A stainless steel stackable wine storage and fermentation system has been adapted to carry water for use in hospitals.
STAKVATs feature internal temperature control tubes and a sloped design for complete drainage and radius corners for protection against crevice corrosion and bacteria collection.
Each vat has a storage capacity of 900 litres, can be stacked five high and easily transported on a tray truck. They are also fork-liftable four ways.
The vats are made from grade 316 stainless steel sheet and grade 304 tube. Standard BSM grade 316 fittings are used for the outlets, with door handles and locking pins made from grade 304.
The original STAKVAT design featured replaceable French and American Oak sides used for wine enhancement. The modified STAKVAT has a stainless steel side instead of oak, but maintains the cooling/heating tube system and sloped design.
Oxygenated water is created in the STAKVAT via the airspace in the top of the vat. The water will be circulated through a system of STAKVATs at approximately 30 litres per minute.
Managing Director of Ausvat, Peter Warren said the STAKVAT helped meet an industry need for efficiency in storage space.
"Stainless steel internal cooling systems and the space saved by using STAKVATS produces many cost-effective advantages," Mr Warren said.
Stainless steel for the STAKVATS were supplied by ASSDA member Stirling Stainless Steel, with fabrication by ASSDA members Simcraft Products and Unique Metal Works Pty Ltd.
This article featured in Australian Stainless magazine - Issue 18, May 2001.
