We build 20BBL unitanks for breweries that need dependable fermentation capacity without expanding into a full tank farm. This size sits in a practical middle ground for brewpubs and regional craft producers: large enough for production batches, small enough to fit a crowded cellar.

Materials and fabrication

Tank shells use 304 stainless steel as standard. For breweries working with high-acid fruit beers or aggressive cleaning cycles, we can supply 316L on wetted surfaces. Interior welds are ground flush and pickled, then passivated. The exterior gets either a brushed finish or a mirror polish, depending on how visible the tank is in your taproom.

Cooling and pressure

The conical bottom and lower cylinder carry dimpled cooling jackets. Glycol flows through these jackets to pull heat during active fermentation, and the cone jacket also lets you crash cool without relying on ambient air. Working pressure is typically 15–30 psi, with a pressure relief valve sized to the tank. If you plan to carbonate in the unitank, confirm the relief setting with your engineer before ordering.

Conical geometry and ports

The cone angle affects yeast dropout and beer recovery. Steeper cones are better for lager strains and dry hopping schedules where you want clean separation. Port placement matters just as much: a well-positioned racking arm, sample valve, and CIP spray ball save hours of manual cleaning. We position ports based on your process, not a generic template.

Selection notes

Small brewpubs often choose 20BBL when they want to brew two or three times per week and ferment in the same vessel. Commercial breweries use 20BBL as a pilot or specialty tank alongside larger vessels. The biggest selection mistake is buying on volume alone and ignoring available ceiling height, glycol capacity, and floor loading.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Can I carbonate in this tank? Yes, if the working pressure and PRV are rated for your target carbonation volume. Tell us your CO2 target.

What glycol temperature do I need? Most ales run with 28–32°F glycol. Lagers and rapid crashes benefit from a larger chiller and higher flow.

How do I connect CIP and cold liquor? We provide port layouts that match your CIP loop and glycol header. Share your line sizes and we will match them.

Do I need a separate bright beer tank? Not always. Many breweries carbonate and serve from the unitank. It depends on your packaging schedule and clarity targets.

Tell us your batch size, beer type, number of fermentation tanks and available space. We can recommend the tank volume, cooling area and configuration for your brewery.