wine making process and function of wine tanks

1. Basic Definition

Wine tanks are core vessels used for fermentation, maceration, aging, storage of grape wine, fruit wine, sparkling wine, and other fermented beverages.

They are widely used in wineries, breweries, beverage factories, and commercial fermentation plants.

2. Main Materials & Advantages

• Food-grade 304 / 316L stainless steel

◦ High corrosion resistance (acid from wine, cleaning chemicals)

◦ Non-toxic, odorless, no reaction with wine

◦ Mirror-polished inside & outside, easy to clean

◦ Long service life, stable performance

3. Typical Structure of Wine Tanks

A complete wine tank usually includes:

• Tank body

◦ Cylindrical or vertical design

◦ Smooth inner surface, no dead corners

• Jacket layer

◦ For temperature control (cooling or heating)

◦ Suitable for fermentation, cold maceration, heat treatment

• Insulation layer

◦ Polyurethane foam insulation

◦ Maintains stable temperature, saves energy

• Top structure

◦ Manhole (for cleaning, inspection, maintenance)

◦ Breathing valve / pressure vacuum valve

◦ CIP cleaning ball

◦ Inlet port, liquid return port

◦ Optional: floating lid or closed lid

• Bottom structure

◦ Sloped conical or dished bottom

◦ Easy for sediment discharge

◦ Outlet valve, drain valve

• Auxiliary ports

◦ Temperature sensor port

◦ Sampling valve

◦ Level gauge / sight glass

◦ Drain, overflow, and cleaning ports

• Support legs

◦ Stable, adjustable, easy for pipeline connection

4. Key Features & Functions

• Precise temperature control

◦ Controls fermentation temperature accurately

◦ Protects aroma, color, and taste of wine

• Good sealing performance

◦ Prevents oxidation and bacterial contamination

◦ Maintains wine quality during long storage

• Suitable for red & white wine

◦ Red wine: supports skin maceration, punching down, pumping over

◦ White wine: low-temperature fermentation & cold stabilization

• Easy cleaning & sanitation

◦ Compatible with CIP cleaning system

◦ Hygienic design meets food-grade standards

• Flexible capacity

◦ From small 50L, 100L to large 500L, 1000L, 5000L, 10000L

◦ Customizable for different production scales

• Stable pressure control

◦ Prevents tank deformation

◦ Safe for closed fermentation

5. Usage & Operation Methods

Step 1: Preparation & Cleaning

• Clean the tank with CIP system (hot water → alkaline solution → rinse → acid solution → final rinse)

• Check valves, sensors, sealing parts

• Ensure no residue or bacteria

Step 2: Feeding

• Pump grape juice or mash into the tank

• Control volume according to fermentation needs

Step 3: Fermentation Control

• Set target temperature via control system

• Monitor temperature, pressure, and fermentation progress

• Use pump-over or punching system for red wine maceration

Step 4: Post-Fermentation Treatment

• Cool down for stabilization

• Separate wine from lees through bottom outlet

• Transfer to storage or filtration

Step 5: Storage

• Maintain stable low temperature

• Keep sealed to avoid oxidation

• Regularly check for leakage or contamination

Step 6: After-Use Cleaning

• Empty wine and sediment completely

• Deep clean and sanitize the tank

• Keep dry and sealed for next use

6. Advantages Summary

• High-quality stainless steel, safe & hygienic

• Full temperature control for perfect wine quality

• Reasonable structure, easy operation & maintenance

• Wide application for many kinds of fruit wine

• Long service life, high cost performance

• Suitable for small workshops to large wineries