The Art of Fermentation. The Science of Level.

Application Overview

Fermentation is one of the most critical stages in the brewing process. During fermentation, yeast converts sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, creating dynamic vessel conditions that can challenge many traditional level measurement technologies.

Accurate level measurement helps brewers maximize tank utilization, monitor production capacity, support inventory management, and maintain visibility throughout the brewing process.

Common Measurement Challenges

Foam Generation

Active fermentation often creates heavy foam layers that can vary significantly throughout the batch cycle. Technologies that rely on mechanical contact or struggle to distinguish foam from liquid can provide inaccurate readings.

Condensation & Washdown

Breweries routinely perform CIP and sanitation cycles. Instruments must withstand washdown conditions while maintaining reliable performance.

Tank Geometry

Fermentation vessels are typically tall, narrow tanks with cone bottoms, requiring technologies capable of maintaining accurate measurements throughout changing process conditions.

Inventory Visibility

Brewers need confidence in available capacity and product inventory to effectively schedule production, transfers, and packaging operations.

Recommended Technologies

Guided Wave Radar

Guided Wave Radar provides highly reliable level measurement by directing the radar signal along a probe, minimizing the effects of foam, vessel internals, and process variations.

Ideal for:

• Fermentation tanks
• Bright beer tanks
• Process vessels

Non-Contact Radar

For applications where no contact with the product is desired, non-contact radar delivers continuous level measurement while maintaining sanitary process conditions.

Ideal for:

• Large storage tanks
• Ingredient storage
• Utility vessels

Point Level Detection

High and low level alarms help protect vessels from overfill conditions while providing additional operational confidence.

Ideal for:

• Overfill prevention
• Pump protection
• CIP chemical storage

Beyond Fermentation

Level measurement is required throughout the brewery, including:

• Fermentation Tanks
• Bright Beer Tanks
• Yeast Storage
• CIP Chemical Tanks
• Water Storage
• Ingredient Silos
• Syrup & Additive Tanks
• Wastewater Systems

Why It Matters

Reliable level measurement helps breweries:

• Maximize vessel utilization
• Improve production planning
• Reduce operator intervention
• Support CIP operations
• Improve inventory accuracy
• Minimize process interruptions

Whether you're measuring active fermentation, bright beer inventory, or CIP chemical storage, selecting the right level technology can improve visibility across the entire brewing process.