GFS Fermentation Tanks: The Ideal Solution for Efficient and Durable Fermentation Processes by Center Enamel

Fermentation is a critical process across multiple industries, including food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and biotechnology. The integrity, durability, and hygiene of fermentation tanks are indispensable to ensure product quality, process efficiency, and operational safety. Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) specializes in manufacturing Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) fermentation tanks — a leading-edge technology that combines the robustness of steel with the corrosion resistance and hygienic properties of glass.

As a leading storage tank manufacturer worldwide. Center Enamel can provide Glass Lined Steel(GLS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs, Wastewater and Biogas Project Equipments for global customers.

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Why Fermentation Tanks Are Essential and Their Challenges

Fermentation tanks are vessels designed to support and control the biological process where microorganisms such as yeast, bacteria, or enzymes convert substrates into valuable products like alcohol, organic acids, antibiotics, and biogas. This process demands precise control of temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and cleanliness to prevent contamination and optimize yield.

Key challenges in fermentation include:

• Harsh chemical and biological conditions that can corrode or degrade tank materials.
• Need for seamless, easily cleanable surfaces to prevent microbial growth beyond target cultures.
• Mechanical stresses due to agitation, pressure, and thermal cycling.
• Compliance with food-grade, pharmaceutical, and environmental standards.
• Economic efficiency through durable, long-life construction with minimal maintenance.

What Are Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Fermentation Tanks?

GFS tanks are manufactured by fusing a high-quality glass enamel coating onto steel panels at elevated temperatures (typically 820°C–930°C), creating a permanent, chemically bonded vitreous glass layer on the steel substrate. This process imparts the strength and flexibility of steel with the impermeability, corrosion resistance, and hygienic attributes of glass.

For fermentation applications, this unique fusion ensures tanks that resist aggressive conditions, are easy to sanitize, and sustain prolonged service life without compromising structural integrity.

Technical Advantages of GFS Fermentation Tanks

• Outstanding Corrosion and Chemical Resistance: Fermentation substrates often create acidic or alkaline environments; the glass enamel coating resists pH ranges typically from 1 to 14, safeguarding tanks against corrosion caused by organic acids, alcohols, and other metabolites.
• Smooth, Non-Porous Surfaces: The vitreous enamel surface prevents bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation, critical for hygiene and product purity.
• Mechanical Strength and Durability: The steel base resists mechanical stresses from agitators, temperature variations, and pressure fluctuations common in fermentation processes.
• Thermal Stability: GFS tanks endure operating temperatures (up to 100°C or more) with stable performance.
• Easy Maintenance and Cleaning: The glossy enamel surface simplifies cleaning and sterilization, reducing downtime.
• Modular Bolted Design: Allows easy transportation, onsite assembly, expansion, or relocation, providing flexibility for scaling operations.
• Customized Accessories: GFS fermentation tanks can be fitted with integrated agitators, heating/cooling jackets, access ports, and instrumentation to meet process needs.
• Long Service Life: With over 30 years of durability, GFS tanks minimize lifecycle costs.
• Global Quality Certifications: Center Enamel GFS tanks comply with ISO 9001, NSF/ANSI 61, CE/EN1090, ISO 28765, WRAS, FM, LFGB, BSCI, and other standards, ensuring international acceptance.

Manufacturing Excellence by Center Enamel

Center Enamel’s advanced production processes and rigorous quality assurance ensure the highest quality fermentation tanks:

• Premium Steel Plates: Hot-rolled steel ranging from 3mm to 12mm thickness, prepped by sandblasting and chemical treatment to enhance enamel adherence.
• Double-Sided Enamel Firing: Both inner and outer surfaces receive a uniform glass enamel coating, typically 0.25-0.45 mm thick, fused under precise thermal conditions.
• Precision Panel Fabrication: Steel plates are cut, enameled, and fabricated into bolted panels, facilitating efficient onsite assembly.
• Rigorous Testing: Adhesion, hardness (Mohs 6), spark testing (>1500V), and impermeability tests guarantee coating and tank integrity.
• Customization and Integration: Tanks can be tailored in diameter (up to 40m) and height (up to 17m), and outfitted with process-specific instrumentation.
• Environmental Sustainability: The recyclable nature of steel and enamel, combined with long life, supports greener production cycles.

Applications Across Industries

• Brewing and Alcohol Production: Fermentation tanks for beer, wine, spirits requiring sanitary, corrosion-resistant vessels.
• Pharmaceuticals: Production of antibiotics, vaccines, and specialty chemicals under sterile, contaminant-free conditions.
• Bioenergy: Anaerobic digesters for biogas production relying on corrosion-resistant enameled tanks.
• Food Processing: Fermented products such as yogurt, soy sauce, and sauerkraut requiring hygienic fermentation vessels.
• Chemical Industry: Fermentation for organic acid production and biotechnological processes.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Production of active ingredients requiring precise fermentation conditions.

Center Enamel GFS Fermentation Tanks in Action — Case Studies

• A leading European brewery adopted Center Enamel GFS tanks for enhanced durability and hygiene, enabling longer production runs and reduced cleaning cycles.
• Pharmaceutical plants in Asia rely on GFS fermentation tanks for sterile processes, ensuring regulatory compliance and product safety.
• Biogas plants globally utilize GFS reactors resisting biogas corrosive effects, resulting in extended tank lifetime and operational reliability.
• Food processing factories use GFS fermentation tanks for continuous production with ease of sanitation and minimal downtime.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Long Lifecycle & Minimal Maintenance: Excellent corrosion resistance means fewer repairs and extended replacement intervals.
• Fast Installation & Scalability: Modular design reduces construction time, labor costs, and adapts to growing production needs.
• Reduced Contamination Risks: High hygiene standards support product quality and minimize rejection rates.
• Sustainable Materials: The recyclable steel and inert glass enamel reduce environmental burdens.
• Energy Efficiency: Robust tanks retain heat well and accommodate integrated heating or cooling systems efficiently.

Why Choose Center Enamel for GFS Fermentation Tanks?

• The first GFS double-side enameling technology pioneer in China.
• Rich patent portfolio and continuous innovation.
• Global recognition and export experience across 100+ countries.
• Compliance with top international standards ensures wide acceptance.
• Comprehensive project management from design to commissioning and after-sales service.
• Custom-built solutions tailored to exact process needs.

Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel fermentation tanks stand out as the best choice for industries demanding reliable, durable, and hygienic fermentation vessels. Their superior corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and robust structure ensure optimal process performance and product quality.

With decades of experience and global project success, Center Enamel is the trusted partner for advanced fermentation tank solutions worldwide, supporting industries from brewing to biotechnology in achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd is a professional manufacturer dedicated to the design and fabrication of bolted storage tanks since 1989. Our products range includes Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs. With professional enameling R&D team and more than 20 enameling patents, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd has become the leader in bolted tanks industry of Asia. Our products are certified to ISO 9001, CE, NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, ISO 28765, LFGB, BSCI, ISO 45001 and other international standards.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd is not only the first manufacturer in China which produces Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks, but also the most experienced professional bolted tanks manufacturer in Asia. The engineering & design, product testing and quality system of Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks is in strict accordance with AWWA D103-09, OSHA, ISO 28765, NSF/ANSI 61, NFPA and other international standards. Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are wildly used in drinking / potable water, industrial effluents, municipal sewage, bio-energy, landfill leachate, agriculture and other applications. Until 2023, Center Enamel bolted tanks have been exported to more than 100 countries including USA, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, UAE, Panama, Brazil and South Africa etc., the superior tank quality and prompt service gains us worldwide recognition.

As an outstanding containment and cover system provider with more than 30 years of experience, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd sincerely expects to establish long-term cooperation with the local partners throughout the world and make continuous contribution to the development of the industry.