Ask The Brewmasters

We have 3 outdoor storage tanks that hold raw materials for our process. When we pull from those tanks, the vent lines(which are open to ambient air) will inadvertently pull in outside air potentially creating an environment for microbial growth. The tanks aren't pressure rated so we can't replace the displaced headspace with compressed air or CO2 or N2. 

Has anyone used some sort of filter on a vent line that allows enough flow rate as to not pull a vacuum on the tank but also filters out the ambient air that is pulled into the tank?

Thanks in advance!

------------------------------
Clay Brendel
Downeast Cider
Saugus MA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 8/2/2022 2:33:00 PM
From: Clay Brendel
Subject: Outdoor Storage Tanks Vent Line

We have 3 outdoor storage tanks that hold raw materials for our process. When we pull from those tanks, the vent lines(which are open to ambient air) will inadvertently pull in outside air potentially creating an environment for microbial growth. The tanks aren't pressure rated so we can't replace the displaced headspace with compressed air or CO2 or N2. 

Has anyone used some sort of filter on a vent line that allows enough flow rate as to not pull a vacuum on the tank but also filters out the ambient air that is pulled into the tank?

Thanks in advance!

------------------------------
Clay Brendel
Downeast Cider
Saugus MA
------------------------------

Hi Clay
We've used Pall VFK Series filter housings with Emflon PFRW cartridges on the vests of outside tanks, they have worked well at keeping the contents clean.  Feel free to contact me for my contact's info 
Cheers 



------------------------------
Jonathan Mangee
Quality Engineer
Lagunitas Brewing Co
Petaluma CA
(707) 769-4495
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-03-2022 13:32
From: Daniel Carey
Subject: Outdoor Storage Tanks Vent Line

Hi Clay,

 

There are simple systems that utilize blowers to keep the tanks under a slight positive pressure. Often coupled with filters to prevent ingress of dust, insects etc. Sometimes head space is bathed in UV light. This is common, for example, in corn syrup storage. If the product you are trying to keep stable is not effected by air or UV light, this is a simple robust solution. If not, I'd look at using a slight overpressure (measured in inches of water column) with N2 or CO2. In this case, a robust low pressure regulation system coupled with a very well designed back up pressure / vacuum safety might work?

 

Regards,

Daniel Carey

New Glarus Brewing Company

Original Message:
Sent: 8/2/2022 2:33:00 PM
From: Clay Brendel
Subject: Outdoor Storage Tanks Vent Line

We have 3 outdoor storage tanks that hold raw materials for our process. When we pull from those tanks, the vent lines(which are open to ambient air) will inadvertently pull in outside air potentially creating an environment for microbial growth. The tanks aren't pressure rated so we can't replace the displaced headspace with compressed air or CO2 or N2.

Has anyone used some sort of filter on a vent line that allows enough flow rate as to not pull a vacuum on the tank but also filters out the ambient air that is pulled into the tank?

Thanks in advance!

------------------------------
Clay Brendel
Downeast Cider
Saugus MA
------------------------------

Liquid Storage Tanks Germicidal Ultraviolet Conditioners (americanairandwater.com)
you might consider something like this;
and likely need to consider  what you are storing;
and if climate would cause issues with condensation and ice build up
Cheers
Keith Armstrong

------------------------------
Keith Armstrong
Head Brewer
Great Western Brewing Co Inc
Saskatoon SK
(306) 361-4074
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-02-2022 14:33
From: Clay Brendel
Subject: Outdoor Storage Tanks Vent Line

We have 3 outdoor storage tanks that hold raw materials for our process. When we pull from those tanks, the vent lines(which are open to ambient air) will inadvertently pull in outside air potentially creating an environment for microbial growth. The tanks aren't pressure rated so we can't replace the displaced headspace with compressed air or CO2 or N2.

Has anyone used some sort of filter on a vent line that allows enough flow rate as to not pull a vacuum on the tank but also filters out the ambient air that is pulled into the tank?

Thanks in advance!

------------------------------
Clay Brendel
Downeast Cider
Saugus MA
------------------------------