Author: Henry Chen Publish Time: 2026-02-11 Origin: Jinan Cassman Machinery Co., Ltd.
You have successfully installed your new Customized Tank. It’s shiny, efficient, and perfectly tailored to your brewery. But installation is just the beginning.
Many facility managers assume that stainless steel is "indestructible." While it is incredibly durable, it is not immune to neglect. Without a proper maintenance strategy, even the highest quality SS304 can suffer from beer stone buildup, gasket failure, or even corrosion.
In this owner’s guide, we explore how to choose the best maintenance routines to ensure your equipment lasts for decades, not just years.
The longevity of a tank is determined by what happens inside it every day. For a Customized Tank, the cleaning process must be consistent.
The Goal: Remove protein soils, hop resins, and yeast.
Best Practice: Use a hot caustic soda solution (typically 2-3%) at 60-80°C.
Crucial Warning: Never use chlorine-based cleaners on stainless steel. Chlorine attacks the passive oxide layer of the steel, leading to pitting and permanent damage.
The Goal: Prevent "Beer Stone" (Calcium Oxalate) and brighten the steel.
Best Practice: Use a phosphoric/nitric acid blend periodically. This not only cleans but helps re-passivate the stainless steel surface.
The Check: After the CIP cycle, open the manway and inspect the "shadow areas"—under the spray ball and behind the racking arm. A customized tank often has unique geometries; ensure your spray ball is hitting every inch.
Beyond the daily wash, your maintenance plan should include physical inspections of the tank's hardware.
The Issue: EPDM and Silicone gaskets degrade over time due to heat and chemical exposure. A cracked gasket is a harbor for bacteria.
The Fix: Remove and inspect all tri-clamp gaskets, manway seals, and valve seats.
Factory Direct Tip: When you buy from Cassman Factory Direct, we recommend ordering a spare "Soft Parts Kit" with your tank so you have replacements on hand immediately.
The Issue: The PRV is your tank's safety lung. If it gets stuck with dried krausen, your tank could implode during a cold crash or explode during fermentation.
The Fix: Manually disassemble and clean the PRV. Verify it moves freely.
The Issue: Leaks in the cooling jacket can contaminate your glycol loop.
The Fix: Visually inspect the inlet/outlet connections for signs of glycol crystallization (sticky residue).
Even with the best care, issues can arise. Here is how to identify and solve them.
Symptom | Probable Cause | Solution |
Rust Spots | Chlorine exposure or iron contamination | Perform a full Acid Passivation cycle immediately. |
Cooling Failure | Solenoid valve stuck or air in jacket | Bleed air from the jacket; clean/replace solenoid diaphragm. |
Leaking Manway | Worn gasket or loose tension | Replace gasket; do not over-tighten (this warps the door). |
One of the biggest challenges in maintenance is getting technical support.
The Reseller Problem: You ask a question, and they have to email the manufacturer, waiting days for a reply.
The Cassman Solution: As a Factory Direct supplier, our support team knows exactly how your tank was welded and assembled. We can troubleshoot issues via video call and ship specific replacement parts directly from the factory floor to your door.
Choosing the best maintenance plan is not just about cleaning; it is about protecting your capital. A well-maintained Customized Tank will hold its value, ensure product consistency, and keep your production schedule on track.
Don't let minor neglect turn into a major expense. Treat your equipment with respect, and it will serve your brewery for a lifetime.
Is your tank due for a service? Contact Cassman Support. Whether you need a new gasket kit or advice on passivation, our factory engineers are here to help.
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