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Hop Extraction Tank: Revolutionizing Dry Hopping in Breweries

  • Nov 16, 2024
  • 86
  • tiantai
In modern breweries, dry hopping has become a cornerstone of crafting aromatic and flavorful beers, particularly in styles like IPAs. As the demand for hop-forward beers grows, breweries are turning to innovative equipment like hop extraction tank to streamline the process and maximize the use of hops.

I.What Is a Hop Extraction Tank?
A hop extraction tank is specialized brewing equipment designed to optimize the dry hopping process. Unlike traditional methods where hops are added directly into fermentation tanks, this dedicated vessel allows brewers to infuse hop flavors and aromas more efficiently. The tank typically operates as a closed-loop system, ensuring minimal oxygen exposure while extracting volatile hop compounds.

The hop extraction tank consists of a filter element, stirring motor and reducer, water-cooled mechanical seal, water tank, circulation water pump, sieve plate, tank blind plate, electric diaphragm pump, sanitary-grade pipelines, and manual valves.


II. How Does It Work?
The process typically begins by adding hops to the extraction tank. The hop extraction tank uses the principles of cross-flow filtration and centrifugation to enhance hop utilization.The beer is then circulated through the tank, ensuring even distribution and maximum contact with the hops. Tiantai hop extraction tank allows for temperature and pressure adjustments, which can enhance the extraction of specific hop compounds. After the desired flavor and aroma profile is achieved, the beer is returned to the main fermentation or conditioning vessel.

III. Tiantai 500L Hop Extraction Tank
This 500L hop extraction tank is used for 5000L beer fermenter dry hopping. 25KG hop pallets would be pitched into this 500L hop extraction tank.


IV. Hop Extraction System Operation Procedure
1. Purge the air inside the extraction tank thoroughly using carbon dioxide (CO2).
2. Add 25KG hops into the extraction tank, seal the tank, and pressurize it.
3.Pump 500L of beer into the extraction tank using a diaphragm pump, circulate within the tank for 20 minutes to dissolve the hops.
4. Circulate the beer between the fermentation tank and the extraction tank for approximately 2 hours.
5. During operation, maintain the filter cartridge speed at around 10Hz. If the speed is too high, the centrifugal force will slow the downward flow of liquid through the filter cartridge, causing it to lag behind the diaphragm pump's circulation speed.
6.The time required for the beer in the extraction tank to return to the fermentation tank is approximately 10 minutes, which is significantly longer than the CO₂pressurization speed.


V. Key Features and Benefits
1. Efficient Extraction
The design of a hop extraction tank ensures thorough contact between hops and beer, enhancing the extraction of essential oils and aroma compounds. This leads to a more pronounced hop profile without the need to overuse hops.

2.Reduced Hop Waste
By optimizing the extraction process, breweries can achieve better utilization of hops, reducing material costs and minimizing waste.

3.Oxygen Control
Oxygen exposure during dry hopping can lead to oxidation, negatively impacting beer flavor and stability. Hop extraction tanks operate in a sealed environment, preserving the beer's freshness and quality.

4.Process Automation
Many modern hop extraction tanks come equipped with automated systems for hop dosing, mixing, and recirculation, saving time and labor while ensuring consistency in each batch.

5.Scalability
From small craft breweries to large-scale operations, hop extraction tanks are available in various sizes to accommodate different production needs.

Hop extraction tank is transforming the way breweries approach dry hopping, offering enhanced efficiency, flavor consistency, and operational control. As the brewing industry continues to innovate, the extraction are poised to become an essential tool for creating high-quality, hop-forward beers that meet the evolving tastes of consumers.

Friends, if you are interested in using hop extraction tank for beer dry hopping in fermenter, feel free to contact us.

Vicky
[email protected]
Sales Director in Tiantai Brewtech

Tags : TIANTAI beer equipment    hop extraction tank   
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