Part 1: Overall Process Flow
Brewing Kombucha is an art that combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Our complete line solution covers the entire process from water treatment to final filling. The diagram below shows the complete process flow, clearly illustrating every key step in Kombucha production, giving you a clear overview of the entire plant layout.
Part 2: Core System Breakdown
1. Water Treatment System
Water is the soul base of Kombucha. High-quality water determines the purity and stability of the final product. Our water treatment system uses multi-stage filtration technology to effectively remove impurities, chlorine ions, and microorganisms, providing the ideal medium for fermentation.
Core Equipment:
~ RO System
~ UV Sterilizer
~ Precision Filter
Technical Features:
~ Fully automatic operation with real-time water quality monitoring
~ Modular design, flexible configuration based on production capacity
~ Stable effluent quality, meeting food-grade brewing standards
2. Hot Water Tank System
The hot water tank system serves as the central water supply hub for continuous production. In Kombucha brewing, the tea brewing process requires a large volume of constant-temperature hot water for tea extraction. Our hot water tank system heats and stores water in advance, ensuring instant supply when needed—eliminating production pauses caused by waiting for water to heat, significantly improving production efficiency.
Dual-Function Design:
~ Tea Brewing Supply — Primary Function
The hot water tank continuously supplies the tea brewing vessels with water at the set temperature (typically 85°C-100°C), ensuring temperature stability for tea extraction. Whether for small-batch craft brewing or continuous large-scale production, hot water is “always available on demand,” allowing seamless tea brewing operations.
~ Cleaning & Sanitization — Secondary Function
Simultaneously, the hot water tank provides high-temperature hot water for the CIP cleaning system and on-site cleaning, used for sanitizing equipment, pipes, and vessels—ensuring overall plant hygiene and safety.
Core Equipment:
~ Insulated Hot Water Tank
~ Heating Device (Steam/Electric)
~ Temperature Sensor
~ Hot Water Supply Pump
~ Level Controller
Technical Features:
~ High-Efficiency Insulation: Double-layer insulation structure with temperature drop ≤2°C over 24 hours, reducing energy consumption from reheating
~ Constant Temperature Supply: Fully automatic temperature control system ensuring stable outlet water temperature and consistent tea quality
~ Large Buffer Capacity: Tank volume configured based on production capacity to meet peak water demand
~ Multi-Purpose Usage: Simultaneously meets process water (tea brewing) and sanitation water (cleaning) needs
~ Sanitary Design: Mirror-polished inner surface, no dead legs, meeting food-grade standards
Hot water tank specifications:
| Volume | Dimension | Thickness | Heated type |
| 200L | Φ760 *1600mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 300L | Φ810 *1900mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 500L | Φ960 *2000mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 600L | Φ960 *2400mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 800L | Φ1060 *2400mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 1000L | Φ1160 *2450mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 1500L | Φ1260 *2600mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
| 2000L | Φ1400 *3200mm (H) | 3.0/2.0mm | Electric/steam |
3. Tea Brewing System: The Extraction Unit
The tea brewing system marks the starting point of the entire kombucha production process. Its design directly impacts the flavor foundation of your brew. We offer a range of customizable brewing vessel configurations to suit different tea types (loose-leaf vs. bagged), process requirements, and budget considerations.
Standard Configurations:
~ For loose-leaf tea: The vessel can be equipped with an internal agitator and movable false bottom to ensure efficient extraction while achieving automatic tea-liquid separation.
~ For operational convenience: A tea bag or removable infuser basket solution can be adopted to simplify loading and cleaning.
Core Equipment:
~ Brewing Vessel
~ Tea-liquid Separator
~ Plate Heat Exchanger
Key Technical Features:
~ Intelligent Temperature Control: Precisely manages extraction temperature to fully release tea aromatics and bioactive compounds.
~ Rapid Cooling: Quickly brings the brew down to optimal fermentation temperature, minimizing contamination risks, preserving fresh tea notes, and avoiding bitterness from prolonged high-temperature steeping.
~ Sanitary Design: Features smooth surfaces and a crevice-free structure for easy and thorough cleaning, meeting food-grade hygiene standards.
~ Through the synergy of efficient extraction and rapid cooling, our system helps you lock in the true flavor of tea, providing an ideal nutrient base for subsequent SCOBY fermentation.
Tea Steeping tank specifications:
| Volume | Dimension | False bottom/Tea basket | Agitator |
| 100L | Φ860 *1600mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 200L | Φ860 *1900mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 300L | Φ960 *2100mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 500L | Φ1160 *2600mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 600L | Φ1160 *2600mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 800L | Φ1260 *2600mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1000L | Φ1460 *2700mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1500L | Φ1800 *2900mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 2000L | Φ2200 *3200mm (H) | Included | Included |
4. Open Fermentation (Stage 1)
Core Equipment:
~ Open Fermentation Tank
~ Temperature Control Jacket
Technical Features:
~ Wide opening design for easy SCOBY cultivation and handling
~ Precise temperature control ensuring optimal fermentation temperature (24°C-30°C)*
~ Food-grade 304/316L stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, ensuring hygiene
Open fermenter specifications:
| Volume | Dimension | Insulation | Cooling jacket |
| 100L | Φ860 *1000mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 200L | Φ960 *1100mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 300L | Φ1060 *1300mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 500L | Φ1260 *1300mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 600L | Φ1360 *1300mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 800L | Φ1460 *1300mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1000L | Φ1510 *1400mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1500L | Φ1700 *1500mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 2000L | Φ1800 *1600mm (H) | Included | Included |
5. Filtration System
After primary fermentation, yeast strands and suspended solids remain in the liquid. The mission of the filtration system is to remove these impurities, obtaining a clear and bright liquid that enhances the visual appeal and taste purity of the product.
Core Equipment:
~ Diatomaceous Earth Filter
~ Membrane Filter
~ Sanitary Transfer Pump
Technical Features:
~ Selectable filtration precision based on different needs (rough/fine filtration)
~ Closed filtration system to avoid air contact and reduce oxidation
~ High filtration efficiency, low product loss
6. Pressurized Fermentation (Stage 2)
This is the critical stage that gives Kombucha its signature effervescence. In a sealed pressure tank, residual sugar continues to ferment, producing carbon dioxide and forming fine bubbles. At this stage, you can also add flavorings to create unique profiles.
Core Equipment:
~ Pressurized Fermentation Tank
~ Safety Valve
~ Pressure Gauge
~ CIP Spray Ball
~ Sampling Valve
Technical Features:
~ Design pressure up to 3-4 bar, meeting carbonated beverage production needs
~ Completely sealed to prevent secondary contamination
~ Can be equipped with carbonation function for precise control of bubble content
Pressure fermenter specifications:
| Volume | Dimension | Insulation | Cooling jacket |
| 100L | Φ600 *1600mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 200L | Φ760 *1900mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 300L | Φ860 *2100mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 500L | Φ960 *2450mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 600L | Φ1060 *2400mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 800L | Φ1160 *2500mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1000L | Φ1260 *2700mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1500L | Φ1360 *3150mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 2000L | Φ1600 *3300mm (H) | Included | Included |
7. Storage & Aging System
Before filling, the finished product needs to briefly reside in storage tanks to stabilize quality while awaiting packaging. Our storage tanks are equipped with sterile vents and pressure maintenance devices to ensure consistent product quality during storage.
Core Equipment:
~ Aseptic Storage Tank
~ Sterile Vent Filter
~ Level Gauge
~ CIP System
Technical Features:
~ Aseptic design to prevent microbial contamination
~ Can be connected to nitrogen/CO2 system to prevent oxygen contact
~ Integrated with filler for continuous production
Storage & Aging tanks specifications:
| Volume | Dimension | Insulation | Cooling jacket |
| 100L | Φ600 *1500mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 200L | Φ760 *1700mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 300L | Φ860 *1900mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 500L | Φ960 *2100mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 600L | Φ1060 *2200mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 800L | Φ1160 *2200mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1000L | Φ1260 *2300mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1500L | Φ1360 *2400mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 2000L | Φ1600 *2600mm (H) | Included | Included |
8. CIP Cleaning System
Hygiene and safety are the lifelines of food and beverage production. Our CIP (Clean-in-Place) system enables automated cleaning and sterilization of the entire brewing line—including fermentation tanks, pipes, and fillers—without disassembly, ensuring every batch is produced in a clean environment.
System Components:
~ Chemical Tanks: Separate storage for acid, caustic, and hot water with level monitoring
~ CIP Return Pump: Recovers cleaning solutions for reuse, reducing costs
~ Automation: Automatic temperature monitoring and automatic start/stop
Cleaning Program:
Pre-rinse → Caustic Wash → Intermediate Rinse → Acid Wash → Final Rinse → Sanitization
9. Cooling System (Glycol System)
Precise temperature control is key to high-quality Kombucha fermentation. Our glycol cooling system provides a stable and reliable cold source for fermentation tanks and storage tanks, ensuring the fermentation process always remains within the optimal temperature range, regardless of seasonal changes.
System Components:
~ Glycol Buffer Tank: Stores the cooling medium (glycol solution) with insulation layer
~ Chiller Unit: Industrial-grade compressor refrigeration for continuous cooling capacity
~ Cooling Water Piping & Pumps: Sanitary stainless steel pipes with circulation pumps delivering cooling capacity to individual tank jackets
Technical Features:
~ Precise temperature control with accuracy of ±1°C
~ Multi-zone control, simultaneously meeting different temperature requirements for different tanks
~ Energy-saving design with automatic capacity adjustment based on load
~ Closed-loop circulation system minimizing medium loss and preventing contamination
Glycol tank specifications:
| Volume | Dimension | Insulation | Cooling jacket |
| 100L | Φ600 *1500mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 200L | Φ760 *1700mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 300L | Φ860 *1900mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 500L | Φ960 *2300mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 600L | Φ960 *2400mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 800L | Φ1060 *2250mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1000L | Φ1160 *2350mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 1500L | Φ1260 *2550mm (H) | Included | Included |
| 2000L | Φ1400 *3100mm (H) | Included | Included |
10. Automation Control Unit
Intelligent control is the core brain of a modern craft brewery. Our control unit connects all equipment across the production line, enabling centralized monitoring and data management, making complex brewing processes simple and controllable.
System Components:
~ Main Control Cabinet: Includes PLC, HMI touch screen, VFDs, electrical components
~ Field Sensors: Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, level sensors, flow meters
~ Actuators: Pneumatic valves, motorized control valves, variable frequency pumps
~ Remote Monitoring: Optional mobile APP or computer remote monitoring functionality
Core Functions:
~ Recipe Management: Store multiple product recipes for one-click product changeover
~ Process Recording: Automatically records temperature curves, cleaning logs, and production data for traceability
~ Alarm System: Real-time monitoring of abnormalities (temperature deviation, pressure issues) with instant alerts
~ Access Control: Multi-level operation permissions ensuring production safety
11. Filling & Packaging System
The final step is getting the delicious Kombucha into the bottle. We offer isobaric filling solutions specifically designed for carbonated beverages, maximizing bubble retention and preventing foaming and oxidation, ensuring consistent quality in every bottle.
Core Equipment:
~ Bottle washer
~ Bottle rinser
~ Isobaric Filler
~ Capper
~ PET bottle filler
~ Can filler and seamer
~ Labeling Machine
~ Date Coder
Technical Features:
~ Isobaric filling technology to minimize CO2 loss
~ High filling accuracy with consistent liquid levels
~ Suitable for various bottle types (glass/PET/cans)
Rich Experience in Commercial Kombucha Projects – One-Stop Service from Our SDET Team
Our SDET team has extensive, hands-on experience in commercial kombucha projects. We offer a full range of one-stop services covering every stage of your project, including:
~ Initial production capacity selection
~ Equipment configuration
~ Cost calculation and budget evaluation
~ Brewing process development
~ Production site planning
~ Import process support for raw materials and equipment
~ Equipment installation, commissioning, and on-site production support
Simply leave us a message, give us a call, or send an email – and you will receive a complete kombucha production process plan and a detailed project quotation, free of charge.
