Fermenter leaks may not be common in brewery and beer production processes, but when they do happen, they can have serious consequences. In this article, we will explore the various factors that can lead to fermenter leaks and discuss how to effectively address them.
Identifying the Common Causes of Fermenter Leaks:
The most common fermenter leaks are usually caused by a damaged jacket and coolant leak, which are found at insulation vents at the bottom of the fermenter.
Fermenter leaks can be classified into two scenarios: leaks in newly purchased fermenters and leaks that occur after prolonged use.
Leaks in Newly Acquired Fermenters:
If you've just acquired a fermenter and notice a leak first time you use, it likely indicates a quality issue with the tank.
These issues can often be traced back to welding errors during the assembly of the jacket and liner.
Leaks in Fermenters After Prolonged Use:
When a leak arises after long-term use, a more comprehensive analysis is necessary to determine the root causes.
Factors such as the choice of coolant and tank material may contribute to the deterioration of the jacket over time.
Repairing Fermenter Leaks:
For single-layer fermenters, like wine fermenters, it's essential to identify the underlying cause before initiating repairs.
Hasty welding repairs should be avoided, as they can lead to structural stress, bulging, and more serious leaks.
Professional assessment and design should precede any welding repairs.
Complexities in Three-Layer Tanks Repairing:
Beer fermenters often come with a three-layer structure, with the jacket welded to the outer surface of the liner tank and insulated with polyurethane. The outermost is a stainless steel outer wall. To locate the leak, you must cut through the exterior wall and insulation to remove it. Even after removing the insulation, finding the exact source of the leak can be a daunting endeavor, especially a piece of dimple plate with multiple solder joints. Welding is usually not a viable solution due to the structural changes caused by the previous welding, making it brittle and hard. In such cases, only a specific section of the jacket has to be cut off and rewelded. And it is almost impossible to reshape a severely deformed outer wall. The
Importance of Quality Control:
Given the nearly irreversible nature of this quality issue, careful checking is critical when purchasing beer fermentation tanks and other brewing equipment. Welding-related leaks may stem from the welder's skill level, or inconsistencies in work quality.
This issue highlights the importance of rigorous quality control and management.
Quality Assurance at Tiantai:
Tiantai places great emphasis on quality control and assurance.
Every tank goes through a meticulous three-stage process: self-inspection, mutual inspection, and quality control assessment. A comprehensive double-pressure test with water and gas is conducted to achieve a 100% inspection rate.
Understanding the causes and solutions for fermenter leaks is paramount in the brewing industry. By identifying and addressing fermenter leaks effectively, you can ensure the smooth and uninterrupted production of your beer. Don't compromise on quality; choose Tiantai for reliable and strictly inspected brewing equipment.
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