This is a variable capacity wine fermentation tank designed for wineries that need flexibility in batch size without installing multiple fixed-volume vessels. The floating lid closes over the wine surface to minimize oxygen exposure during fermentation, while the cooling jacket controls temperature throughout the cycle.

The tank is built from SUS304 or SUS316L stainless steel depending on the wine style and corrosion environment. Shell thickness follows standard pressure vessel margins, and all welds are fully penetrated and ground smooth. Interior surface is finished to Ra ≤ 0.6 μm to prevent bacterial buildup and make cleaning straightforward. The floating lid is fitted with a food-grade EPDM seal that slides evenly as the tank level changes.

Cooling jackets are available in dimple plate or single-wall configurations. We calculate the heat transfer area based on your fermentation load, cellar temperature, and required cooling rate. This is not a one-size-fits-all product. A 1000-liter white wine tank may need a larger jacket than a same-size red wine tank because of peak cooling during press and post-fermentation phases.

Working pressure is typically below 0.5 bar for standard fermenters. If you plan to carbonate or use pressure operations, the tank must be designed accordingly with thicker plates and a pressure-rated safety valve. Gas inlet and pressure release ports are added only when specified in the ordering configuration. CIP is achieved through the top manway and bottom outlet valve; a spray ball can be mounted on the floating lid support frame if required.

Typical Applications

Small wineries and custom-crush facilities use variable capacity tanks to ferment single-vineyard lots or test fermentation blocks. Medium-size producers use them for whole-cluster fermentations, skin-contact whites, and small reserve lots. Breweries also use similar tanks for sour kettle fermentations, but our wine-specific design keeps oxygen control as the priority.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

What makes this different from a cone-bottom tank?
Conical tanks are for yeast and sediment collection with a steep cone. The floating lid design focuses on wine surface blanketing and capacity flexibility. Many wineries use both: cones for primary fermentations, floating lid tanks for aging or less-intensive fermentations.

Can I use this for cold stabilization?
Yes if the jacket sizing is sufficient. Send us the lowest cellar temperature and the volume you need to stabilize.

What bolt-on components should I order?
We recommend a pressure gauge, sampling valve, and adjustable legs. A railing platform is suggested for tanks over 3000 L.

How do you choose SUS304 vs. 316L?
For standard wine contact, SUS304 is fine. 316L is better for high-chloride wash water or aggressive cleaning chemicals.

Before You Request a Quote

Tell us the batch size, wine type, number of tanks, and available space. We can recommend the tank volume, cooling area, and configuration for your winery. Also specify whether you need pressure capability, CIP tank cleaning pump, or a hydraulic floating lid lift. With that information, our engineering team will size the jacket area, plate thickness, and port arrangement correctly.