Fermentation & Lagering Tanks — Asbestos Exposure Crosswalk
What This Equipment Is
After the wort is boiled in the brewhouse, it transfers to fermentation tanks where yeast converts sugar to alcohol. From there it moves to lagering tanks for cold storage and conditioning. Modern breweries combine the two stages in vertical cylindro-conical “unitanks,” but most large historical operations used separate horizontal or vertical vessels chilled by external glycol or ammonia jackets.
The tanks themselves are typically stainless steel. The asbestos exposure comes from the cold-side insulation wrapped around the tanks and refrigeration piping (insulation that has to perform without condensation), the gaskets sealing manways and CIP (clean-in-place) connections, the packing on associated valves, and — in older facilities — asbestos-containing floor tile and mastic on the tank-room floors that drained to trench drains.
Asbestos Products Historically Used Around Fermentation / Lagering Tanks
| Product Category | Where on the Equipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-line pipe insulation | Glycol and ammonia supply piping | Specialized refrigeration insulation systems |
| Block insulation | Tank exterior, between tank shell and outer jacket | Calcium silicate or magnesia block |
| Gaskets | Manway covers, CIP connections, racking arm flanges | Asbestos sheet gasket material |
| Valve packing | CIP, refrigeration, and product valves | Braided asbestos rope packing |
| Floor tile | Tank-room flooring (older facilities) | Asbestos vinyl floor tile, asbestos mastic |
| Roofing materials | Tank-house roofs | Asbestos-cement roofing where present |
Manufacturers Named in Litigation Involving These Products
- Johns-Manville — pipe covering, block insulation
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard — Kaylo insulation
- Armstrong World Industries — calcium silicate insulation, vinyl floor tile
- Garlock Sealing Technologies — sheet gaskets
- A.W. Chesterton — braided asbestos rope packing
- Kentile Floors — asbestos vinyl floor tile
- Crane Co. — valves and ancillary equipment
Documented Product References
Images sourced from publicly available product-identification reference materials. Inclusion does not constitute a finding of liability against any company.
Trust Funds That May Apply
- Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust
- Owens-Corning / Fibreboard Asbestos PI Trust
- Armstrong World Industries Asbestos PI Settlement Trust
- Garlock Sealing Technologies LLC Asbestos PI Trust
Trades Most Exposed at Tank-Room Work
Pipefitters, refrigeration mechanics, brewers’ mechanics, insulators (Heat & Frost), millwrights during tank rebuilds, floor-tile installers and removers, laborers doing tear-out.
Jobsites in the Network Documenting Fermentation / Lagering Tank Work
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery, St. Louis, Missouri
- Companion pages: Brew Kettles, Ammonia Compressors
Compiled from publicly filed asbestos litigation, EPA / state-DNR records, and industry-publication histories. Product and company references reflect what has been alleged or documented in publicly filed litigation. This page does not constitute a finding of liability against any company. Not legal advice; consult a licensed attorney about your specific situation.