As the demand for cost-effective, long-life fermentation vessels increases, FRP fermentation tanks have become a preferred alternative to traditional stainless steel and carbon steel tanks, especially where chemical or pH exposure is a concern.

Principales caractéristiques

• Chemical & Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to organic acids, bases, solvents, and disinfectants used in cleaning (CIP/SIP systems).

• Thermal Stability: Maintains mechanical integrity under fermentation temperatures up to 120°C depending on resin system.

• Sanitary Inner Surface: Smooth, non-porous, food-safe inner liner prevents contamination, easy to clean and sterilize.

• Customizable Configurations: Built in vertical or horizontal form, with options for conical bottoms, heating/cooling jackets, agitators, and nozzles.

• Lightweight & High Strength: Easy transportation and installation, especially for large-scale tanks.

• Rentable: Lower lifecycle cost compared to metal fermentation tanks due to corrosion resistance and minimal maintenance.

Applications

FRP fermentation tanks are suitable for aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes in:

• Pharmaceutical Industry: Antibiotics, insulin, enzymes, and probiotics.

• Food & Beverage Industry: Yogurt, kombucha, vinegar, beer, wine, soy sauce, pickles, and kimchi.

• Agriculture: Animal feed fermentation, silage, and biofertilizer production.

• Biotechnology: Bioethanol, biogas, bioplastics, algae, and microbial biomass production.

• Traitement des eaux usées: Anaerobic digestion for methane production.

• Distilleries: Alcohol and spirit fermentation using molasses, grains, or fruits.

Construction & Materials

FRP fermentation tanks are fabricated through either filament winding, hand lay-up, ou vacuum infusion, using corrosion-resistant thermosetting resins and high-strength fiberglass.

1. Inner Liner (Corrosion Barrier)

2. Structural Layer

• Reinforced with tapis à brins coupés, woven roving, ou filament-wound continuous fibers.

• Optimized laminate schedule for hoop and axial strength, especially for tall vertical tanks.

3. External Finish

• Gelcoat Layer: UV-resistant coating for outdoor exposure.

• Options de couleur: Grey, white, green, blue, or custom colors.

• Isolation thermique: Optional PU foam or rockwool jacketing for temperature-sensitive fermentation.

Design Configurations

Sanitation & Sterility

• Smooth inner surface with resin-rich liner prevents microbial buildup.

• CIP/SIP Ready: Compatible with steam-in-place and clean-in-place systems.

• Antimicrobial liners optional for high-purity applications.

Thermal Performance

• Operating temperature range: -40°C to 120°C (resin-dependent)

• Insulated versions maintain fermentation temperatures with minimal energy loss.

• Optional thermal jackets (glycol or steam) support temperature control.

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Propriétés mécaniques

Propriétés thermiques

Chemical Resistance (Common Substances in Fermentation)

Sanitation Properties

• Inner surface finish: ≤ 0.5 μm (sanitary polish)

• FDA/USDA compliance available

• CIP/SIP tested (steam up to 121°C for 30 minutes)

Standards & Certifications

• ASME RTP-1: For reinforced thermoset plastic vessels

• ASTM D3299 / D4097: Filament-wound and contact-molded tanks

• ISO 9001:2015: Quality management compliance

• NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking water and food-grade compliance (optional)

• FDA 21 CFR 177.2420: Food contact resin compliance

Advantages of FRP Over Stainless Steel Tanks

Installation Guidelines

1. Foundation: Concrete slab or steel platform with level surface

2. Hoisting: Use built-in lifting lugs or straps; avoid side pressure

3. Anchoring: For outdoor or seismic zones, anchor to resist uplift

4. Relations: Flexible couplings recommended to allow for thermal expansion

5. Essai: Hydrostatic leak testing prior to commissioning

Maintenance Tips

• Inspect tank internals annually for wear or damage

• Sanitize before and after each fermentation cycle

• Use non-abrasive CIP solutions

• Check gaskets, seals, and nozzles for cracks or buildup

Optional Upgrades

• Stainless steel or HDPE nozzles

• Anti-foam spray rings

• External viewing windows

• Agitator with VFD controller

• PLC control system for real-time fermentation monitoring

• Flame arrestors for alcohol fermentation

Customization Capabilities

We offer full customization:

• Volume: 0.5 m³ – 300 m³

• Geometry: Cylindrical, rectangular, squat-type

• Port arrangements: Top, bottom, side

• Heating/cooling: Coils, jackets, electric pads

• Certifications: CE, ISO, NSF, FDA, ATEX (on request)