Sizing a 2000L Tank for Secondary Fermentation

Sparkling wine is not a still wine problem. Once the second fermentation is running inside a closed vessel, you are managing pressure, temperature and yeast contact at the same time. A 2000L nominal tank usually gets filled to 1,500–1,800L, which leaves the headspace needed for foam and CO2 build-up without pushing product into the gas line.

Why the Convex and Concave Plate Jacket Matters

The dimpled plate jacket is welded directly onto the shell in a laser-formed pattern, so glycol runs through a narrow, turbulent path instead of a wide, slow one. Heat transfer stays consistent across the cone and the cylindrical body, which is what you want during a 12–15°C secondary fermentation where a two-degree drift changes the yeast profile. The dimple pattern also stiffens the shell, so a thin inner wall handles pressure without ballooning.

We build the standard unit in 304 with a 316L option. If your cleaning water runs high in chloride, or you work with high-acid musts, 316L is the cheaper decision over ten years. Interior welds are TIG, full penetration, ground and passivated; product contact surfaces finish at Ra ≤0.8 µm, with mirror polishing available on request. Exterior is insulated with 80–100mm polyurethane and clad in 304 sheet.

Connections, Pressure and Cleaning

A typical build carries a top manway, CIP spray ball, pressure and vacuum relief, sample valve, racking arm and DIN, ISO or clamp fittings for glycol in/out. Relief valve set pressure must match the tank rating — we do not ship a 3 bar vessel with a valve set higher because someone ordered the wrong part. Vacuum relief is not optional if you cold stabilize or CIP with hot caustic and rapid cooling.

Typical Specifications

FAQ

Can I use it for still wine? Yes, but you are paying for pressure capability you will not use. A variable-capacity or open-top unit is more cost-effective.

How many tanks do I need? Match tank volume to your largest single-variety batch, not to annual output. Three 2000L tanks give more blending flexibility than one 6000L.

Does the jacket handle crash cooling? It handles normal cooling loads. If you drop 20°C in a few hours, tell us and we will increase jacket coverage or add a second zone.

Tell us your batch size, wine type, number of tanks and available ceiling height. We can recommend tank volume, cooling area and configuration for your cellar.