Delivering Precision Fermentation To The Heart of Europe with A 3000L Fermenter

Project Title: CE-Certified 3000L Conical Fermenter for a Belgian Specialty Brewery

Client: An esteemed brewery near Brussels, known for its traditional Belgian ales and innovative experimental beers.

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Introduction

Belgium represents the pinnacle of brewing heritage, a market where quality, tradition, and innovation are held in the highest regard. For a revered brewery near Brussels, balancing the production of their classic ales with a growing demand for new, experimental styles presented a challenge. They needed to expand their fermentation capacity, but with a vessel that met the exacting standards of both their brewing process and stringent European regulations. They found their solution with CASSMAN.

The Challenge: Expanding Capacity Without Compromising on European Standards

The Belgian brewery required a new fermenter that could seamlessly integrate into their sophisticated operations. Their requirements were precise and non-negotiable:

1. CE Certification: The absolute primary requirement was that the vessel must be fully compliant with European standards and carry the CE mark, specifically adhering to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). This is essential for legal operation and safety within the EU.

2. Versatile Fermentation Control: The brewery works with a variety of yeast strains, from classic Belgian strains that ferment at high temperatures to modern lager yeasts. They needed a fermenter with exceptionally responsive temperature control.

3. Unimpeachable Quality: As a brand synonymous with quality, the brewery demanded superior construction, perfect sanitary welds, and a flawless internal finish to ensure no risk of contamination and to facilitate perfect cleaning.

4. Reliable International Partner: They needed a manufacturing partner who not only understood the technical requirements but also had proven experience in navigating the logistics of shipping large equipment to a major European port like Antwerp.

CASSMAN's Solution: A Custom, CE-Certified 3000L Fermenter

CASSMAN's engineering team worked in close collaboration with the Belgian brewmaster to design and fabricate a 3000L jacketed conical fermenter that met every technical and regulatory requirement.

Key System Features:

• Full CE Certification: The fermenter was designed, manufactured, and documented in full compliance with the EU's Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU). It was delivered with a complete technical file and Declaration of Conformity, ensuring hassle-free importation and commissioning.

• Precision Temperature Control: High-efficiency, dual-zone glycol jacketing on both the cone and cylinder provided the precise and rapid cooling control needed to manage vigorous ale fermentations and maintain stable lager temperatures.

• Optimized for Belgian Brewing: The tank featured a classic 60-degree conical bottom, ideal for yeast flocculation and harvesting. It was also equipped with a rotatable racking arm for pulling clear beer off the yeast cake and a top-mounted dry-hopping port for modern, hop-forward styles.

• Superior European-Standard Finish: Constructed from certified SUS316L stainless steel (for enhanced corrosion resistance) and polished to an internal sanitary finish of Ra < 0.4µm. All welds were ground smooth and passivated, meeting the highest hygiene standards.

Project Execution: Bridging Continents with Professionalism

The success of this project hinged on CASSMAN's meticulous management of the entire process.

1. Compliance-Focused Engineering: The design phase was a collaborative effort focused on meeting the CE/PED standards. All calculations, material choices, and welding procedures were aligned with European norms from the very beginning.

2. Documented Quality Manufacturing: The fabrication process was transparent, with CASSMAN providing detailed progress reports. All materials were traceable, and all pressure tests were formally documented as part of the CE technical file.

3. Expert Logistics to Europe: CASSMAN managed the entire door-to-port logistics process. The fermenter was professionally cleaned and sealed, then secured in a custom-built steel frame and protective wrapping for the sea voyage to the Port of Antwerp, Belgium.

4. Seamless Customs & Delivery: We provided the client and their import agent with all necessary shipping and certification documents well in advance, leading to a smooth and efficient customs clearance process upon arrival in Belgium.

The Result: A Fusion of Chinese Engineering and Belgian Brewing Art

The CASSMAN fermenter was successfully installed and immediately put to use, delivering significant benefits to the brewery.

• Effortless Integration: Thanks to the CE marking and comprehensive documentation, the tank was approved by local inspectors without delay.

• Increased Flexibility: The brewery can now dedicate the 3000L fermenter to its popular seasonal and specialty beer programs, allowing them to be more creative and responsive to market trends.

• Enhanced Quality Control: The brewmaster praised the fermenter's performance, noting the precise temperature control allowed for a cleaner expression of their unique yeast character.

• A Trusted Global Partnership: The project validated the brewery's decision to partner with CASSMAN, proving that they could source world-class, fully compliant equipment from a global partner without compromising on quality or peace of mind.

Conclusion

This successful delivery to the heart of the European brewing world underscores CASSMAN's position as a truly global supplier. Our dedication to meeting the world's most stringent standards, like the European CE mark, combined with our manufacturing excellence and logistical expertise, makes us a reliable and intelligent choice for breweries everywhere.

Whether you are in Europe, North America, or anywhere else in the world, contact CASSMAN to build equipment that meets your standards and elevates your brew.