FERMENTASAURUS GEN 2 INSTRUCTIONS

This instruction manual provides information on the safe handling and usage of the Fermentasaurus Uni Tank. For safety reasons, it is vital that you read this instruction manual from top to bottom before using the product.

WARNINGS!

1. Clean, wash and sanitise the tank at ambient temperatures. Do not clean, wash and sanitise the tank at temperatures above 50c (122f).

2. Do not apply more than 2.4 bar (35PSI) to the tank under any circumstance.

3. NEVER connect to an unregulated pressure source.

4. If you connect an external pressure source; ensure it has an independent pressure release valve (PRV) pre-set to below 2.4 bar (35PSI).

5. Use only the RED pressure release valve supplied by MCH Australia PTY LTD on the pressure lid.

6. Do not tamper with the pressure relief valve.

7. Do not use the tank under pressure if it has been physically damaged i.e. dropped on the ground.

8. Do not expose to temperatures below -2c (28.5f).

9. Keep the tank out of direct sunlight and other sources of UV radiation.

10. The tank is pressure tested at production and is marked with a date for retesting. If it is being used under pressure then a hydrostatic test must be conducted every 24 months to ensure it is safe for use.

11. Cleaners must be diluted to suitable concentrations before use. If extended contact time is expected, then users must ensure that cleaners are chemically compatible with PET, NBR, EPDM, Nylon & Stainless Steel.

PARTS LIST.

From top to bottom:

  • Three Piece Airlock.
  • Gravity lid assembly:- Thread Ring, Gravity Lid & Lid Seal.
  • 35L Tank.
  • Metal Frame.
  • Dump Valve Spigot:- Spigot, Conical Seal, Spigot Nut, Spigot O'Ring, Butterfly Dump Valve, Gate O'Ring & Gate to Barb Fitting.
  • 500ml Collection Bottle with Lid:- 500ml Bottle, Cap & Lid Seal.

Also Included:

  • Fermentasaurus Graduations Sticker
  • Thermochromatic Temperature Sticker
  • Instruction Booklet

Butterfly Valve Parts:

  • x6 Housing Nut & Bolt.
  • Valve Housing Top 1'' BSP.
  • Valve Disc.
  • Handle.
  • Handle Cover.
  • Handle Screw.
  • Washer.
  • Handle Spring.
  • Butterfly Disc Seal.
  • Valve Housing Bottom.

Seal Kit Parts:

  • Lid Seal
  • Conical Seal
  • Spigot O'Ring
  • Gate O'Ring
  • Butterfly Disc Seal
  • Poppet O'Ring
  • Dip Tube O'Ring
  • Post O'Ring
  • Silicone Dip Tube

GRAVITY LID ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Clean and sanitise all components prior to assembly.

2. Lubricate the NBR Lid Seal to the underside off the Gravity Lid.

3. Attach the NBR Lid Seal to the underside of the Gravity Lid.

4. Once the seal is firmly seated on the underside of the gravity lid place them both on top of the neck of the tank.

5. Lubricate the outer edge of the top surface of the lid with some food grade lubricant.

6. Place the top thread ring over the lid and tighten in the clockwise direction. Over-tightening may make it difficult to undo later.

7. Place the three-piece Airlock into the hole at the top of the gravity lid. No Grommet or seal is required. Simply press the airlock firmly into place.

PARTS LIST 2.

Pressure Kit Parts List:

  • Top Thread Ring.
  • Liquid Post Bulkhead Fitting w Short Dip Tube.
  • Gas Post Bulkhead Fitting.
  • Pressure Lid.
  • Red Pressure Relief Valve.
  • Lid Seal.
  • Silicone Dip Tube.
  • Float.

PRESSURE LID ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Clean and sanitise all components prior to assembly.

2. Thread the red pressure release valve into the pressure lid. Screw down firmly.

3. Ensure that the gas and liquid bulkhead fittings are correctly assembled with the post fully tightened onto the Pressure Lid. Insert the bulkhead fittings into the holes in the pressure lid and tighten the locknuts. O'Rings should be located on the top surface of the lid for correct sealing.

4. Lubricate the silicone dip tube with some no rinse sanitiser and slide one end over the stem of the liquid post bulkhead fitting. Slide the other end of the silicone dip tube over the floating pickup tube.

5. Lubricate the entire NBR Lid Seal with some food grade lubricant and fit to the underside of the Gravity Lid.

6. Place the pressure lid on the mouth of the Fermentasaurus and ensure that the seal seats correctly.

7. Put a small amount of food grade lubricant on the top outer ring of the cap.

8. Place the top thread ring over the lid and tighten firmly.

GRADUATION STICKER

The graduations sticker has a RED line at the 28L (7.4 Gallons) mark that is designed to line up with the topmost mould line on the main tank. Keep in mind that the tank will expand under pressure which will lead to a slight inaccuracy of these markings. This is normal.

COLLECTION BOTTLE

The collection bottle has several uses. It's primary function is to collect and harvest yeast. It can also be used for:

  • Dry Hopping.
  • Beer Sampling.
  • Collection and disposal of unwanted trub or hop material.
  • Pitching Yeast.

YEAST HARVESTING

1. In order to harvest yeast simply screw the yeast collection bottle onto the Butterfly Valve. You can insert this bottle right from the start of fermentation.

2. Once the wort is inside the tank, pitch the yeast either from the top of the tank or from the bottom with the collection bottle.

3. When the collection bottle has been fitted, open (vertical) the butterfly valve so that yeast can grow and settle inside the collection bottle during primary fermentation.

4. Crash chilling the Fermentasaurus following primary fermentation will accelerate the clarification process of yeast falling out of suspension. To avoid thermal shock to the yeast, the beer should be cooled slowly at a rate of -1c per day down to 5-8c. This can be done by fermenting your beer in a suitable in a suitable fridge with temperature control. If your fridge is too small to fit a Fermentasaurus, you could transfer your beer to a keg with a silicone dip tube and stainless steel float installed and crash chill in that.

5. Before removing the yeast collection bottle from the tank, pull the pressure relief valve to release any pressure inside the tank.

6. To remove the collection bottle, close the butterfly valve and grip the valve body to stop it from unscrewing from the spigot, the Unscrew the collection bottle. It is advisable to place a shallow tray or some paper towels beneath the bottle to catch any drips.

7. The harvested yeast in your collection bottle can be capped and stored in the fridge for your next brew.

FERMENTASAURUS TIPS & TRICKS.

1. No need to whirlpool in your kettle: As the fermenter is conically shaped, there is no need to do a whirlpool in your kettle. After your wort has cooled you can dump all of the trub and hop material from your boil into the tank. The vegetable matter will settle to the bottom of the cone quickly, allowing you to easily dump it directly with the butterfly valve.

2. Dry hop without compromise: Traditionally, dry hopping requires the fermenter lid to be removed. This presents a risk of bacterial contamination and oxidation to the beer. By dry hopping with the collection bottle you can avoid these issues. After the yeast has been collected, you can fill the collection bottle with your favourite hop flowers or pellets and re-fit it onto the butterfly valve. Open the butterfly valve and the hop aromas will begin to diffuse into your beer.

3. Naturally Ferment or dry hop under pressure: Some people believe that fermenting beer under pressure is the best way to go. With an adjustable pressure relief valve (Spunding valve) attached to the gas post, you can control the build up of pressure inside the tank. Various advantages exist for fermenting under controlled pressure and these include:

  • Reducing ester production and controlling ester profiles.
  • The capacity to ferment at higher temperatures with fewer off flavours.
  • Early dry hopping during fermentation to allow oxygen in the hops to be metabolised and retain volatile hop compounds.

4. Stuck Spigot Nut: When removing the butterfly valve from the spigot it is important to ensure that the spigot nut is not unscrewed before the valve assembly. Keep in mind that the spigot nut is reverse threaded, so loosening the valve while holding onto the spigot nut will cause both to loosen at the same time. This could cause the spigot nut to bind to the valve. If this happens you will need to use 19mm or 3/4'' Hex key to hold the spigot in place while backing off the spigot nut and then loosening the valve. If you cannot get to the spigot through the top of the bottle, the butterfly valve can be disassembled to gain access from below.

5. Crash chilling, emptying and sampling: When crash chilling, emptying or sampling your beer from a Fermentasaurus equipped with a gravity lid, you should remove the airlock to avoid a pressure differential in the tank. This will prevent the walls of the tank from collapsing inward.