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Wine Makers:
The Fermenator
TM
is an outstanding vessel in which to ferment wine. The sealing system
is far superior to wine tanks and is completely impervious to oxygen. Most stainless wine fermenting
tanks have a loose fitting lid for primary fermentation (to vent gas) and a floating lid for secondary
fermentation (to prevent oxygen infiltration). This floating lid has an inflatable seal with a “bicycle
pump” and may leak over time. It is also a source for bacterial contamination from the fermentation
material on the walls of the fermentor.
Warning:
Be 100% sure fermentation activity has completely ceased by verification with a hygrometer.
The hygrometer measurement should not change over a period of two weeks prior to replacing the
airlock with a solid stopper.
Wine-maker Warning:
Loose oak chips or grape skins in the fermentor may clog the racking arm, bottom dump and over-
pressure relief system. (Ref “Dry-hopping” above). In addition, oak “saw dust” tends to clog the bottom
dump fitting. Primary fermentation of musts “on the skins” is not recommended with a conical for these
reasons. However, post press storage & maturation is an excellent application for a conical.
After Use Cleaning and Storage:
After use, rinse with hot water and completely disassemble the fermentor and fittings. Remove any
remaining Teflon tape, and soak the fittings and seals in hot PBW solution or boil as in the sanitizing
procedure. Remember to remove the black vinyl grips from the valve handles. Scrub the fermentor and
lid with a Scotch-brite green scouring pad and ordinary dish detergent (or your favorite non-chlorine
cleanser such as PBW) and rinse and dry thoroughly.
It is not necessary to remove the legs for normal cleaning. If you have to remove a leg for any reason,
make careful note of the placement of the spacer and washers. Reassemble identically and do not over
tighten the nut.
Thoroughly dry all seals and o-rings and store them in a plastic bag and place inside the tank for the
next use. Be sure to remove all the o-rings from the fittings to prevent from taking a “set”. Install the lid
and V-band clamp (without seal) to prevent dust from settling inside the unit during storage.
Note: it is not necessary to re-sanitize the fittings prior to the next use if you have stored them in a bag.
Proceed directly to the assembly stage as you will be sanitizing them after assembly.
