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We started selling Speidel stainless steel tanks 27 years ago (1996) for the simple reason that we learned by experience back then that there are wine tanks and there are Wine Tanks. You can purchase stainless steel tanks which appear to be good value and on the face of it look pretty good but, as with anything else on the market, quality isn't always immediate at first glance or discussion so it isn't always apparent where that tank falls on the quality scale. Over the years we've heard the misconception that "a tank is a tank, right?" and we'll be addressing this in this blog. The answer is that a tank is not just a tank. To fulfil its purpose in the winery it has be stable, sturdy and strong; in addition, in orderto stand the test of time, durability is key.
Tank Design & the Speidel Effect
Designing a tank is not about reinventing the wheel, as it were, but it is about observing the laws of physics in order to ensure the tanks is sturdy, stable, strong, safe and durable. We've seen a number of sub-standard tanks on the market at competitive prices which have either collapsed or bulged, weren't completely round, leaked and/or developed rust-spots. Producing a high quality tank is about expertise, innovative design, using the best raw materials and advanced manufacturing processes. We chose to supply Speidel tanks all those years ago because they fulfil this criteria. With Speidel there is no substitute for quality and this remains the case. Speidel tanks are built to last a lifetime and are extremely easy to clean for many of the reasons listed below - this is not something that will be appreciated until you have actually worked with a Speidel tank.
(*) Tanks with walls thicker than 3mm have a surface 2B (lllc) (**) Excludes tanks over 2000mm diameter, pressure tanks (due to the statutory requirements of the Pressure Equipment & Systems Regulations) & tanks stored outside
Download our Speidel flier for main reasons why Speidel tanks are so widely respected .
Sustainability
Speidel are very committed to the environment and have been for many years. Speidel tanks are manufactured with electricity from CO² neutral energy sources. Speidel generate 25% of their energy needs on-site via their solar photovoltaic system, which enables them to avoid approximately 270 tons of CO₂ annually. The remaining 75% is powered by 100% CO₂-free green electricity. As a result, the production of a Speidel tank is net zero CO₂. Rainwater is used for quality control checks. In addition, the construction of Speidel vessels avoids unnecessary welding seams, which in turn minimises the necessity of welding, grinding, polishing and pickling, all of which impact on the environment. Speidel's 'perfect clean' tank design mean not only that less water is required to clean them, it is possible to clean them without the use of chemicals, thereby helping to protect the environment.
Outokumpu are leading the steel industry with the world's most sustainable stainless steel:
Which Tank?
Non-pressure or pressure
Speidel's tank portfolio consists of 33 tanks for the winery context. 32 of which are classed as 'pressureless', i.e., for non-pressurised use, which includes general fermentation and storage applications; the pressure tank are designed for the fermentation of Charmat Method wine (secondary fermentation in tank). [For tanks for cider, spirits & mixed beverages, please click here.]
Variable capacity & enclosed capacity
Variable
Variable capacity tanks are also called 'open top' and allow for capacities which vary from year to year. They are cylindrical and come equipped with a moveable inner (sealing) lid, suspended by rope or crane which can be dropped to the appropriate liquid height and sealed to provide an air-tight environment with minimal air space above the liquid level. A 650 litre tank could therefore be used for 600 litres of wine or much, much lower capacities, depending on the yield. These tanks are ideal for both fermentation and storage and those with varying yields or capacity requirements. Speidel variable capacity tanks have a really solid construction; the are perfectly round and this in addition to the strengthening rim and airseal band on the inner float lid ensures the tank is kept airtight. They come in flat bottom (BO type - smaller capacities) or mounted on legs (FO type). The FO type tanks can be customised to include heat exchange jackets for temperature control, sight glasses for level visibility, manway doors for ease of inspection and cleaning, and mash doors for ease of emptying the mash. The range also includes a mash tank version for red wine.
Enclosed
Enclosed tanks, in contrast to the variable capacity tanks, are a tank of one unit (base, walls and lid). We also call them 'fixed capacity'. They are intended for those who have a specific volume of wine for fermentation or storage, i.e., 650 litre capacity tank would always be used for that capacity of wine and no less. The application range includes fermentation, maturation, storage, mixing and other processes. The popular FS-MO type is upright and cylindrical and can be combined with the AS-MO range (a separate tank which is mounted on top) to provide space saving stacking tank solutions, for those looking to minimise the tank's footprint whilst utilising the head space within the winery. These tanks can be customised to include heat exchange jacket, thermometer, sample tap, sight glass, flap valve or butterfly/ball valve racking points (rotational racking available), filler necks, 'clean-in-place' spray balls for cleaning the inside, adjustable feet and more. If space in the winery is very much a constraint, or an essential future-proofing consideration to maximise the space available and allow for some growth, Speidel's 'rectangular' (actually cuboid) upright wine tanks, type RS-MO are the ideal solution. RS-MO tanks share the same concept as FS-MO (being enclosed with stacking potential), but their square base, roof and straight walls utilise the corner space which cylindrical tanks cannot provide maximise litreage potential by cubic meter.
Red wine tanks
For red wine production, the tank range includes a basic open top/variable capacity tank with bottom mash door, which can be used as a variable capacity tank and mash fermentation tank in one. This is available with a customised inner float lid to include a mobile plunger, which is controlled automatically, or manually.
There are multiple types of enclosed red wine tanks with more sophisticated systems which facilitate the gentle low pressure processing of grape material bringing the greatest possible extraction and almost undamaged grapes, high colour and aroma extraction and minimal sludge. As with Speidel's general range of tanks, heat exchange jackets, and various other optional accessories can be fitted.
Egg shaped Tanks
The benefits of egg-shaped fermentation vessels are fairly widely known. They are believed to create a convection-type current, which enables a homogenous and uniform fermentation. This current also extends to maturation, increasing lees contact and enhancing the texture of the wine. It is not surprising that the shape is becoming popular throughout the wine world, particularly in smaller boutique wineries. In response to requests, Speidel designed and developed a stainless steel fermenter called 'The Black Eye' which combines the advantages of the egg shape with the advantages of stainless steel. Its shape facilitates a gentle and well controlled fermentation as the yeast circulates smoothly during the fermentation phase. The science proports that this brings advantages not only to the process itself but for the entire aroma spectrum. Stainless steel, as opposed to concrete eggs, is easy clean for optimal hygiene. The Black Eye can be used for fermentation, maturation, storage, mixing and other processes and is ideal for wine, juice, must and spirits. It comes complete with a laser-welded double jacket for cooling.
Pressure Tank for Charmat Method
Speidel's FS-MO-8B pressure tank is specifically designed for the Charmat Method, where secondary fermentation takes place in-tank. They are manufactured for pressures up to 8 bar and comply with the stringent guidelines for pressure devices [2014/68/EU], and the design of pressure vessel standard AD 2000 HPO. As an extra security measure, before despatch from the Speidel factory, each tank is individually tested and approved by the TÜV, Germany's Technical Inspection Association for safety and compliance. These tanks can also be used for standard (non-pressure) applications.
Tanks for mixing, transportation, distilling mash & storage
The Speidel range includes tanks for mixing, transport and storage. These include:
Brochures
For access to the Speidel brochures, please see either of the following:
Considerations when choosing a tank
Here are some factors we will need to take into account when discussing the right tanks for you:
Time is of the essence
Due to international demand of Speidel tanks prior to the majority of harvests throughout Europe ordering early is essential in order to avoid disappointment. While there are some common sizes held in stock at Speidel, the majority are manufactured to order due to bespoke requirements. For customised (manufactured-to-order) tanks we recommend you place your order by mid-March to ensure the tanks arrive in time for harvest.
Give us a call to discuss your tank requirements
We would really like to hear from you about your tank requirements. Please call us on 01404 892 100.
Our warehouse and office will be closed for the Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 29th, and we will resume regular hours on Tuesday 2nd April.
Please note any orders placed after 12.00 noon on Thursday 28th March will be dispatched on Tuesday 2nd April.
Wishing everyone a happy Easter & Bank Holiday!