Horizontal Serving tanks

[Gordvan]

Anyone use horizontal (Druck) tanks?

Starting brewpub in Baltics
I have some local quotes that all include horizontal tanks with plastic inliner

I used horizontal aging tanks at Domens and they were more difficult to clean, even for a 500 L tank which has about a 2:1 length to width ratio
the 1000L tanks I am being offered are more like 4:1.

also have been told that some use compressed air to push beer to taps, filling space between tank and inliner bag. I am pretty sure these are not oxygen barrier bags.

Why are the horizontal tanks so popular in Europe? am I missing the advantage here?
if you stack them 3 high I can see some space savings but mostly I have seen only 2 stacked.

Gordon VanHoutan

[gitchegumee]

I've seen them in use on German systems. The brewers that use them like them. Advantages are lower CO2 usage, better space utilization and easier (read: NO) cleaning. Disadvantages are the cost and disposal of bags. I'd rather use traditional single walls in a walk-in, but then again can't speak from experience with the alternative you're looking at. Good luck!

[Ted Briggs]

One advantage is there is less difference in head pressure, therefore more even carbonation throughout.

[Sulfur]

One advantage is there is less difference in head pressure, therefore more even carbonation throughout.

And faster due to the greater surface area.

[Gordvan]

These tanks are also glycol cooled rather than single wall.
how would one split the trunk line to serving tanks and kegs?
I still need a walk in for the kegs.

how about for energy efficiency
I was told that it was much cheaper to cool a tank than a room.
I know glycol is more efficient heat transfer medium than air, but that just means it takes longer to cool. once the room is cold wouldn't the other tanks act as a cooling buffer and help prevent temp swings.

also the lines to taps are much easier to manage if everything is in the same room.

Gordon