Precision: Delivering a PED-Certified 4000L Fermenter to Match World-Class Standards

Project Title: Exceeding European Quality Benchmarks with a Custom-Engineered 4000L Fermentation Tank

Client: "Alpine Peak Brewery," a well-established and highly respected craft brewery known for its pristine, technically perfect lagers and ales.

Location: Near Interlaken, Switzerland

Introduction

Swiss breweries operate in a market that prizes quality above all else. "Alpine Peak Brewery" had built its reputation on this principle, using state-of-the-art equipment to produce exceptionally clean and consistent beer. As demand for their flagship Helles Lager grew, they needed to expand their fermentation capacity. However, the brewery's management was extremely discerning; any new equipment had to seamlessly integrate with their existing high-end German-made system and meet Switzerland's rigorous safety and quality standards. They were initially skeptical of sourcing such a critical component from a non-European manufacturer.

The Challenge: Meeting the Pinnacle of Brewing Standards

To win this project, CASSMAN had to prove its capabilities against the world's best, focusing on four critical areas:

1. Uncompromising Quality and Finish: The client demanded a finish that was not just good, but perfect. This meant an internal surface polish of Ra < 0.4μm to ensure microbiological purity, flawless "shadowless" welds, and an external finish that matched the impeccable aesthetics of their current facility.

2. Stringent European & Swiss Regulations: The tank, as a pressure vessel, required full compliance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED 2014/68/EU), including third-party verification by a Notified Body. This was the absolute minimum requirement for acceptance by Swiss authorities like SUVA.

3. Perfect Integration with Existing Systems: The 4000L tank was not a standalone item. Its dimensions, cooling jacket connections, sensor ports, and CIP (Clean-in-Place) interfaces had to align perfectly with the brewery's established infrastructure, requiring sub-millimeter precision.

4. Earning the Trust of an Expert Client: The biggest challenge was intangible: convincing a skeptical, highly knowledgeable Swiss brewmaster and engineering team that our quality, documentation, and reliability were equal to, or better than, their current European suppliers.

CASSMAN's Solution: A Showcase of Precision Engineering

CASSMAN treated this project as a benchmark for its own quality standards, delivering a single 4000L Cylindroconical Fermentation Tank that embodied precision.

Key Features:

• Fully PED 2014/68/EU Certified: CASSMAN managed the entire compliance process, providing a complete technical file, undergoing a rigorous design and manufacturing audit, and having the final product inspected and certified by a TUV Rheinland Notified Body. The tank arrived with its official CE mark and Declaration of Conformity.

• "Pharmaceutical-Grade" Finishing: We utilized advanced automated polishing equipment to achieve a mirror-smooth internal surface finish (Ra < 0.4μm), verified with profilometer readings. All internal welds were ground flush and passivated to create a seamless, sanitary surface. The exterior featured a flawless brushed finish with perfectly executed welds.

• Collaborative 3D Design for Integration: Using the client's P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) and facility layout, our engineers created a precise 3D model of the fermenter. Every detail, from the angle of the racking arm to the height of the glycol ports, was reviewed and approved by the Swiss team before a single piece of steel was cut.

• Complete Transparency and Traceability: To build trust, we provided a comprehensive documentation package ("Datenpaket"), including material certificates for the 316L stainless steel, welding procedure qualifications (WPQs), NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) reports, and photo/video updates at every stage of fabrication.

Project Execution: A Partnership Built on Proof

Our process was designed to replace skepticism with confidence through tangible proof.

1. Technical Deep Dive: The project began not with a sale, but with a series of in-depth engineering calls to fully understand the client's technical requirements and quality expectations.

2. Third-Party Validation as Standard: We proactively included inspection by a European Notified Body as a standard part of our proposal. This demonstrated our confidence in our own processes and immediately addressed the client's primary concern about regulatory compliance.

3. Precision Logistics to the Alps: CASSMAN managed the secure, specialized transport of the large tank, ensuring it was carefully loaded and transported through European highways and alpine roads to arrive at the brewery in perfect condition.

4. Flawless Documentation: The tank was delivered with a meticulously organized binder containing all certifications, drawings, and test reports, ensuring the client had everything needed for their internal quality assurance and for inspection by local authorities.

The Result: Setting a New Standard of Trust

The installation at Alpine Peak Brewery was a complete success and a validation of CASSMAN's quality-first approach.

• Exceeded Quality Expectations: Upon arrival, the brewery's own team inspected the tank and confirmed the quality of the finish and welding was "indistinguishable from our top German equipment." The brewmaster was particularly impressed with the internal polish and the quality of the fittings.

• Effortless "Drop-in" Installation: Due to the precision 3D modeling, the tank fit perfectly into its designated spot. The local installation crew connected the glycol, CIP, and electrical systems in a single day, far ahead of schedule.

• Immediate Regulatory Approval: The comprehensive PED documentation package made the final approval from Swiss authorities a simple formality.

• A New Strategic Partner: CASSMAN successfully transitioned from a potential supplier to a trusted partner. The client stated, "CASSMAN didn't just meet our standards; they respected them. The transparency, the documentation, and the final product quality were world-class. They have proven they can compete at the highest level."

Conclusion

The Alpine Peak Brewery project demonstrates that CASSMAN's commitment to precision engineering and quality assurance allows it to meet the demands of even the most discerning markets in the world. By embracing rigorous European standards like PED and focusing on flawless execution, we can provide equipment that stands alongside the best, offering a compelling combination of quality, value, and collaborative service.

For breweries where only the highest standard is acceptable, CASSMAN delivers with Swiss-level precision and reliability.