24 Gallon Conical Fermenter
Care & Use
Manual
Thank you for your Purchase of a Wort Monster™ Fermenter!
These instructions are intended as a guideline to help you enjoy your Wort Monster™
Fermenter. Following these guidelines will ensure that your Fermenter will function
well and produce tasty beverages for many years.
Cheers and Happy Brewing!
The Wort Monster™ 24 Gallon Conical Fermenter
Is perfect for batches from 10 gallons to 20 gallons. It features a Tank that is molded
from 100% Virgin HDPE (High Density Polyethylene), two (2) Sanitary 1" clamp fittings
that are made from 304 S/S and molded directly into the plastic tank, one for racking
and sampling at the one (1) gallon mark and another that is full draining for the dump
port. Additionally there are two (2) 1/2" FNPT fittings made from 316 S/S and molded
directly into the plastic tank, one for a thermometer or thermowell at the eight (8)
gallon mark and another on the top flange of the tank that fits a #2 bung or 1/2" MNPT
hose barb and is used for venting the tank during fermentation. The inside of the vessel
is super smooth allowing the trub to follow the cone to the bottom of the tank for easy
removal.
The unit comes with three (3) swivel casters, a powder coated deck and three (3)
powder coated legs which attach via three (3) threaded inserts per leg. The inserts are
1/4"-20 female threads and are molded into the outer shell of the tank but do not enter
the inside of the fermentation chamber. It has a generous 7" opening for easy cleaning,
sanitizing and for hop additions which accepts a lid that has an 8"-3 buttress thread,
self-sealing silicone O-ring and a S/S lanyard ring for hanging a dry hop bag. The tank is
1/4" thick minimum, 19-3/8" in diameter and stands 45" tall with legs and wheels
attached allowing it to fit nicely in a full sized upright refrigerator and although the tank
is not a pressure rated vessel, it can accommodate pressure transfers during racking.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Although your Fermenter is capable of
LOW PRESSURE transfer of liquids, it IS NOT a pressure
vessel. ALWAYS make sure your racking valve is open
BEFORE applying ANY pressure to the system and NEVER
exceed 3PSI of pressure. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS CAN RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY.
SECTION 1 - Unpacking and Assembling

Unpacking (If Purchased Un-Assembled)
o

Included Items (see fig. 1-1)
 (1) 24 Gallon High Density Polyethylene Conical Fermenter Tank
 (1) Molded Tank Lid with included O-ring seal and S/S Lanyard Ring
 (3) Powder Coated Aluminum Legs with Integrated Caps and Caster Inserts
 (9) ¼-20 x ½” long 18-8 Stainless Steel Socket head Cap Screws
 (9) ¼” 18-8 Stainless Steel Lock Washers
 (9) ½” Hole Plugs (Black Plastic)
 (1) 14ga Powder Coated Steel Deck
 (3) 2” Friction Stem Swivel Casters
Assembling (If Purchased Un-Assembled)
o
Tools Needed
 3/16” Allen Wrench
 Leather Gloves
o
Leg Assembly
 Carefully place your fermenter on its side using two legs to prevent unit from rolling.
(see fig. 1-2)

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Orient fermenter so that threaded inserts in tank are slightly below horizontal and using
long end of 3/16” Allen Wrench insert ¼-20” socket screw and lock washer through hole
in leg and start thread into insert. (see fig. 1-3) Repeat three (3) times on each leg but
DO NOT TIGHTEN at this point, only thread until head of screw touches the lock washer
making sure leg can still move.
o
Deck and Wheel Assembly
 With fermenter still on its side take Powder Coated Steel Deck and while wearing
leather gloves install one Caster through hole with bends toward caster wheel (see fig.
1-4) and then push entire caster stem into caster insert in bottom of leg ensuring caster
seats completely in caster insert. (see fig. 1-5) repeat three times.
o
Final Assembly
 With three (3) Casters and Deck assembled, place entire unit upright on its wheels and
tighten nine (9) screws until lock washers are completely flattened, DO NOT over tighten
screws as there is no need, the stainless steel washers are much harder than the
aluminum legs and will lock in place easily just past snug.

Insert ½” Plastic Hole Plugs in (9) holes in legs (see fig. 1-6)
YOUR FERMENTER IS NOW FULLY ASSEMBLED AND ALMOST READY TO MAKE YOUR FAVORITE FERMENTED
BEVERAGE.
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fig. 1-1
fig. 1-2
fig. 1-3
fig. 1-4
fig. 1-5
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fig. 1-6
SECTION 2 – Valving and Ports
Although, with the Wort Monster™ molded in Clamp Style Stainless Steel Sanitary Fittings you can purchase and
use your own valves, our Optional Valve Kit gives you the exact items needed for optimal performance of your
Fermenter.

Valve Kit
o
Included Items (see fig. 2-1)
 (1) 1" 304 SS Sanitary Clamp Style Sampling Valve with Integrated Racking Arm
 (1) 1" 304 SS Sanitary Clamp Style 2 Pc Ball Valve for Dump Port
 (1) 1" 304 SS Sanitary Clamp Style 90 Degree Elbow for Dump Port
 (3) 1” & 1-1/2” 304 SS Sanitary Clamps
 (3) 1” White Teflon Sanitary Gaskets
fig. 2-1
o
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Assembling to Fermenter (see fig. 2-2)
 All items assemble as standard clamp style fittings. Place gasket between tapered ends
of fitting, wrap with circumferential clamp, close clamp and tighten clamp accordingly.
There is NO NEED TO OVER TIGHTEN the clamp as the gaskets will seal with little
pressure.

Assemble the Sample Valve to Racking Port by placing one Teflon gasket over racking
tube and then feed racking tube through opening in Racking Port. NOTE: Racking Tube is
oriented to match hose barb on outlet, this allows user to know orientation of tube
inside of tank when tank is full. It is recommended that you orient your racking tube
slightly below horizontal prior to fermenting, this will allow liquid to run clear of trub
when sampling is required.

Assemble 90 Degree Elbow to Bottom Dump Port using one Teflon gasket.

Assemble 2pc Ball Valve to 90 Degree Elbow using one Teflon gasket. NOTE: Orient Valve
so that valve handle opens AWAY from tank cone.
fig. 2-2

Additional ½” FNPT Ports
o
Your Fermenter is also equipped with two threaded ports for use.
 (1) Port is located on the front side wall and is conveniently located at the 8 gallon mark
for use with a thermometer or thermowell. (see fig. 2-3) NOTE: If you choose not to
utilize this port simply install a ½” MNPT Stainless Steel Plug. CAUTION: FAILURE TO
USE TEFLON TAPE AND OVER TIGHTENING THREADED PORTS MAY CAUSE THREADS TO
BIND WHICH CAN DAMAGE YOUR FERMENTER AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

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(1) Port is located on the top flange of the tank for use to vent the tank. It can accept a
hose barb if you wish to use a blow off bucket or a #2 bung with an airlock. NOTE: It is
recommended to use a blow off tube during the height of primary fermentation, this can
be changed to a bung with an airlock after fermentation has ceased. (see fig. 2-4 for
additional hardware suggestions for this port)
fig. 2-3
fig. 2-4
Although Wort Monster™ INC. does not offer additional hardware for these ports, all items depicted can
be easily purchased from your local Home Brew Store.
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SECTION 3 – Using your Fermenter

Pre Fermenting Cleaning and Sanitizing
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o
NEVER USE BLEACH OR CHLORINATED CLEANERS ON THIS PRODUCT
 Although these products are fine for use on plastics, their use will, over time, pit and
tarnish the Stainless inserts that are molded directly into the tank walls.
o
We Recommend 5 Star Products, PBW™ for Cleaning and Star San™ for Sanitizing.
o
We understand that you will more than likely find your favorite method of Cleaning and
Sanitizing your Fermenter however; the following are simple instructions for use.
 Assemble fermenter for use and fill to appropriate level with warm water.

Pre-Dissolve appropriate amount of PBW™ in warm water and introduce into existing
water in fermenter and place lid on unit. Depending on soil level inside fermenter, allow
cleaner to work from 20 minutes to overnight. NOTE: If fermenter is properly cleaned
after each use it will require less cleaning time on your brew day.

After fully clean, drain liquid through dump port and remove dump port fittings. NOTE:
You may need to loosen lid to remove vacuum unless blow off port is open.

The assembled fermenter is designed to allow a standard 2 gallon food grade bucket to
fit under the Dump Port. (see fig. 3-1) Using a hose, you can easily rinse the inside of the
fermenter into the bucket.

Remove Sample Valve, disassemble and rinse accordingly, rinse gaskets and elbow, open
2pc valve to half way point and rinse thoroughly.

Place all valve items is a bucket of sanitizer and allow items to soak for 2 minutes
minimum.

Spray inside of tank and lid with mixture of Star San™ from hand held spray bottle
allowing tank to drain into 2 gallon bucket.

Reassemble Valves to Tank and attach Lid. NOTE: See lubrication section of this manual
for proper lubrication of O-rings in Sample Valve and Lid.
fig. 3-1

Lubricating O-rings
o
Both the Lid and Sample Valve have FDA Approved Red Silicone O-rings that require lubrication.
 Sample Valve: Two Silicone O-rings serve to prevent liquid to escape from the threaded
portion of the valve when the valve is in the open position. (see fig. 3-2) Failure to
lubricate these O-rings prior to each use will cause premature failure of these O-rings.
We recommend either an FDA approved Mineral Oil or Keg Lube for these. Neither will
affect your final product.

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Tank Lid: One Large (Standard AS568 -439) Silicone O-ring serves to seal the tank and
make it AIR TIGHT. Since this is a friction seal that compresses on the beveled section
inside the top opening it is imperative that it is lubricated properly. We DO NOT
recommend Keg Lube for this O-ring as it gets tacky over time and will make your Lid
difficult to open. Use either an FDA approved Mineral Oil or, we find that PAM®
ORIGINAL is the best lubricant for this O-ring. It will not only allow your Lid to seal easily
but will also allow easy opening of your lid for Dry Hopping and Cleaning. To remove
your O-ring from the Lid simply grab in one hand, turn over and lightly tap Lid into the
palm of your other hand, O-ring will drop out easily. Use a generous amount of
lubricant, but at the same time you don’t want your O-ring dripping with lubricant. (see
fig. 3-3) After lubricating and reinstalling O-ring simply spray inside of Lid, including the
O-ring with a Star San™ mixture and assemble your Lid to tank opening.
fig. 3-2
fig. 3-3

Sealing Tank Lid
o The Lid of your Fermenter serves as an access point into the tank chamber for cleaning,
sanitizing and dry hopping. During the height of fermentation it is imperative that the lid is
sealed properly so that all CO2 is discharged from your blow off port and not from your top
opening. NOTE: All tanks are tested for proper sealing prior to shipment. They are mildly
pressurized and are tested to hold pressure for a period of time to ensure your Fermenter seals
properly.
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

Proper Lid Sealing: To properly seal your Lid, lubricate the Lid O-ring per the instructions
stated earlier in this section. Place Lid over tank opening and turn backwards
(counterclockwise) until the lead thread engages. Spin Lid easily forwards (clockwise)
until the O-ring engages in the beveled section of the opening (the Lid should be snug
and not be easily able to slide back and forth). At this point simply press down on the Lid
and turn the Lid forwards (clockwise) an additional 1/8 to 1/4 turn. This last turn will
ensure that your O-ring has compressed and completely sealed in the tank opening.

Improper Lid Seal: If during fermentation you are not seeing signs of fermentation
through your blow off port yet you see a Krauzen Ring on the inside of the tank, chances
are the Lid of your tank has NOT been sealed properly. Re-install Lid per “Proper Lid
Sealing” Instructions and you should start to see fermentation from your blow off port.

Over Tightening of Lid: There is no need to over tighten your lid, when installed
correctly your lid will seal the tank air tight and still be permitted to be removed easily.
Over tightening will make the Lid difficult to remove as well as pre-maturely wear your
O-ring.
Filling your Fermenter
o There are several options for filling your fermenter with Chilled wort. It is highly recommended
that all items that come in contact with your Fermenter are properly cleaned and sanitized prior
to filling. NOTE: Although HDPE can readily handle temperatures of 248° F (120° C) it is not
recommended to transfer boiling wort to your Fermenter. Chilling your wort with a coil,
counterflow or plate chiller prior to or during transfer into your Fermenter is highly
recommended.
o

Top Filling Hose Method: This can be accomplished by simply introducing a silicone hose
through the top opening of your Fermenter. It can be performed by either pumping your
wort or by a gravity feed. Note: Silicone hose is recommended as it will NOT scratch the
inner surface of your fermenter, using a garden hose to fill your fermenter could scratch
the inner surface of your fermenter as they have metal ends.

Top Filling Bucket Method: Extract Brewers can simply pour chilled wort through the
top opening and then add “Top Off” water via the same method.
After filling using one of the above methods simply spray the tank opening and inside of Lid with
sanitizer and seal the unit.

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Bottom Up Pump Filling Method: This is our preferred method as it allows the brewer
to completely seal off the sanitized fermenter prior to filling and use the blow off port to
vent the tank as wort enters from the bottom, the brewer can also pre-purge the
Fermenter with CO2 if desired. Simply attach a sanitized hose to the 2pc ball valve on
your bottom dump using a clamp style sanitary hose barb, gasket and clamp (see fig. 34) then use your brewing pump to fill your fermenter with chilled wort.
fig. 3-4

Dump Port
o The bottom Dump Port on your Fermenter will allow you to remove cold break prior to
fermentation as well as trub and spent yeast after fermentation.
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
Cold break: After transfer of chilled wort to your Fermenter allow cold break time to
settle in cone of Fermenter. You will see a detailed “trub line” through the wall of the
cone, at this point you can dump the cold break from your Fermenter, “pitch” your
yeast and seal your Lid.

Trub / Spent Yeast: Generally you will not have to open your bottom valve very wide
and your bottom dump will have a high rate of flow so be careful not to dump too much
liquid. However, if you use a high flocculating yeast strain it is possible for trub and yeast
to compact in the bottom of your fermenter over time. If you have compacted yeast,
simply open your valve completely and the yeast will slowly start to move its way out of
the dump port. NOTE: Be observant when dumping compacted yeast as once the
compaction has cleared the valve, liquid WILL flow quickly and freely.

Dry Hopping
o The Lid of your Fermenter is equipped with a stainless steel lanyard ring for hanging a dry hop
bag. Simply attach filled hop bag to lanyard ring and drop into fermentation chamber ensuring
that bag is long enough to be completely submerged in liquid and reattach Lid. NOTE: A small
sanitized stainless steel weight in your hop bag will help prevent it from floating.

Sampling and Racking
o The center of the Sampling and racking port on your Fermenter is located exactly at the 1 gallon
mark and the racking tube will allow you to drain your tank to just over the ½ gallon mark.

o
o
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Sampling: When a sample of wort is desired spray the opening on the hose barb of the
sampling valve with sanitizer and simply open the valve while holding your hydrometer
flask under the barb. When filled to the desired amount simply close the valve and again
spray the barb with sanitizer.
Prior to Racking it is recommended to Dump Trub and Spent Yeast to the ½ gallon mark.
Alternately if there is still floating trub or yeast in your liquid, simply create a cone in your liquid
by performing a short dump so that your liquid runs clear while racking.

Gravity Racking: Liquid can be racked into the vessel of your choice by simply attaching
a 3/8” ID hose to the barb on the Sampling Valve and opening the valve. Providing the
vessel you’re racking to is below the valve the entire tank will drain under gravity. NOTE:
It is important to unlock the Lid prior to a gravity transfer so as to not suck liquid into the
tank from your blow off tube.

Pressure Racking: Your Fermenter is capable of performing LOW pressure transfers of
liquids. Simply attach your CO2 tank to the ½” FNPT port used for tank blow off, securely
attach a 3/8” ID hose to the barb on your sample valve, open the valve and then apply
pressure from your CO2 tank. NOTE: NEVER EXCEED 3PSI DURING LOW PRESSURE
TRANSFERS.
During racking, the Racking Arm can be rotated in a downward fashion to allow a fuller
emptying of your Fermenter while ensuring that your liquid runs clear. As the top of your liquid
nears the 1 gallon mark simply loosen the clamp (do not open or remove the clamp) on your
Sample Valve until the valve is permitted to rotate, slowly rotate downward and continue
siphoning until your liquid shows signs of picking up trub. NOTE: The Teflon Gaskets supplied
with the Valve Kit allow the Sample Valve to rotate without removing the clamp and without
liquid leaking. If supplying your own valves and gaskets the use of Silicone or soft rubber Gaskets
will cause binding and prevent your valve from rotating properly.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A full fermenter can weigh as much as 200lbs with a
higher center of gravity than an empty fermenter. When moving a full
fermenter ALWAYS carefully push or pull your fermenter towards one leg
leaving two legs trailing. This will prevent tipping of your fermenter should
something cause a wheel to stop abruptly.

POST USE Cleaning
o Immediately after use it is recommended that your Fermenter and Valve Kit be cleaned.
 Fermenter: Simply fill your Fermenter beyond the “Krauzen Ring” with warm water and
follow the directions in the beginning of this section of the manual.


Valve Kit: Disassemble Sample valve into two pcs and open 2pc ball valve approximately
half way. Place all items, including gaskets in a warm solution of PBW™ for a minimum
of 20 minutes (longer if necessary) and rinse thoroughly afterwards.
Storing
o It is highly recommended to properly prepare and store your Fermenter when not in use. After a
Post Use Cleaning, ensure that Fermenter is dry prior to storing. Always Store your Fermenter in
a cool, dry location. Keep your Fermenter out of direct sunlight and environments with large
temperature fluctuations. Always lubricate O-rings prior to storing to help prevent dry rotting.
Remember to visit us at:
WWW.WORTMONSTER.COM
Wort Monster™ 24 Gallon Conical Fermenter Manual - Revision B (June 2014)
©2014 Wort Monster Inc.
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