Square Wine Fermentation Tank, 1000L to 5000L

Square tanks get specified for one of two reasons: the cellar is tight, or the winemaker wants vessels that line up in rows with no dead space between them. We build this series from 1000L to 5000L working volume, and we adjust footprint, height and outlet position per order so the tank fits the room instead of the other way around.

Standard construction is 304 stainless for juice and finished wine, with 316L offered where chloride exposure, coastal cellars or aggressive cleaning chemicals come into play. Shell thickness runs 2mm to 3mm depending on volume and jacket pressure. Internal welds are ground and passivated, and product-contact surfaces are polished to Ra 0.4-0.8 µm. Dimple or channel jackets on the side walls, and on the bottom where height allows, give even heat removal without hot spots.

Cooling is where most sizing mistakes happen. A 5000L tank with an undersized jacket and 8°C glycol will not pull a red ferment down on schedule. We calculate jacket area from batch size, target cooling rate and chiller temperature, then set working pressure — typically 0.3 MPa on the jacket, atmospheric or low pressure inside the tank, with a sized relief valve and a calibrated gauge on every unit.

Cleaning is handled with a rotating spray ball in the top, a bottom drain with a 1.5in or 2in tri-clamp outlet, and a racking port set above the yeast layer. Sample valve, thermometer, blow-off arm and level tube are fitted as standard. DIN or SMS fittings are available when your cellar already runs that standard.

Common questions

How do I pick the volume? Base it on batch size plus 20-25% headspace for red ferments, then check the tank still clears your ceiling and door.

Do I need 316L? Only if your water or cleaning regime carries chlorides. Otherwise 304 holds up fine for decades.

Can it hold pressure? Square vessels are built for low pressure with a relief valve. For carbonation or pressure transfer, use a round tank instead.

What can be customized? Dimensions, manway size, jacket zoning, insulation thickness and fitting standard.

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