What should I do if there is a problem during the use of the conical container?

If you’re experiencing problems with conical containers in a craft brewery, here’s a summary of common issues and their solutions:

Tank Leaks

Issue: Air leakage, often occurring at the tank’s top.

Solution: Regularly inspect and clean the overpressure and vacuum valves. Replace sealing gaskets as needed.

Beer Freezing

Issue: Beer freezing can occur due to low temperatures.

Solution: Use the formula t ice = – (alcohol focus X0.42 + initial wort focus X0.04+ 0.2) to calculate the freezing point and adjust temperature settings accordingly.

Gradient Distribution

Issue: This occurs when there’s stratification in the fermentation liquid, often due to temperature differences in large tanks.

Solutions:

Install a CO₂ cleaning device at the tank bottom to enhance liquid mixing.

Use cooling jackets effectively to regulate temperature.

Set up two sampling points for a better representation of the fermentation liquid.

Contamination

Issue: The large surface area and multiple external pipes make the conical tank susceptible to microbial contamination.

Solution: Implement thorough cleaning and decontamination protocols.

Instrument Calibration

Issue: Equipment errors can lead to operational issues.

Solutions:

Purchase high-quality equipment.

Regularly calibrate and check instruments to ensure proper function.

Poor CIP Cleaning Effect

Issue: Ineffective Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) can arise from equipment selection or cleaning agent use.

Solution: Address specific causes by reassessing equipment and ensuring proper cleaning agent application.

By addressing these issues proactively, you can ensure the smooth operation of your conical containers and maintain the quality of your craft beer production.