Blichmann Fermenator Quick guide

Fermenator™© Blichmann Engineering, LLC 2019 1
Fermenator
Operation, Assembly, Maintenance
Congratulations on your purchase, and thank you for selecting the Fermenator™
stainless conical fermentor from Blichmann Engineering™. We are condent that
it will provide you years of service and many gallons of outstanding beer. This
manual will familiarize you with the assembly of the product.
Sections labeled “Warning” can lead to serious injury or death if not followed. Please thoroughly read these sections
and understand them completely before use. If you do not understand them or have any questions, contact your
retailer or Blichmann Engineering (www.BlichmannEngineering.com) before use.
Sections labeled “Caution” can lead to equipment damage or unsatisfactory performance of the equipment. Please
read these sections thoroughly. If you have any questions, contact your retailer or Blichmann Engineering
(www.BlichmannEngineering.com) before use.
Sections labeled “Important” should specically be followed to ensure satisfactory results with the product.
WARNING:
CAUTION:
IMPORTANT:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
PLEASE READ AND THOROUGHLY UNDERSTAND THIS MANUAL PRIOR TO USE
FOR IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
™
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual is for the F3-7, 14.5, and 27 gallon tri-clamp models and optional leg extensions, casters and blow-off assembly. If you purchased
the optional 42 gallon modular extension for the 27 gallon model, or the complete 42 gallon model, you will have received a supplemental manual
with the extension. This manual is broken down into the following sections:
Assembly: Proper assembly procedures to ensure reliable, safe, leak-free operation of your Fermenator™. Be sure to read the sanitizing
section before the rst use your Fermenator™since most parts are sanitized before assembly. We recommend an initial assembly
to familiarize you with the process prior to your rst use.
Sanitation: Steps to properly sanitize your fermentor before each use.
Operation: Techniques to get the most out of your fermentor.
Storage & Maintenance: Get years of service by properly maintaining and storing your fermentor.

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Item Number Description Quantity
BE-000655-00 Gasket - ½” Tri-Clamp, EPDM 2
BE-000654-00 Gasket - 1” Tri-Clamp, EPDM 3
BE-000630-00 Cap - 1” Tri-Clamp, Stainless 1
BE-000635-00 1” Tri-Clamp 90 Degree Stainless Steel Elbow 1
BE-000633-00 1” Tri-Clamp with Wing Nuts 3
BE-000865-00 1” Buttery Valve 1
BE-000381-00 Bulkhead Nut (1” Male Thread x 1” Tri-Clamp 1
BE-000380-03 Bulkhead Fitting (1” Female Thread x 1” Tri-Clamp) 1
BE-000681-00 O-Ring - Bulkhead Fitting (Large) 1
BE-000682-00 O-Rings - Racking Arm (smaller - one spare included) 2
BE-000627-00 Hose Barb Fitting - 1” Tri-Clamp x 1” Hose 1
BE-000629-00 Hose Barb Fitting - ½” Tri-Clamp x ½” Hose 1
FE-357-00 Racking Tube Assembly (90 degree bent stainless tube) 1
FE-376-03 Racking Tube Nut 1
FE-382-05 Tool - Sanitary Bulkhead (small washer with 3 bent tabs) 1
BE-000099-00 Lid Hatch (oval lid with handle) 1
FE-303-03 Pressure Relief Valve 1
BE-000015-00 O-Ring - Pressure Relieve Valve 2
BE-000100-03 Brass “T” Nut (for V-Band Clamp) 1
BE-500019-00 Airlock 1
BE-000702-00 90 Degree Nylon Barbed Elbow (3/8”) for connecting CO₂hose (nylon) 1
BE-500018-00 Stopper 1
FV-025-03 Aseptic Valve 1
aQC_Cap QuickConnect Caps 2
aQC_12_S QuickConnect 1/2” Straight 1
What’s In the Box?
Please check your box to make sure you have received all parts.
NOTE: Some parts will be partially assembled to protect them during shipment.

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NOTE: We recommend a trial assembly of your new Fermenator™before using it to ferment so you are familiar with the procedures and
are sure you have all the parts. When you are ready to use the fermentor for an actual brewing session, read the sanitizing procedures
before assembling your Fermenator™since many parts are sanitized before assembly. Note that some of the components have not
been pre-assembled at the factory to prevent shipping damage.
Threaded Fittings
It is not necessary or recommended to use thread sealing tape on the threaded fittings of the tri-clamp bulkhead fitting. The sealing is
accomplished by the o-ring, not the threaded joint.
Bottom Dump
Install the weldless sanitary bulkhead into the bottom of the cone as shown in Figure 1a and 1b. Place the bulkhead nut into the hole in
the bottom of the tank. Install the large o-ring in the groove of the tri-clamp bulkhead and thread it on the bulkhead nut by hand. Install
the sanitary bulkhead tool on the end of a long 3/8”extension bar and a ratchet wrench (not included). Using an open end wrench (not
included) turn the tri-clamp fitting while holding the nut stationary with the ratchet wrench until the fitting is tight. Dipping the parts in
sanitizer just before assembly helps lubricate the o-ring joint and makes tightening easier.
Assemble the bottom dump assembly as shown in Figure 2 using a 1”gasket between each flange. Orient the clamps and valve as
shown so that they clear the floor and tank and do not interfere with the rotation of the valve handle. Be sure the handle of the valve
faces up, and that the handle rotates outward. Then attach the assembly onto the tank, again using a 1”gasket.
If you are using the optional leg extensions, it is not necessary to use the elbow, and this will allow the trub and yeast to flow more freely.
Simply install the valve directly on to the bottom dump fitting. You’ll be pressure testing all the fittings during the sanitation process, so if
a leak is present you’ll be able to tighten it then.
ASSEMBLY
FIGURE 1a FIGURE 1b FIGURE 2

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Aseptic Valve and Rotating Racking Arm
Install a small o-ring into the groove of the flare fitting on the aseptic valve as shown in Figure 3. Install the 2 QuickConnect™ caps onto
the ends of the aseptic valve. Insert the assembly into the hole in the conical side of the tank (see Figure 4). Place the flare fitting nut on
the racking tube and thread onto the flare fitting. Tighten the flare nut snugly with a wrench – do not over-tighten or you could
inadvertently bend the tank while tightening. It is not necessary to excessively tighten the fitting to get a good seal. If your wrench it too
thick to fit between the tank and the clamp on the racking assembly, install the racking fitting first, and then clamp the valve to it after
tightening.
Install the tube as directed by the side of the aseptic valve shown in Figure 5. This will allow you to use the handle as a guide to
determine the position of the racking arm when draining the beer or wine. The racking arm should initially be positioned horizontally
(below right).
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4 FIGURE 5
TIP: The only time it is necessary to rotate the racking arm is for the final racking of the finished beer. Limiting the rotation of the racking
arm will reduce any possibility of a leak.
Lid Assembly
Place the U-shaped lid seal over the edge of the lid (not on the tank) with the small bead on the seal facing toward the lip of the tank as in
Figure 6. Place the lid on the tank and orient the hatch and airlock holes to your desired location. Be sure the lid is centered on the tank
as much as possible. Place the V-band clamp around the lid and tank lip and start the T-nut on the clamp stud as in Figure 7. The V-band
clamp can be installed with either side up and with the clamp in any orientation. Note that the unit is shipped with a plain nut installed
on the V-band to prevent shipping damage – it can be removed and discarded. Initially tighten the clamp to about 1/2”(13mm) of gap
between the band segments (Figure 8), then, using a rubber or wood mallet, gently tap the outside perimeter of the V-band clamp to
seat the clamp firmly and evenly all the way around the lid seal. Start at the opposite side of the T-handle and work your way around to
the handle. Retighten the clamp so the segment gap is less than 3/8”(13mm).
NOTE: ALWAYS apply a dab ofVaseline or drop of oil on the threads of the draw bolt before each use to prevent wear and galling of the
threads. Galled or warn threads are NOT covered under warranty.
FIGURE 6
Bead
WARNING: Failure to correctly install and tighten the lid clamp can cause the lid to blow off during pressurization
resulting in serious injury or death! Please contact your Authorized Fermenator™Distributor or Blichmann Engineering™
(www.BlichmannEngineering.com) if you have any questions about proper assembly. Do not operate the unit until
you are certain that you understand the proper installation procedure.
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 8

3/8”(13mm) Max Gap

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Lid Hatch
Install the pressure relief valve filter spring on the inside of the lid hatch as shown in Figure 9. The purpose of this filter is to keep particles
from clogging the relief valve, which may lead to a dangerous over-pressurization of the tank. Install lid in the oval hole in the lid
(Figure 10). Place the small orange o-ring on the pressure relief valve piston (Figure 10) and place it in the small hole in the lid as shown
in the photo to the right (bottom). The weight of the piston will limit the pressure in the unit to 3 PSI.
WARNING: Read the“Operation Section”prior to use to prevent over pressurization of the fermentor!! It is critical that the pressure relief
valve filter spring be installed on the lid to help prevent foreign material from clogging the pressure relief valve opening.
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10 FIGURE 11
Carry Handles
The folding carry handles have been preinstalled on your fermentor. However, they have been tightened so they do not rotate in
shipment and become damaged. Using two 7/16”wrenches, loosen the nylock nut so the handle moves freely. However, be sure
the nut is still fully engaged on the bolt. The 7 gallon and 14.5 gallon models can be moved when full, but be sure to use 2 people to
carry the 14.5 gallon model.
WARNING: The 27 gallon model is too heavy to move when full. DO NOT attempt to move this unit when full. The carry handles are
provided to move it only when empty.
Optional Leg Extension Kits – F3-7, F3-14, and F3-27 models (For F3-42 see supplemental manual provided with that product)
Assemble the legs and braces as shown in Figure 12, through Figure 14 using the ¼-20 hardware provided. Note that the braces go on
the inside of the leg. The washers also go on the inside of the leg as shown in Fig 13 and Fig 14. It is recommended that you install all of
the hardware finger tight first, and tighten the assembly when all fasteners are in place. This will allow slight adjustments of position as
needed for ease of assembly. The leg extensions allow for gravity draining into a keg or bottling bucket.
NOTE: It is not necessary to install the 90 degree street elbow on the bottom dump assembly when using the leg extension kit (Figure
11). This will allow the trub and yeast to flow more freely from the dump valve.
O-Ring
FIGURE 11 FIGURE 12
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 14

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Optional Casters - F3-7, F3-14, and F3-27 models (For F3-42 see supplemental manual provided with that product)
To assemble the casters, begin by pre-assembling the brackets as shown in Figure 15 using two ¼-20 X ½”long bolts and washers. It is
recommended that you install all the hardware finger tight first, and tighten the assembly when all fasteners are in place. This will allow
slight adjustments of position as needed for ease of assembly. Insert the large carriage bolts through the bracket and into the hole in the
caster. Place a lock washer and nut on the bolt and finger tighten as shown in Figure 16. Invert your Fermenator™and place on a soft
surface to prevent scratching the lip. Place a caster assembly over each leg and hold in place with two ¼-20 X ¾”long bolts as shown in
Figure 17. Do not install nuts or washers at this time. Place the leg braces on the inside of the leg one at a time, installing washers and
nuts on the bolts finger tight as shown in Figure 18. Note that the braces go on the inside of the leg. Tighten all of the fasteners at this
time, and invert the Fermenator™onto the wheels. The wheels are non-marking to protect your floors, and feature a wheel lock to keep
the unit in place and prevent accidental movement.
WARNING: Keep all wheels locked at all times unless moving the unit. Be sure all obstacles are out of the path of the Fermenator™,
especially small objects which will wedge under the wheels and cause it to suddenly stop moving. This will present a tipping hazard!
While moving, keep both hands on the unit, and move slowly to prevent accidental tipping. When the unit is in its final location, lock all
the wheels by depressing the wheel lock (Figure 19) with your foot.
FIGURE 15 FIGURE 16
Lock Washer
& Nut
FIGURE 17 FIGURE 18
FIGURE 19

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SANITATION
CAUTION: Do NOT use any cleaner or sanitizer containing chlorine such as bleach. Over time, this will pit and erode stainless steel. Any
other non-chlorine sanitizer is acceptable to use. Iodophor™or StarSan™both work very well and do not require rinsing.
Initial Cleaning
Prior to the first use, and after each subsequent use, scour the lid and tank with ordinary dish detergent (or any non chlorine based
cleanser) such as PBW (Powdered Brewery Wash) and a Scotch-brite™type green scouring pad. Do not use a steel wool scouring pad as
the metal particles will rust on the surface of the parts. Rinse well and allow to dry thoroughly. Drying thoroughly allows the
protective CrO2 layer to naturally re-form on the surface of the stainless steel. Scrub the fittings with a nylon brush and detergent, or
soak in a solution of hot PBW. It is also acceptable to boil fittings and seals to sterilize them. If you are not going to immediately use the
fermentor, dry the fittings and seals thoroughly, and store them in a new plastic zip-lock bag (see storage section).
Before Each Use
Fittings:
Soak all fittings, valves, o-rings and lid seal in a sanitizing solution or boil in water for 10 min if you have not already done so after the last
use (see storage section). To ensure that the inside of the aseptic is sanitized, disassemble (shown in Figure 20) and soak in sanitizer. It
takes only a few seconds and provides for thorough cleaning and sanitizing.
NOTE: It is not necessary to re-sanitize the fittings prior to use if you have sanitized, dried and stored them in a bag (see storage section)
after the previous use since you will be sanitizing the completely assembled fermentor with a sanitizing solution.
Lid & Lid Seal:
Sanitize the outside edge of the lid where the seal will contact with grain alcohol or sanitizing solution using a cotton ball or clean cloth,
or wipe with a no-rinse sanitizer.
WARNING! Alcohol is extremely flammable – do not use near open flame!
Place the U-shaped seal over the edge of the lid as shown in Figure 21. One side of the seal has a
small bead running the length of the seal. The bead side of the seal must face the lip of the
tank to seal properly.
FIGURE 20
FIGURE 21
Bead

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First time use to verify a proper seal of the tank:
Sanitize the sealing surfaces (bottom dump hole, rotating racking arm hole, and the top lip of the tank) with grain alcohol or sanitizing
solution using a cotton ball or clean cloth. Assemble the fittings on the tank per the previous assembly instruction section.
Fill the tank with about a gallon of water and then add your sanitizer. Adding the sanitizer first will trap the sanitizer in the dump fittings
and will not allow it to spread into the rest of the water in the tank. Fill the tank until the water level is just below the lid hatch. Install the
lid hatch and place a sanitized 3-piece air lock on the unit (a“bubbler”type air lock cannot easily be used to fill the fermentor).
Remove the pressure relief piston (Figure 22) and slowly fill the rest of the fermentor through the airlock. Pour sanitizing solution until
it pours out of the pressure relief valve opening. Replace the relief valve piston and continue filling through the airlock until it is full. This
has flooded all the internal surfaces with sanitizer and purged all the air out of the tank.
IMPORTANT: Dry the outside of the tank with a cloth and if any fittings are leaking, tighten them as required, taking care not to bend
the tank. If you are unable to resolve a leak problem please re-read the fitting assembly instruction thoroughly taking special note of the
location of the o-rings. If you are still experiencing a leak, contact Blichmann Engineering™as this is not normal.
After the prescribed time has passed for your sanitizer to finish its job, open both valves and drain the tank. If you have used a sanitizer
that must be rinsed, open the tank and rinse as recommended. Remove the barb fittings from the racking arm and bottom dump and
replace with the tri-clamp cap.
Alternate Sanitizing Method:
An alternate method to sanitize the tank and lid is by using a surface sanitizer. This uses significantly less sanitizer. The only surface
sanitizer we recommend is StarSan™which has been specifically formulated as both a flood and surface sanitizer. However, the surface
sanitizer concentration is stronger. Refer to the product instructions for dilution rates. Iodophor and other sanitizers are not recommend-
ed for this procedure. When all the fittings and components have been removed from the tank and lid, spray the inside surface of the
tank and lid with sanitizer and let sit for 10 min. Repeat for another 10 min, then assemble as described above. Note that the fittings and
other seals and components should still be immersed in sanitizer prior to assembly. The only drawback with this method is that you can’t
check for leaks prior to filling. However, the sealing system has been extremely reliable and leaks are very uncommon.
Note: You can CIP (clean in place) the fermentor if you have the equipment. However, complete disassembly only takes a few minutes
and is much more thorough and takes less overall time. Therefore, we recommend this method in lieu of the CIP method. It is also
possible to surface sanitize the inside of the conical and lid (eliminates filling, and also leak check) using StarSan™in a concentration for
surface sanitation. However, you will need to soak the fittings, valves, seals in sanitizer as surface sanitizing is not effective with these
parts.
YOU ARE NOW READY TO FERMENT!!
FIGURE 22

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OPERATION
The Fermenator™has been designed to fit in a large refrigerator, and about any chest or upright freezer. If you plan to use it in a freezer
or refrigerator, the CO2 gas from fermentation should be vented through the door or wall of the refrigerator. For primary fermentation,
it is highly recommended that you use a blow-off tube (not included). Fit the 90 degree barbed elbow (included) into the stopper as
shown in Figure 23 after primary fermentation. Run the hose to the exterior of the unit and affix it to an airlock as shown in Figure 24.
If you have purchased the optional tri-clamp blow-off assembly please refer to the manual included in the kit for proper installation and
operation.
*** IMPORTANT ***
Maximum Fermentables Capacity
Beer Wine
7 gal model: 5.5 US gal 6.0 US gal
14.5 gal model: 11 US gal 12 US gal
27 gal model: 21 US gal 21 US gal
42 gal model: 33 US gal 33 US gal
WARNING: Exceeding these capacities can cause the fermentation material (krausen) to clog the pressure relief valve and airlock causing
a dangerous overpressure of the fermentor. Approximately 30% excess capacity is required for krausen space for beer and approximately
20% for wine.
WARNING: Do not use loose whole hops, wood chips, grape skins, or other similar material in the fermentor. Use a hop bag to prevent
loose material from plugging the pressure relief valve or airlock, which may cause a dangerous overpressure of the fermentor. In addition,
these materials will clog the racking tube making draining the finished beer/wine difficult.
It is highly recommended that you use a blow-off tube for primary fermentation! The optional tri-clamp blow-off assembly makes this
very easy.
Bottom Dump Operation
Now you’re about to see the real benefit to a conical fermentor: the ease of trub (cold break) and yeast removal for secondary fermen-
tation or yeast harvesting and quick and sanitary removal of wort samples. Typically, cold break is removed just after wort chilling, but
prior to pitching the yeast (allow time for settling to the bottom of the tank). Remaining trub and flocculated yeast can be removed after
primary fermentation.
FIGURE 23
FIGURE 24

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Procedure: Connect a clear 1”ID X 24”long hose (not supplied) to the bottom dump valve with the hose barb fitting provided and place
the other end into a suitable container. If you are not harvesting the yeast the hose and fitting do not need to be sanitized. If you have
a large amount of sediment or it has compacted over time, it may take one to two minutes for the flow to begin. Over time, yeast takes
on the consistency of toothpaste (as opposed to molasses) and even commercial breweries have trouble with plugging. More frequent
dumping earlier in the fermentation process will alleviate this. It is recommended to dump when primary fermentation has slowed, and
then every few days until the yeast has all been removed. Performing a protein rest (for wheat and under modified malts) and using
proper techniques to leave trub in the boil kettle will reduce the amount of trub carried into the fermentor and improve the quality of
your beer. Consult any homebrewing text for recommended procedures. If you are still having trouble with yeast cake compaction it is
permissible to use pressure to provide additional force to remove the yeast. This is a common procedure in commercial breweries. See
the“Racking finished beer – pressure pumping”section for instructions and warnings before attempting this!
CAUTION: Remove the pressure relief piston on the lid hatch prior to draining beer/wort from the tank or you will suck the liquid out of
the airlock and into the fermentor! The CO₂ from the actively fermenting beer is generally sufficient to purge any ingested air from the
tank.
Hold the valve body to prevent it from rotating and adding unnecessary bending force on the tank wall! Slowly open the valve until you
have removed the trub or yeast (the valves have a locking tab that needs to be lifted before opening). Watch the flow through the hose
and close the valve when the trub and yeast have been drained. Reinstall the pressure relief piston. That’s it!
Harvesting yeast: If you’re harvesting the yeast, you’ll need to sanitize the hose and fittings first. The valve threads can easily be
sanitized by a spray bottle of sanitizer a few minutes prior to installing the barbed fitting. Allow the trub to pass first, and collect the
cream colored yeast. A wide mouthed glass jar 8-16 oz works well. If you have CO₂ available, purge the jar of oxygen before use. With
proper sanitization techniques, yeast can be stored for 1-2 months and harvested up to 4 times in a typical homebrew environment.
Since you’ll have plenty of yeast to pitch (reactivate in a starter if more than 2 weeks old) you’ll find your ferments starting faster and
progressing much more quickly.
Rotating Racking arm Operation
This feature is used for taking wort samples during the fermentation process and for racking the finished beer into kegs or a bottling
bucket.
Aseptic Valve Operation: After installing the aseptic valve, angle it so that one of the threaded inputs is facing upward and the other
is faceing downward. Spray the inside with sanitizer then install the bottom QuickConnect™ cap. Fill the inside of the aseptic valve with
sanitizer through the top and install the other QuickConnect™ cap.
CAUTION: Remove the pressure relief piston on the lid hatch prior to draining beer/wort from the tank or you will suck the liquid out of
the airlock and into the fermentor! The CO₂ from the actively fermenting beer is generally sufficient to purge any ingested air from the
tank.
Wort sample: Hold the valve body to prevent it from rotating and adding unnecessary bending force on the tank wall! Remove the
QuickConnect™ caps and drain the sanitizer out the aseptic valve. With both caps removed spray the inside with sanitizer and slowly open
the valve until you have removed the sample. It is not necessary to rotate the racking arm to remove a wort sample. Limiting rotation
of the racking arm will reduce the possibility of a leak. You do not need to connect a hose or barb to the valve to take a sample. Spray
sanitizer in the valve and reinstall the bottom QuickConnect™ cap. Refill the valve with sanitizer and reinstall the top QuickConnect™ cap.
Racking finished beer – gravity drain: As shown in Figure 25, connect the sanitized ½”QuickConnect™ stem to the aseptic valve. Then
connect a clear sanitized hose. Remove the pressure relief piston. Hold the valve body to prevent it from rotating, and slowly open the
valve, draining it into your keg or bottling bucket. Then slowly rotate the racking arm assembly downward as in Figure 26-27, stopping
when you see a yeast pick-up, then turn it back a bit to keep from picking up additional yeast.

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Racking finished beer – CO2 pressure pumping: Connect drain hose as for
gravity racking. Install 90 degree barbed elbow into airlock stopper as shown in
Figure 28. If you have purchased the optional tri-clamp blow-off assembly please
refer to that manual for instructions. Turn regulator pressure setting to zero PSI
and close CO2 shutoff valve. Then connect hose to CO2 tank. Open racking arm
valve, open CO2 shutoff valve and SLOWLY increase pressure on the CO2 regulator
to a maximum of 3 PSI (6 ft of lift above racking arm) until beer or wine begins to
flow. A slow flow rate will reduce disturbing the yeast cake and sediment and
carrying into your keg. When you are getting toward the bottom of the tank be
sure to lift the outlet end of the beer/wine hose above the surface of the beer or
wine in the keg or bottling bucket to prevent the CO2 gas from“burping”the
beer out of your keg when the fermentor is empty.
WARNING:
• Do not exceed 3 PSI (6 ft of lift above the racking arm)
• Do not tamper with, or press on the pressure relief valve piston
• Do not leave the fermentor unattended during pumping
• Do not use loose whole hops, wood chips, grape skins, or other similar material in the fermentor. Use a hop or grain bag to prevent
loose material from plugging the pressure relief valve or airlock causing a dangerous overpressure of the fermentor.
• Ensure that the surfaces of the pressure relief valve piston and seat are free from fermentables or other material prior to pressurization.
Clean as needed. Failure to do so may cause sticking and subsequent malfunction of the relief valve system.
*** Failure to follow these warnings could result in serious injury or death ***
This fermentor is NOT to be used for force carbonation!
Dry-hopping: Do not use loose whole leaf hops for dry-hopping! Not only will they possibly clog the pressure relief valve, the leaves
tend to clog the racking arm. If you use whole hops be sure to use a hop bag. Pellet hops can be used with or without a hop bag. In
all cases, using a hop bag will reduce the carry-over of hop particles in the finished beer and harvested yeast and leave you with more
finished beer. Boiling the bag before placing the hops inside is an easy way to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria in to the fermentor
from the bag. In practice, pre-boiling of the hops is not needed due to the natural bacterial inhabitation from hops, and the low pH of the
beer. This will also preserve the volatile aromatic compounds from being lost.
TIP: Use a piece of fish line to suspend the bag in the tank about half way down. Simply install the lid hatch with the fish line hanging
out and it’ll clamp it in place. This will allow the beer to drain out of the bag during kegging/bottling saving beer and preventing it from
plugging the racking tube.
Wine Makers: The Fermenator™ is an outstanding vessel in which to ferment wine. The sealing system is far superior to wine tanks and
is completely impervious to oxygen. Most stainless wine fermenting tanks have a loose fitting lid for primary fermentation (to vent gas)
and a floating lid for secondary fermentation (to prevent oxygen infiltration). This floating lid has an inflatable seal with a“bicycle pump”
and may leak over time. It is also a source for bacterial contamination from the fermentation material on the walls of the fermentor.
FIGURE 25
FIGURE 26 FIGURE 27
FIGURE 28

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The Fermenator™always maintains a 100% positive seal for pressure and vacuum so a floating lid is not necessary. The blanket of CO₂ on
the surface of the wine from fermentation will protect the wine from oxidation. After complete fermentation has been verified remove
the airlock and stopper and replace with a stopper with no hole (not included). Ensure that the surfaces of the pressure relief valve are
clean and free of wine or other material, which may cause it to stick. It is also common practice to purge the vessel with argon gas after
degasification to reduce CO₂ uptake in the finished wine. Alternately, topping up with a similar wine will perform the same function as an
argon purge.
WARNING: Be 100% sure fermentation activity has completely ceased by verification with a hygrometer. The hygrometer measurement
should not change over a period of two weeks prior to replacing the airlock with a solid stopper.
WINE-MAKER WARNING:
Loose oak chips or grape skins in the fermentor may clog the racking arm, bottom dump and over-pressure relief system. (Ref
Dry-hopping above). In addition, oak“saw dust”tends to clog the bottom dump fitting. Primary fermentation of musts“on the skins”is
not recommended with a conical for these reasons. However, post press storage & maturation is an excellent application for a conical.
AFTER USE CLEANING AND STORAGE
After use, rinse with hot water and completely disassemble the fermentor and fittings. Soak the fittings and seals in hot PBW solution or
boil as in the sanitizing procedure. Remember to remove the black vinyl grips from the valve handles. Scrub the fermentor and lid with
a Scotch-brite green scouring pad and ordinary dish detergent (or your favorite non-chlorine cleanser such as PBW) and rinse and dry
thoroughly.
It is not necessary to remove the legs for normal cleaning. If you have to remove a leg for any reason, make careful note of the placement
of the spacer and washers. Reassemble identically and do not over tighten the nut.
Thoroughly dry all seals and o-rings and store them in a plastic bag and place inside the tank for the next use. Be sure to remove all the
o-rings from the fittings to prevent from taking a“set”. Install the lid and V-band clamp (without seal) to prevent dust from settling inside
the unit during storage.
Note: it is not necessary to re-sanitize the fittings prior to the next use if you have stored them in a bag. Proceed directly to the assembly
stage as you will be sanitizing them after assembly.
MAINTENANCE
Inspect lid seal and o-rings before each use. If they have cuts, abrasion or have taken a permanent set replace them. Never scrub the
seals or o-rings with an abrasive pad or cleanser.
WARNING: Do NOT use any cleaner or sanitizer containing chlorine such as bleach. This will pit and erode stainless steel.
If the ball valves ever begin to drip, remove the handle and tighten the packing nut under the handle. If this persists, replacement valve
seal kits are available through your retailer.
Visit parts.blichmannengineering.com for replacement parts and seals.

13
Fermenator™V2 © Blichmann Engineering, LLC 2019
For replacement parts, visit: blichmannengineering.com/genuine-replacement-parts
BLICHMANN ENGINEERING PRODUCT WARRANTY
A. Limited Warranty
1. Blichmann Engineering warrants to the original purchaser that this product will be free from manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year
from the date of purchase by the customer. Proof of purchase is required. Blichmann Engineering’s obligation to repair or replace defective materials or workmanship is the
sole obligation of Blichmann Engineering under this limited warranty.
2. The limited warranty covers only those defects that arise as a result of normal use of the product and does not cover any other problems, including, but not limited to, those
that arise as a result of:
a. Improper maintenance or modication;
b. Damage due to incorrect voltage or improper wiring by customer;
c. Operation outside of the product’s specications;
d. Carelessness or neglect to operate the product in accordance with instructions provided with the product;
e. Damaging the tamper label on the product;
f. Damage by over-tightening the fasteners;
g. Failure to follow cleaning and / or maintenance procedures; or
h. Exceeding published operational temperatures.
3. Blichmann Engineering reserves the right to request delivery of the defective component for inspection before processing the warranty claim. If Blichmann Engineering
receives, during the applicable warranty period, notice of a defect in any component that is covered by the warranty, Blichmann Engineering shall either repair or replace the
defective component with a new or rebuilt component at Blichmann Engineering’s option.
4. Blichmann Engineering must be notified within seven (7) days of the delivery date of any shipping damage. Customer is responsible for shipping damage outside of this
time period. Approval for return must be provided by Blichmann Engineering prior to any return. Customer is responsible for keeping all original packaging material for
warranty returns. Blichmann Engineering is not responsible for damage from improperly packaged warranty returns, and these repair costs will be the sole responsibility of
the customer. Shipping costs for warranty returns are covered only for the contiguous United States.
5. Blichmann Engineering’s limited warranty is valid in any country where the product is distributed.
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B. Limitations of Warranty
1. Any implied warranty that is found to arise by way of state or federal law, including any implied warranty of merchantability or any implied warranty of fitness, is limited in
duration to the terms of this limited warranty and is limited in scope of coverage to this warranty. Blichmann Engineering disclaims any express or implied warranty, including
any implied warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, on items excluded from coverage as set forth in this limited warranty.
2. Blichmann Engineering makes no warranty of any nature beyond that contained in this limited warranty. No one has authority to enlarge, amend, or modify this limited
warranty, and Blichmann Engineering does not authorize anyone to create any other obligation for it regarding this product.
3. Blichmann Engineering is not responsible for any representation, promise, or warranty made by any independent dealer or other person beyond what is expressly stated in
this limited warranty. Any selling or servicing dealer is not Blichmann Engineering’s agent, but an independent entity.
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C. Limitations of Liability
1. The remedies provided in this warranty are the customer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
2. Except for the obligations specifically set forth in this warranty, in no event shall Blichmann Engineering be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential
damages, whether based on contract, tort, or any other legal theory and whether or not advised of the possibility of such damages.
3. This warranty does not cover, and in no event shall Blichmann Engineering be liable for, travel, lodging, or any other expense incurred due to manufacturing defects in
material and workmanship, or any other reason.
4. Any performance of repairs after the warranty coverage period has expired or performance of repairs regarding anything excluded from coverage after this limited warranty
shall be considered good-will repairs and they will not alter the terms of this limited warranty, or extend any warranty coverage period.
5. Venue for any legal proceedings relating to or arising out of this warranty shall be in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, United States, which courts will have exclusive jurisdiction.
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D. Local Law
1. This warranty gives the customer specific legal rights. The ca