Blog: How a Tank Beer System Works

A tank beer system offers significant advantages for breweries, transporters, and bar owners. With environmental, financial, and marketing benefits, tank beer systems maximize the freshness and quality of beer served directly from the tank. However, for many people, the technology behind tank beer is still unfamiliar. In this article, we explain the main components of a tank beer system and how it works step by step. 

The Beer Tanks 

As the name suggests, a tank beer system revolves around tanks. These tanks, are pressure vessels, as they operate with internal air pressure (we’ll discuss this further in the section on “Inliners”).

The interior of each tank is made of high-quality stainless steel, ensuring it can safely withstand pressure levels of up to 3 bar. This inner construction is referred to as the pressure vessel or inner tank.

If the tank is used without insulation, it must be placed in a cold room to maintain the beer’s optimal temperature. This is a common and effective setup that already provides many of the benefits of a tank beer system.

An alternative setup is to add copper cooling coils, insulation foam, and an outer shell, creating a fully insulated and cooled tank. With this configuration, the tank no longer needs to be kept in a cold room, it can be installed almost anywhere. Examples are in a storage cellar or even as a visual centerpiece inside the bar. The outer shell can be made from materials such as stainless steel or other decorative finishes to match the interior design of the venue.

The Inliners 

At the core of every tank beer system are the inliners; durable plastic bags placed inside the tanks. These inliners are filled with beer, protecting it from the external influence of air. This allows the beer to be pushed out of the tank using air instead of CO₂, ensuring the beer remains pure and unaffected by external gases.

This method offers major advantages: the beer stays fresh and consistent in quality from the moment it leaves the brewery until the last drop is served at the bar.

Supporting Equipment 

A tank beer system relies on several components that ensure smooth and safe operation. 

• Air Compressor: Provides the pressurized air needed to push the beer from the tank. 

• Safety Valve: Regulates pressure levels and ensures safe operation at all times. 

• Piercing Unit: Connects directly to the inliner and allows beer to flow in and out of the tank in an airtight manner. 

• Python System: Transports the beer from the tank to the bar tap, maintaining constant cooling. 

For cooling, the system typically uses standard water coolers, but in warmer climates, a glycol cooler can be used for even more precise temperature control.

Experience the Benefits of Tank Beer 

A tank beer installation not only improves beer freshness and taste but also reduces CO₂ usage, packaging waste, and logistical costs. Whether you are a brewery looking for efficient beer distribution or a bar owner aiming to serve perfectly fresh beer every time, a Duotank system delivers proven results with sustainability and quality at its core.

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