A rotating racking arm is a key component in beer fermenters, particularly in conical fermenters, designed to improve the efficiency and quality of beer transfer during the racking process. Below are some explanations and introductions of its meaning, function and characteristics of our new updated rotating racking arm:
 
 
Meaning of Rotating Racking Arm
A rotating racking arm is a movable tube or pipe inside a fermenter that allows brewers to draw clarified beer from the fermenter while leaving behind the sediment(yeast, trub and other particulates). It rotates to adjust its position, enabling precise control over where the beer is extracted from within the tanks.
 
Function of Rotating Racking Arm
Sediment avoidance: by rotating the arm, brewers can avoid drawing sediment that settles at the bottom of the fermenter, ensuring clearer beer.
 
Precision transfer: it allows for selective extraction of beer from different levels in the fermenter, optimizing the quality of the transferred beer.
 
Efficiency: reduces beer loss by minimizing the amount of liquid left behind with the sediment.
 
Flexibility: can be adjusted during or after fermentation to accommodate changes in sediment levels or beer clarity.
 
Characteristics of Rotating Racking Arm
 
※ Adjustable Positioning: the arm can be rotated 360 degrees, allowing it to be positioned at the optimal height and angle for beer extraction.
This adjustability is especially useful in conical fermenters, where sediment collects at the bottom cone.
 
※Sanitary Design: made from food-grade stainless steel to ensure hygiene and prevent contamination.
Designed for easy cleaning and sanitization, often with CIP systems.
 
※Sealed Mechanism: the rotating mechanism is sealed to prevent oxygen ingress, which could oxidize the beer and affect its flavor.
 
※Integration with Fermenter: typically installed through a port on the side of the fermenter, near the bottom of the conical section.
Compatible with various fermenter sizes and designs.
 
※Ease of Use: can be manually or automatically adjusted, depending on the fermenter setup.
Some advanced systems include motorized rotation for precise control.
 
※Durability: built to withstand the harsh conditions of fermentation, including exposure to alcohol, acids, and cleaning agents.
 
Benefits of Using a Rotating Racking Arm
 
※Improved Beer Clarity: reduces the amount of sediment transferred to the next stage (e.g., conditioning or packaging).
 
※Enhanced Flavor: minimizes the risk of off-flavors cased by transferring excessive yeast or trub.
 
※Increased Yield: maximizes beer recovery by allowing brewers to extract more liquid without pulling sediment.
 
※Process Control: provides greater control over the racking process, improving consistency and quality.
 
When is a Rotating Racking Arm Used?
 
During racking, transferring beer from the fermenter to a conditioning tank, bright tank, or packaging line.
For lagers and other beers requiring high clarity and minimal sediment transfer.
 
Conclusion
 
A rotating racking arm is a valuable tool and now necessary part in modern brewing, offering precision, efficiency, and quality control during the beer transfer process. Its ability to adapt to the sediment layer and extract clear beer makes it an essential feature for professional brewers aiming to produce high-quality beer consistency.
 
Let us know if you’d like more interested information please!
Cheers&Best Regards,
Sharon
E: grainbrew@cnbrewery.com