Can Your Commercial Fermentation Vessels Be Used As Unitanks?

Yes, in many cases, commercial fermentation vessels can be used as unitanks. A unitank is a versatile vessel that can handle both primary fermentation and secondary fermentation (conditioning and maturation) of alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, or spirits. It eliminates the need to transfer the liquid between different vessels during the brewing process, reducing the risk of contamination and simplifying the operation.

Commercial breweries often use unitanks as they offer several benefits, including increased efficiency, flexibility, and better control over the fermentation and conditioning processes. These vessels are typically equipped with features like:

1.Conical bottoms: Conical bottoms are common in unitanks as they allow for easy yeast harvesting and removal of sediment during fermentation.

2.Pressure-capable: Unitanks should be able to handle pressure, especially during the secondary fermentation phase. This feature allows for carbonation to occur naturally, producing carbonated beverages like beer.

3.Temperature control: Effective temperature control is crucial during fermentation and maturation. Unitanks often have cooling jackets or other temperature-regulating mechanisms to maintain consistent fermentation conditions.

4.Sanitary fittings and construction: Unitanks are constructed with high-quality, food-grade stainless steel and designed for easy cleaning and sanitation.

5.Sampling and racking ports: These ports allow brewers to take samples for quality testing and to transfer the finished product out of the vessel when it's ready.

6.Carbonation stone (for beer): To facilitate carbonation, a carbonation stone can be added to the unitank to introduce carbon dioxide into the beer.

7.Pressure relief valves: To maintain safe pressure levels during fermentation, unitanks are equipped with pressure relief valves.

However, it's essential to note that not all commercial fermentation vessels are suitable for use as unitanks. Some vessels may lack the necessary features or specifications to handle both primary and secondary fermentation processes. If you're considering using a commercial fermentation vessel as a unitank, it's crucial to ensure that it meets all the requirements and specifications needed for your specific brewing or fermentation process.

As always, consulting with experts in the brewing industry or equipment suppliers can help you determine the suitability of a commercial fermentation vessel for use as a unitank in your particular application.

NFE  commercial fermentation vessels are considered unitanks, and have been pressure tested to 30 PSI or 2Bar.