion lies the stainless steel fermentation tank—a cornerstone of modern brewing infrastructure. But what makes stainless steel the material of choice for serious brewers?
Stainless steel significantly enhances both durability and hygiene in the fermentation process, thanks to its unique material properties and advanced surface engineering. Food-grade stainless steel—typically SUS304 or 316L—offers exceptional resistance to corrosion from organic acids in beer, cleaning chemicals (like alkaline or acidic CIP solutions), and the CO₂-rich fermentation environment. This not only extends the tank’s service life but also prevents metal ion leaching that could compromise beer flavor or safety.
Moreover, the interior surfaces of these tanks are mirror-polished to a roughness average (Ra) of ≤ 0.4 μm, minimizing microscopic crevices where yeast, bacteria, or residues could hide. Paired with an integrated CIP (Clean-in-Place) system, this hygienic design enables rapid, thorough, and automated cleaning—meeting stringent international sanitary standards such as EHEDG or 3-A. Unlike carbon steel or plastic alternatives, stainless steel is non-porous, non-absorbent, and immune to rust or cracking, eliminating hidden contamination risks and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency.
Project Highlights: Precision Meets Performance
The brewery’s new setup includes:
Eight 2000L conical fermentation tanks made from high-grade SUS304 stainless steel
Full jacket cooling integrated with an external chiller for precise temperature control (±0.5°C)
PLC-based automation for real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and fermentation kinetics
Conical bottoms optimized for efficient yeast harvesting and trub removal
Hygienic design compliant with global food safety regulations
After commissioning, the system delivered a 60% increase in fermentation capacity, while temperature stability improved dramatically—critical for preserving delicate hop aromas and achieving consistent attenuation in diverse beer styles.
Operational Impact and Client Feedback
Automation has simplified daily workflows: brewers can now monitor and adjust fermentation parameters remotely, reducing manual intervention and human error. Energy consumption also decreased thanks to the chiller’s smart load management and the tank’s thermal efficiency.
Under what circumstances should SUS 316 be chosen?
For breweries with even higher demands, especially those producing sour beers or operating in areas with hard water, SUS316L stainless steel is the superior choice. The key difference lies in its addition of molybdenum. This element significantly enhances the steel’s resistance to chlorides and harsh acidic environments, preventing pitting corrosion and ensuring the purest expression of delicate and aggressive beer styles.
What is the significance of “mirror polishing”?
The primary purpose of “mirror polishing” is to create an exceptionally smooth, defect-free surface on the interior of the tank. By reducing the surface roughness to an Ra value of ≤ 0.4 μm, it effectively eliminates microscopic pits and scratches. These tiny imperfections would otherwise become hiding places where yeast, protein residues, and bacteria can adhere and thrive. As a result, mirror polishing not only enables highly efficient and thorough cleaning but also fundamentally minimizes the risk of microbial contamination. This process is essential for ensuring batch-to-batch consistency and product safety.
Looking Ahead
As the Korean craft beer market continues its upward trajectory, scalable, sanitary, and smart brewing infrastructure will be essential. Meto Equipment remains committed to delivering complete stainless steel fermentation solutions—from pilot-scale systems to fully automated commercial lines—that empower brewers to focus on what they do best: crafting exceptional beer.
Whether you’re expanding capacity or building a new facility, investing in high-quality stainless steel fermentation tanks isn’t just about hardware—it’s about laying the foundation for quality, consistency, and sustainable growth.
We specialize in turnkey solutions for craft producers worldwide. Contact us to discuss your vision—and how the right distillery equipment can bring it to life.
