DEGONG Guide To Extending The Lifespan of Fermentation Tanks

Fermentation tanks are among the most critical pieces of equipment in any brewery or beverage production facility. Proper maintenance not only protects your investment but also ensures product consistency, sanitation, and operational efficiency. Based on DEGONG’s extensive experience in brewery engineering and stainless-steel tank manufacturing, this guide summarizes the most effective practices to maximize the lifespan of your fermentation vessels.

1. Why Proper Maintenance Matters

Even though stainless-steel fermentation tanks are durable and corrosion-resistant, they still require regular care. Without proper maintenance, the following issues may occur:

• Corrosion or surface damage, especially around welds

• Build-up of yeast, proteins, hop residue, or mineral deposits

• Reduced cooling efficiency or unstable fermentation temperatures

• Premature failure of gaskets, valves, or fittings

• Contamination risks impacting beer quality

A structured maintenance strategy ensures long-term reliability, minimizes downtime, and preserves the tank’s internal surface integrity.

2. Maintenance During Daily Operation

Fermentation tanks require consistent care during active production. DEGONG recommends the following daily or batch-to-batch practices:

✔ 2.1 Proper Cleaning & Sanitation

• Rinse immediately after each batch to remove yeast and solids before they harden.

• Use brewery-grade cleaning agents—never household cleaners that may damage stainless steel.

• Implement a complete CIP (Clean-in-Place) cycle including caustic wash, acid wash (if required), and sanitization.

✔ 2.2 Monitor Temperature & Pressure

• Regularly check glycol jacket performance and temperature probes.

• Ensure PRVs (pressure relief valves) and gas piping maintain stable head pressure.

✔ 2.3 Inspect High-Wear Areas

Focus on:

• Weld seams

• Manway gaskets

• Cooling jackets

• Tri-clamp fittings

• Racking arms and sample valves

Any dents, scratches, or rust spots should be addressed immediately to prevent further deterioration.

✔ 2.4 Maintain Auxiliary Components

Spray balls, sight glasses, gaskets, and valves must remain clean and fully functional. Replace worn parts before failure occurs.

3. Maintenance During Idle or Storage Periods

Even when tanks are not in use, they still require attention to prevent corrosion and microbial growth.

✔ 3.1 Keep Tanks Dry and Ventilated

• Drain all liquid from the tank and piping.

• Open manways or lightly loosen clamps to prevent gasket deformation and moisture accumulation.

✔ 3.2 Store in a Controlled Environment

• Ensure good airflow around the tank.

• Avoid high humidity or condensation that may cause surface corrosion.

• Use protective covers if the tank is in a dusty or harsh environment.

✔ 3.3 Perform Periodic Inspections

Check monthly for:

• Rust stains

• Mold or moisture accumulation

• Degraded gaskets

• Loose fittings

✔ 3.4 Consider Passivation

When tanks are idle for long periods or after abrasive damage, stainless-steel surfaces may need passivation to restore a protective oxide layer and prevent corrosion.

4. Preventive Maintenance: Long-Term Strategies

A long-term maintenance plan significantly improves tank durability and reduces operational risk.

✔ 4.1 Schedule Regular Passivation

After heavy use, mechanical impact, or chemical exposure, passivation helps maintain the stainless-steel protective layer.

✔ 4.2 Replace Consumable Parts Regularly

• Gaskets

• Seals

• Valves

• Pressure gauges

• Thermowells

Replacing these before failure is far cheaper than downtime caused by leaks or contamination.

✔ 4.3 Perform Professional Structural Inspections

DEGONG recommends annual checks that evaluate:

• Weld integrity

• Cooling jacket performance

• Pressure capability

• Internal surface finish condition

✔ 4.4 Staff Training

Operator errors are a major cause of tank damage. Proper training ensures:

• Correct CIP procedures

• Safe pressure handling

• Proper chemical mixing

• Accurate documentation and record keeping

✔ 4.5 Maintain Spare Parts Inventory

Keep critical spares onsite to minimize production interruptions.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving residue for extended periods

Once dried, residue becomes difficult to remove and can damage the surface.

Using abrasive tools or metal brushes

These can scratch stainless steel, leading to contamination and corrosion.

Ignoring minor leaks or gasket wear

Small issues quickly become major failures.

Storing tanks sealed and unventilated during downtime

Moisture buildup leads to mold growth and corrosion.

Lack of documentation and maintenance tracking

Without records, issues become harder to detect and prevent.

6. Summary: Key Takeaways from DEGONG

To maximize the lifespan and performance of your fermentation tanks:

• Clean promptly and thoroughly after every batch

• Monitor temperature, pressure, and cooling performance

• Inspect welds, valves, and gaskets frequently

• Maintain tanks properly even during idle periods

• Schedule preventive maintenance and passivation

• Train staff to follow standardized cleaning and operating procedures

• Track maintenance and cleaning logs

• Keep essential spare parts on hand

With these practices and DEGONG’s professional stainless-steel tank manufacturing standards, your fermentation equipment can deliver consistent performance for many years.