Liquid Feed Fermentation Tank

The Liquid Feed Fermentation Tank is designed for controlled preparation and fermentation of liquid feed used in commercial pig production. It provides an enclosed vessel in which selected feed ingredients, water and fermentation cultures can be mixed under controlled operating conditions before the fermented feed is transferred to the main liquid feeding system.

Typical installations use acid-resistant fermentation vessels equipped with slow-running agitators. The controlled mixing action keeps feed components homogeneous while limiting unnecessary introduction of air into the fermentation medium.

For continuous commercial operation, two fermentation tanks can be arranged for alternating batch preparation and discharge. While one vessel supplies fermented feed, another batch can be prepared for the following feeding period.

The system is suitable for piglet, sow and finishing projects and can be integrated with ingredient dosing, hot and cold water supply, pumps, pH monitoring, computerized liquid feeding and automated cleaning equipment according to project requirements.

• Controlled Batch Fermentation: Provides a dedicated vessel for preparing fermented liquid feed under repeatable operating conditions.
• Slow-Speed Agitation: Gentle mixing maintains a homogeneous feed suspension while limiting unnecessary air incorporation.
• Acid-Resistant Construction: Wetted surfaces can be manufactured from stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant materials suitable for acidic fermented feed.
• Dual-Tank Configuration: Two fermenters can be arranged for alternating filling, fermentation and discharge in commercial installations.
• Temperature Management: Compatible systems can use controlled warm and cold water supply or optional thermal management according to the fermentation process.
• pH Monitoring: Optional pH sensors support process monitoring and controlled fermentation management.
• Automated Ingredient Dosing: Can be integrated with dry ingredient dosing, liquid starter culture dosing and computerized recipe management.
• Efficient Cleaning: Tank geometry, drain points and cleaning connections can be configured to support regular hygienic cleaning.
• Liquid Feeding Integration: Compatible with mixing tanks, distribution pumps, feed valves and computerized pig feeding systems.
• Custom Engineering: Tank capacity, material, agitator, sensors, piping and control functions can be configured according to project requirements.

• Fermentation Vessel: Enclosed tank designed to contain liquid feed during the fermentation cycle.
• Slow-Speed Agitator: Maintains uniform distribution of feed components without excessive aeration.
• Agitator Drive: Electric motor and gearbox selected according to tank capacity, viscosity and mixing requirements.
• Ingredient Inlet: Receives dry ingredients, liquid ingredients, water and starter cultures from compatible dosing equipment.
• Water Connection: Interfaces with hot or cold water supply according to the selected fermentation procedure.
• Temperature Sensor: Optional sensor for monitoring the fermentation environment.
• pH Sensor: Optional measuring device for monitoring acidity during the fermentation process.
• Transfer Pump: Moves fermented feed from the vessel to the liquid feed mixing or distribution system.
• Cleaning Connection: Supports flushing or automated cleaning between fermentation cycles.
• Drain Outlet: Allows complete emptying during cleaning and maintenance.
• Control System: Optional PLC or feeding computer manages filling, mixing, fermentation timing, pumping and monitoring functions.

Selected feed ingredients and water are dosed into the fermentation vessel according to the required recipe. A starter culture can be added from a dedicated pre-activation tank or through a suitable dosing device.

The agitator mixes the ingredients into a homogeneous liquid feed mixture. Slow agitation is preferred during controlled fermentation because excessive aeration can interfere with the desired fermentation environment.

During the fermentation period, process conditions such as time, temperature and pH can be monitored according to the selected control concept. Once the target fermentation stage has been reached, the prepared feed is transferred to the liquid feeding system for incorporation into the final ration or direct downstream processing.

In dual-tank systems, the two fermentation vessels operate alternately so that fermented feed can remain available while the next batch is being prepared.

• Commercial pig finishing farms
• Piglet rearing facilities
• Sow farms using liquid feeding
• Large-scale pig production complexes
• Fermented feed preparation rooms
• Computerized liquid feeding systems
• Multiphase pig feeding projects
• Feed kitchens using cereals and compatible protein ingredients
• New pig farm construction projects
• Existing liquid feeding system upgrades
• Steel structure pig farm buildings
• Integrated livestock equipment projects

• Tank working volume and overall dimensions
• Single-tank or dual-tank fermentation layout
• Stainless steel grade and acid-resistant construction
• Agitator type and drive capacity
• Insulated or non-insulated tank construction
• Hot and cold water connections
• Temperature monitoring equipment
• pH measurement and control
• Starter culture storage and dosing equipment
• Transfer pump capacity
• Automated cleaning connections
• PLC and computerized feed control integration
• Access platform, ladder and maintenance arrangement
• OEM configuration available upon request
• Designed according to local climate and farm conditions

Feed Kitchen Layout: The fermentation tank should be positioned close to the liquid feed mixing and distribution equipment while allowing sufficient space for pumps, piping, controls, cleaning and maintenance access.

Foundation: Install the tank on a level, structurally suitable concrete foundation or engineered steel support capable of carrying the maximum operating load.

Water Supply: Hot and cold water connections should be designed according to the selected fermentation process. Heat-resistant piping should be used where elevated water temperatures are required.

Agitator Installation: Verify correct shaft alignment, rotation direction and operating clearance before filling the vessel.

Sensor Calibration: Temperature, pH, level and weighing devices should be commissioned and calibrated according to the selected automation concept.

Cleaning: Fermentation vessels, pumps and associated pipelines should be included in a regular hygiene program. Suitable cleaning access and complete drainage are important for stable commercial operation.

Routine Maintenance: Periodically inspect agitator bearings, gearbox, seals, pumps, valves, sensors and pipe connections. Components exposed to acidic feed should be checked for corrosion and wear.

A typical commercial fermentation project uses two fermentation vessels operating alternately. Ingredients, water and starter culture are prepared in one tank while fermented material from the other tank is transferred to the liquid feed preparation system.

The fermentation vessels can be connected with ingredient silos, dry dosing units, water tanks, transfer pumps, mixing tanks and computerized feed distribution equipment to create an integrated feed kitchen.

Tank capacity and process configuration should be engineered according to animal numbers, daily ration requirements, fermentation time, available ingredients and the selected feeding strategy.

Q: What is a liquid feed fermentation tank used for?

A: It provides a controlled vessel for mixing feed ingredients, water and starter culture and allowing the mixture to ferment before use in a pig liquid feeding system.

Q: Why are two fermentation tanks often used?

A: Two tanks support alternating batch operation. One tank can supply fermented feed while the second tank prepares the next batch, improving process continuity.

Q: Why is a slow-running agitator recommended?

A: Slow agitation keeps the feed components mixed while limiting excessive introduction of air into the fermentation mixture.

Q: What materials can be used for the tank?

A: Stainless steel and other acid-resistant materials are suitable options. Final material selection depends on feed composition, cleaning method and project requirements.

Q: Can pH be monitored automatically?

A: Yes. A compatible pH sensor and controller can be integrated to monitor the fermentation process and support automated management.

Q: Can the tank be integrated with an existing liquid feeding system?

A: Yes. Retrofit integration is possible when the existing pumps, pipes, control equipment and feed kitchen layout are compatible with the proposed fermentation system.

Q: Is tank capacity fixed?

A: No. Capacity can be selected according to animal numbers, daily fermented feed demand, batch frequency and available installation space.

Q: What information is required for a quotation?

A: Please provide pig numbers, production stage, daily feed demand, ingredients, required fermentation volume, available feed kitchen dimensions, preferred tank material, automation requirements and existing liquid feeding equipment.