Mash Tun – Lauter Tun – Whirlpool Tank
Mash Tun
Mash Tun
The Mash Tun is the primary vessel where ground malt and water are unified and heated to initiate the enzymatic conversion of starches into fermentable sugars. Whether you are performing a single-temperature infusion or a complex multi-temperature step mash, this tank provides the thermal stability required to determine the beer’s final body, flavor, and alcohol potential.
In our high-versatility configuration, this vessel also serves as the Boil Kettle. Once the sweet liquid (wort) is extracted, it is returned here for a vigorous boil with hops. This critical stage stops all enzyme activity, extracts essential hop bitterness and aroma, and coagulates proteins and polyphenols (the “hot break”). The boiling process also concentrates the wort, develops the beer’s characteristic color, and strips away unwanted volatiles like DMS, ensuring a clean, professional profile.
Tank Options
- Wheels
- Stand for Forklift Transport
- PU Foam Insulation
- Green Line Stainless Steel
3D
| Model | Total volume | Working volume | Gearmotor power | RPM | Heating system |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MT5 | 850 lit | 500 lit | 0,75 kW | 1÷40 rpm | steam |
| MT10 | 1.650 lit | 1.000 lit | 1,5 kW | 1÷35 rpm | steam |
| MT20 | 3.600 lit | 2.000 lit | 2,2 kW | 1÷46 rpm | steam |
Other tank sizes available per client request
Lauter Tun
Lauter Tun
The Lauter Tun is a specialized separation vessel designed to isolate the sweet wort from the spent grain bed. Acting as a large-scale precision sieve, it features a slotted false bottom that supports the grain while allowing the liquid to filter through. This process is essential for achieving high brewhouse efficiency and consistent wort clarity.
To ensure a smooth flow and prevent the grain bed from compacting, the Lauter Tun is equipped with a motorized rake system. These rakes slice through the grain, keeping it porous and preventing “stuck mashes.” By recycling the wort through the grain bed (vorlauf) and carefully managing the sparge, the Lauter Tun ensures that every bit of extract is recovered before the wort moves on to the boil.
Tank Options
- Wheels
- Stand for Forklift Transport
- PU Foam Insulation
- Green Line Stainless Steel
3D
| Model | Total volume | Working volume | Gearmotor power | RPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LT5 | 780 lit | 500 lit | 0,55 kW | 1÷14 rpm |
| LT10 | 1.360 lit | 1.000 lit | 1,1 kW | 1÷16 rpm |
| LT20 | 3.080 lit | 2.000 lit | 1,5 kW | 1÷10 rpm |
Other tank sizes available per client request
Whirlpool Tank
Whirlpool Tank
The Whirlpool Tank is the final clarification stage of the hot side. After the boil, the wort contains solid particles like hop fragments and protein clumps that must be removed before fermentation. By creating a powerful circular motion—either through tangential pumping or mechanical stirring—this vessel utilizes centrifugal force to move these solids to the center of the tank.
The result is a concentrated, cone-shaped mass of debris (trub) at the bottom, allowing for the draw-off of crystal-clear wort from the side. This step is vital for improving the quality, appearance, and shelf life of the beer, as it removes the impurities that cause haze and “yeast stress” during fermentation.
Tank Options
- Wheels
- Stand for Forklift Transport
- PU Foam Insulation
- Green Line Stainless Steel
3D
| Model | Total volume | Working volume |
|---|---|---|
| WP5 | 700 lit | 500 lit |
| WP10 | 1.350 lit | 1.000 lit |
| WP20 | 2.680 lit | 2.000 lit |
Other tank sizes available per client request
Can't Find the Ideal Tank?
Talk to one of our engineers and describe your requirements. We will design a unique solution perfect for your processing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are these three vessels designed as a synchronized set?
In a professional brewhouse, these vessels represent the three pillars of wort production: Conversion (Mash), Separation (Lauter), and Clarification (Whirlpool). Having dedicated vessels for each step allows you to optimize the pH, temperature, and mechanical action of each phase. It also enables “back-to-back” brewing, where you can start a second mash while the first batch is still being whirlpool-clarified.
How does the Mash Tun's design affect the final beer?
The Mash Tun is where the “DNA” of your beer is created. By controlling the temperature and time, you dictate the enzyme activity that creates the sugar profile. Our version, which doubles as a Boil Kettle, ensures that once those sugars are created, they are perfectly sterilized and hopped in a vessel designed for a high-intensity rolling boil.
What is the purpose of the motorized rake in the Lauter Tun?
Without rakes, a heavy grain bed can become an impenetrable “brick,” stopping the flow of wort. The rakes cut through this bed to keep it “fluffy” and porous. This not only speeds up the lautering process but also ensures that the rinse water (sparge) touches every grain, maximizing your extract efficiency and saving you money on malt.
Why can't I just whirlpool in my Boil Kettle?
While some small systems do this, a dedicated Whirlpool Tank is much more efficient. It allows the “trub cone” to form more stably without being disturbed by heating elements or kettle geometry. This results in much clearer wort, which leads to better yeast health, fewer off-flavors, and a brilliantly clear final beer.
How does the Whirlpool improve the shelf life of the beer?
By removing coagulated proteins and polyphenols, you are removing the precursors to “chill haze” and oxidative instability. Clean wort from the whirlpool means the beer stays fresh, bright, and stable in the bottle or keg for a much longer period.
Does the conical bottom on the Mash Tun help with drainage?
Yes. The cylindrical body and conical bottom of the Mash/Boil vessel are engineered to ensure that every drop of wort drains out efficiently. This geometry prevents “dead zones” where sugar could be trapped, ensuring that your transition to the Lauter Tun is as complete as possible.
Are Mash tun, Lauter tun and Whirlpool tank easy to clean between batches?
Absolutely. Each vessel is equipped with integrated CIP (Clean-in-Place) spray balls. The mirror-polished AISI 304/316 stainless steel and smooth internal welds prevent “beer stone” buildup. This is critical for preventing cross-contamination between different styles, such as moving from a heavily hopped IPA to a clean, crisp Lager.
Why is "DMS Removal" mentioned in the Boil Kettle description?
Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) is a volatile compound that can give beer a “cooked corn” off-flavor. A vigorous, 60–90 minute boil in a properly vented Boil Kettle is the only way to evaporate these precursors. Our kettle geometry is designed to promote a “rolling boil” that drives off these volatiles while concentrating the wort to your target gravity.
How does the Whirlpool improve the "Shelf Life" of my beer?
Shelf life is largely determined by protein and polyphenol stability. By using the Whirlpool to remove the “Hot Break” (coagulated proteins), you are removing the elements that cause oxidation and flavor staling over time. Cleaner wort entering the fermenter leads to a more stable, shelf-ready product that tastes fresh for months, not weeks.
Can the automated systems be applied to just a single standalone vessel?
Absolutely. Whether you have a full 3-vessel brewhouse or you are just looking to automate a single standalone tank, we cater to your specific needs.
What parameters can Letina automate on a Standalone Mash Tun?
For the Mash Tun, the system offers complete recipe-based operations featuring up to 9 distinct phases and parameters. It handles automated control of agitator speed and time, precise temperature regulation (PID Ramp or On/Off), and historical data logging to help you perfect your recipes. Optional upgrades include automatic pump controls and live liquid level measurements.
How does automation improve Lauter Tun efficiency?
A Lauter Tun requires delicate flow management. Our standalone Lauter Tun automation manages agitator speed and time, and offers recipe-based operations with up to 9 phases. It also includes on-tank manual controls for lighting and rake rotation for easy emptying. To prevent stuck mashes, advanced options offer automated rake height adjustment and water inlet requests.
What can automation do for a standalone Whirlpool Tun?
While whirlpools are simple by design, timing is everything to prevent cold-side oxidation and ensure clear wort. Letina provides a centralized display of key metrics, a precise time management system, and an auditory alarm with event tracking. You can also add options for cooling requests, manual/automatic pump speed control, and outlet flow meter regulation to ensure a perfect transfer to the heat exchanger.