Return To Stainless Steel Tanks

Stainless Steel Tanks with Float Lid

·        Tank, Stainless Steel lid, Gasket Air Ring, Air Pump Assembly,                                      Faucet, Air lock. ( may include thermometer plug)

          New tanks with liner/coatings, should be removed first. Carefully remove coatings and clean tank with mild soapy water and rinse tank well. NEVER USE CLORINE BLEACH CLEANER ON STAINLESS STEEL. ‘One Step’ Cleaner/sanitizer works well also, follow the directions and let the tank soak with the One Step solution for 20-30 minutes, then rinse well with warm water.

Inspect lid for any burs or sharp edges around the outside lid ring and side of lid hole for the gasket inlet. If burs are found, correct by filing with a sandpaper abrasive. After inspection wash the lid with mild soapy water and rinse well.       

The floating lid is assembled with the ‘Gasket Air Ring’ inlet tube inserted into the side of the lid. The inlet tube should insert loosely into the hole. After inserting the gasket inlet tube, hold the gasket in place at the inlet and carefully stretch the lid gasket around the lid. This may take an extra set of hands. Care should be taken to make sure the ‘Gasket Air Ring’ inlet tube is not pulled to one side, pinching or bending the inlet tube.          

The Air Pump assembly comes with a piece of nylon rope to attach to the welded loop in the center of the stainless steel lid for lifting. A two stage Air Lock assembly that has a gasket and lock nut. The Air lock is inserted into the large hole in the lid (Rope Side Up) with the gasket then placed below over Airlock threads and the plastic nut is then hand tightened.

Attach the tubing supplied on to the ‘Gasket Air Ring’ nipple barbed end. Slide the (2) screw clamps onto the open tuning end. Attach the open end of the tubing to the Air Pump barb outlet on the side of the pump head. Next slide the one each of the screw clamps over each barb end and tighten clockwise to just snug. (So clamp will not slide or twist on the tubing) Next give the clamp ½ turn to tighten in place. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN, over tightening will  damage both fittings and create leaks. On the Pump loosen the Black Knob counter clockwise until two threads are showing beneath the black knob. Pump the air pump until the gasket just starts to inflate slightly. Being careful to not get the pump assembly wet, wash and rinse the lid and ring.

Lastly to sanitize, a solution of citric acid (3 tablespoons per gal.) is poured into the tank and over the lid assembly. (Careful not to get the Air Pump wet) Let the solution stand for a few minutes then rinse well with non Chlorine water.

Tank Use:

After the tank has been cleaned and prepared for use, the ingredients may be added in the usual way for wine or beer making. Stainless Steel tanks may be used from the primary stage to the long term storage and bottling. The tank may be utilized for maceration of red grapes, as the lid is removable: access top the cap is simplified.

Your tank should always be set on a sturdy base or stand. A 100 liter tank filled to the top can weigh over 220 Lb’s. Your stand should be able to hold (2) times the weight of the filled tank. Your tank should always be set on a sturdy base or stand.

After filling the tank, note the liquid level. Place the lid into the top of the tank opening (turn the ‘Air Pump’ Black Knob Counter Wise until two threads are showing) pump the air pump until the lid just starts to hold in place then close the black knob (clockwise). Lower the lid so it is 1-1/2 inches above the liquid inside. Again pump up the lid gasket until 0.8 bar is reached. Warning: Do Not Exceed the green area pressure.

          If removing a sample from the tank faucet, the lid must be vented to prevent a vacuum and buckle the tank. 

          If removing the lid and replacing again on or above the liquid inside, the lid MUST be re-sanitized. Using Vodka is a simple and quick method.

          Never Store items in the tank that can scratch the inside of the tank. The       o-rings on the Air pump should be lubed with a food grade lubricate such as our

Item # 55182 lubricate after each use. Teflon Tape should be used on all threads.

Always keep your tank covered when not in use.

          For Volume questions see our web site @ http://www.weekendbrewer.com/presses_Grape_crush.html#Stainless%20Steel%20Tanks