Lagertank

A lagertank, or lager tank, is a vessel used in beer production to store and age lager beer during the lagering phase after primary fermentation. The purpose is to clarify and stabilize flavor, reduce harshness, and develop carbonation and mouthfeel while the beer conditions at cold temperatures.

Most lagertanks are made of stainless steel (commonly grade 304 or 316) with sanitary finishes. They are typically insulated and equipped with cooling systems such as glycol jackets or internal coils to maintain cold temperatures. Tanks may feature conical bottoms for sediment handling, top manways for cleaning, sample taps, and sanitary fittings. Many are pressure-rated to allow partial to full carbonation and to limit oxygen ingress during transfers.

Lagering occurs at cold temperatures, typically around 0 to 4 °C, for several weeks to months depending on the beer style. The tank may be operated under atmospheric pressure or slightly pressurized to help carbonate and reduce oxidation. Oxygen-free transfer and clean-in-place (CIP) procedures are important considerations in operation. Some lagertanks also function as bright tanks, where beer is carbonated, clarified, and prepared for packaging.

Variants and context: The term lagertank is sometimes used interchangeably with lagering tank or bright beer tank. In many breweries, separate lagertanks and bright tanks are used to differentiate maturation from final carbonation and filtration. The design ranges from compact domestic systems to large industrial vessels, but core features include sanitary design, reliable temperature control, and compatibility with carbonation and filtration equipment.