Ss Brewtech Unitank 2.0 Product Guide

Overview

In the Box

• (1) Unitank Body (14 gal model shown)
• (1) Neoprene Jacket
• (1) Shelf
• (1) 6" TC Reducer (8" TC Reducer on 1 bbl)
• (1) 3" TC PRV
• (1) 1.5" Blow Off Arm
• (1) 1.5" TC Sample Valve
• (1) 1.5" TC Pressure Gauge
• (1) 1.5" TC Carb Stone
• (1) 1.5" TC Thermowell
• (1) 1.5" 90° TC Elbow
• (4) Tank Adjustment Foot (only (3) for 7 gal Unitank)
• (2) 90° 3/8" NPT to 3/8" Hose Barb
• (1) 1.5" TC Keyed Butterfly Valve
• (1) 1.5" TC Butterfly Valve
• (1) 1.5" TC Blow Off Valve
• (1) 6" TC Clamp (8" TC Clamp for 1 bbl)
• (1) 3" TC Clamp
• (9) 1.5" TC Clamp
• (1) 6" TC Gasket (8" TC Gasket for 1 bbl)
• (1) 3" TC Gasket
• (3) 1.5" TC Gasket
• (5) 1.5" TC Gasket (1" ID)
• (1) Teflon Thread Tape
• (1) 1.5"TC Keyed Racking Arm Gasket

Stainless Steel Care

Initial Cleaning and Passivation

Pre-Clean: Prior to first-time use, thoroughly wash all surfaces of the vessel, including all valves and fittings, with Tri-Sodium Phosphate (TSP) in hot water, mixed according to manufacturer's recommendations. Scrub with a soft cloth (avoiding abrasive materials). After the initial TSP wash, rinse thoroughly and dry all surfaces. For more information, consult the TSP Cleaning FAQ knowledge base article.

Passivation: Periodically passivate all stainless-steel equipment with an acid-based solution to establish a uniform passive oxide layer that maximizes corrosion resistance. After the pre-clean step, fill the vessel with hot water (140-180°F) mixed with Citric Acid (4% by weight) for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours). Drain, rinse with purified water, and then dry the vessel. Tap water may contain salts and chlorides that can undermine the passive oxide layer. For more information, consult the Passivation FAQ knowledge base article.

Brew Day

Cleaning and Sanitizing: As part of a regular cleaning regimen, both pre and post-fermentation, wash interior surfaces with hot water and an alkaline cleaner like PBW. Then sanitize with hot water and an acid-based sanitizer like Star San. Review dosage and disposal requirements for all chemicals before use. For detailed guidance, refer to the Cleaning FAQ and Sanitization FAQ knowledge base articles.

See the cleaning guide: Before Using Your Equipment Cleaning Guide

Use the Following with Caution:

• Stainless steel scrubbing pads or abrasive scouring pads. Aggressive use can damage the surface or finish. Non-scratch scouring pads are recommended.
• Oxalic Acid cleaners (e.g., Bar Keeper's Friend) on etched volume markings or logos, as they may cause fading.

Never Use the Following:

• Chlorine bleach or chlorine-based products, which can cause pitting or pinholes.
• OxiClean or other peroxide cleaners in combination with hard water, which can cause calcium carbonate precipitation. If this occurs, re-passivate the vessel.

Instructions

Assembly

1. Step 1: Remove the Unitank 2.0 body and all hardware from the box. Remove the Blow Off Arm and set it aside. Flip the vessel upside down and place it on a flat, stable, non-marring surface.Diagram not included, but this step involves preparing the main vessel.
2. Step 2: Locate the Neoprene Jacket. Unzip it and orient it so the Ss Brewtech logo aligns with the front of the vessel. Align the jacket's leg holes with the vessel's ferrules. Slowly work the jacket onto the vessel, ensuring each ferrule passes through its cutout.Diagram not included, but this step describes fitting the insulating jacket.
3. Step 3: With the vessel still upside down, apply the Shelf. Thread the stem of each of the four Tank Adjustment Feet (three for the 7 gal model) into the Unitank 2.0's threaded leg inserts. Install the feet with the washer first, against the shelf, followed by the leveling nut. This allows for leveling the vessel on uneven surfaces and locking the feet. Turn the vessel upright and place it on the installed feet.Diagram shows the Unitank base with four threaded inserts. The Shelf is placed on top, and the Tank Adjustment Feet, each with a washer and leveling nut, are threaded into the inserts through the shelf.
4. Step 4: Locate the 1.5" TC 90° Elbow, 1.5" TC Butterfly Valve, two 1.5" TC Clamps, and two 1.5" TC Gaskets. Install the 1.5" TC 90° Elbow onto the vessel's lower 1.5" TC ferrule at the bottom of the cone. Install the non-keyed 1.5" TC Butterfly Valve onto the opposite end of the 90° Elbow using a 1.5" TC Gasket and 1.5" TC Clamp.Diagram shows the 1.5" TC 90° Elbow being attached to the bottom ferrule of the Unitank. The Butterfly Valve is then attached to the other end of the elbow with a gasket and clamp.
5. Step 5: Install the Keyed Racking Arm Gasket into the Keyed Butterfly Valve. Once assembled, connect the Racking Arm Butterfly Valve Assembly to the 1.5" TC ferrule located above the dump valve assembly and secure it with a TC clamp. Note: The Keyed Racking Arm Gasket creates its own seal and does not require an additional 1.5" TC Gasket.Diagram A shows the Keyed Racking Arm Gasket being inserted into the Keyed Butterfly Valve. Diagram B shows the assembled Racking Arm Butterfly Valve being attached to the Unitank's ferrule using a TC clamp.
6. Step 6: Locate the two 90° 3/8" NPT to 3/8" Hose Barbs. Wrap the threads of each barb with approximately 4-5 layers of Teflon Thread Tape. Hand thread the barbs into the 3/8" NPT ports on the Unitank 2.0. A wrench can be used to snug them, but avoid overtightening. The lower port is for glycol input, and the upper port is for glycol outlet.Diagrams show the connection of hose barbs to the Unitank. One diagram labels the lower port as "Glycol Inlet (Lower Port)" and the other labels the upper port as "Glycol Outlet (Upper Port)".
7. Step 7: Locate the Sample Valve, Thermowell, Carb Stone, three 1.5” TC Clamps, and three 1.5” TC Gaskets (1" ID). Install the Sample Valve in the far right 1.5" TC ferrule on the front of the vessel's cone using a 1.5” TC Clamp and a 1.5” TC Gasket (1" ID).Diagram shows the Sample Valve assembly (valve, gasket, clamp) being attached to the Unitank's front cone ferrule.
8. Step 8: Locate the 3" TC PRV, 6" TC Reducer, 3" TC Clamp, 3" TC Gasket, 6" TC Clamp, and 6" TC Gasket. Install the 3" TC PRV onto the 3" ferrule located on top of the Unitank 2.0's 6" to 3" TC Reducer (or 8" to 3" TC Reducer on the 1bbl model). Install the TC Reducer Assembly onto the Unitank using the 6" TC Clamp and 6" TC Gasket (or 8" TC Clamp and 8" TC Gasket for the 1bbl model).Diagram shows the 6" to 3" TC Reducer being placed on the top of the Unitank. The 3" TC PRV is then installed on top of the reducer, secured by a 3" TC clamp and gasket. The entire assembly is secured to the Unitank with a 6" TC clamp and gasket.
9. Step 9: Locate the Blow Off Arm, Blow Off Valve, two 1.5" TC Clamps, and two 1.5" TC Gaskets (1" ID). Open the Blow Off Arm Mount on the leg of the Unitank by unthreading one socket cap screw. Install the Blow Off Arm onto the tank using a TC clamp and gasket. Position the blow off cane so it fits into the arm mount, then secure the 1.5" TC connection. Secure the Blow Off Arm into the mount by threading the socket cap screw back and hand-tightening. Attach the Blow Off Valve to the 1.5" TC flange at the bottom of the Blow Off Arm.Diagram shows the Blow Off Arm being attached to the Unitank. The arm is secured to a ferrule with a clamp and gasket. The Blow Off Valve is then attached to the bottom of the arm.
10. Step 10: Locate the Pressure Gauge, one 1.5" TC Clamp, and one 1.5" TC Gasket. Mount the Pressure Gauge to the Unitank using the TC clamp and gasket. On 14 gal, 1/2 bbl, and 1 bbl models, the gauge is positioned on the top left 1.5" TC port. On the 7 gal model, the gauge is positioned on the Blow Off Arm.Diagrams show the Pressure Gauge installation. One shows it mounted on the top left port of the Unitank. Another shows it mounted on the Blow Off Arm for the 7 gal model.

Operation

Valves

The Unitank 2.0 features butterfly valves designed with zero dead space, eliminating crevices for bacteria or yeast. Standard cleaning and sanitation practices ensure proper operation without full disassembly. Butterfly valves offer a larger fluid passageway than ball valves; familiarize yourself with fluid transfer speeds before your first batch to avoid releasing unintended amounts of liquid.

During active fermentation, orient the Racking Arm Valve downwards to prevent trub and yeast from clogging the opening. When repositioning the racking arm upwards for kegging or bottling after fermentation, slightly loosen the TC Clamp for smooth rotation. Over-loosening can cause leaks or spillage. Never reposition TC connections when the vessel is under pressure.

Fermentation

The Unitank 2.0 includes a 3" TC Port in the 6" TC Reducer, which can be used for an optional Clean-In-Place (CIP) spray ball or the Pressure Release Valve. This port also allows for advanced brewing practices like dry-hopping or adding adjuncts without removing the lid.

It is recommended to pitch yeast or dry hop through the 3" TC port on the 6" TC Reducer. Ensure the tank is not pressurized, then remove the 3" TC clamp and PRV assembly to add ingredients. Replace the PRV and secure the fitting. After pitching yeast, ensure the blow-off arm valve is open. 1½" threaded barbs and tubing are available for diverting blow-off material to a separate vessel.

During fermentation, monitor pressure with the supplied gauge and take samples for gravity checks using the sanitary sample valve. To operate the sample valve, rotate the knob counterclockwise to initiate flow and clockwise to close. Yeast and sediment may settle in the Sample Valve port; purge an ounce or two through the valve before collecting a sample to ensure a clear, clean sample. Always rinse and sanitize the valve spout after use.

Trub Dump and Yeast Harvesting

The Unitank 2.0 allows for dumping trub and harvesting yeast. Once primary fermentation begins, dump trub using the lower dump valve within the first 48 hours to prevent solidification of break material. A typical trub dump may result in a loss of 1-2 pints. The 1.5" TC Butterfly valve allows significant fluid flow, so be mindful during this process.

Performing a trub dump results in a cleaner yeast sample during harvesting. Yeast should generally be harvested towards the end of primary fermentation or up to two days after. The longer you wait, the more compacted the yeast cake becomes, making it harder to harvest. Place a small, sanitized container under the bottom dump port. Ensure your blow-off tube is positioned to prevent sanitizer from being pulled into the beer.

Slightly open the butterfly valve to allow yeast to flow slowly into your container. Be patient, as yeast flows slower than other liquids. Opening the valve too quickly or too far can cause tunneling through the yeast cake, leading to overfilling, mess, and difficulty in collecting more yeast. Harvested yeast should appear creamy and off-white, without dark areas or signs of trub.

Crash Cooling

Cooling liquid can cause contraction and negative pressure in the fermenter, potentially drawing sanitizer from the blow-off apparatus into the vessel. To prevent this, introduce a small amount of positive pressure via the blow-off arm or carb stone to avoid vacuum formation. CO2 is typically used to prevent oxygen introduction. A vacuum can damage the vessel and cause personal injury or death.

The Unitank 2.0 is equipped with a carbonation stone for direct carbonation after fermentation. The stone's fine porous holes allow CO2 to be injected, creating microbubbles for faster gas diffusion.

Attaching Your Gas Line:

1. Set up your CO2 tank and regulator assembly near the Unitank. Use a gas line long enough to reach the carb stone assembly barb and connect it to the regulator. Keep gas flow off and the blow-off valve closed.
2. Sanitize the hose barb before installing the gas line. Sanitize the gas line itself if desired.
3. Slide the gas line onto the carb stone's hose barb and secure with a hose clamp.
4. Open your regulator to allow CO2 flow to the carb stone. Start with the regulator set to approximately 10psi, adjusting as needed.
5. Once CO2 is flowing, open the valve on the carb stone to allow CO2 into the tank for carbonation. Monitor head pressure using the Unitank's pressure gauge.

Carb stones have a "wetting pressure," the minimum pressure required to push gas through. This varies (typically 2-5psi). For example, if wetting pressure is 5psi, you need 6psi to achieve 1psi in the tank.

For "low and slow" carbonation, set the regulator to serving pressure and let it sit for 1-3 weeks. For faster results, use burst carbonation, but be cautious of over-carbonation. Set the regulator to 15psi and flow CO2 until the PRV bleeds off. Allow CO2 to flow with the PRV blowing off for 2 minutes, then turn off CO2, wait 1 minute, and test. Repeat if necessary. Do not exceed 15psi head pressure; if the gauge shows higher, the PRV may be stuck and requires servicing.

Pressurized Transfers

Ss Brewtech does not recommend lifting full or partially full tanks; move them only when completely empty. For gravity transfers, Ss Brewtech recommends performing pressurized transfers instead. Detailed instructions are available in the Pressure Transfer / Kegging Guide.

Connect your CO2 supply to the blow-off arm valve using a 3/8" Hose Barb to 1/2" MPT fitting. You will need a CO2 tank, regulator, and hose clamps.

Typically, 1-2 psi is needed to transfer beer to kegs. Using pressures higher than 15 psi can damage the unit or cause personal injury. Transferring to a higher vessel or using an in-line filter increases required pressure. Never exceed 15psi.

For further questions about the Unitank 2.0, visit the Ss Brewtech website, consult the knowledge base and FAQs, or submit a support ticket.

External Guide Link: Ss Brewtech Pressure Transfer / Kegging Guide