Tank Mixer Buying Guide

The tank mixer is an essential tool to assist the cellar crew during fermentation and product additions to ensure even distribution and consistent blending. Scott Labs carries both Guth and Inoxpa tank mixers.  Here we outline the different features and benefits of both, and things to consider when purchasing a tank mixer for your cellar. 

A tank mixer is used primarily to ensure even distribution throughout the winemaking, blending and ageing process:

• Allows for gentle stirring of the must during fermentation allowing even temperature and yeast/nutrient distribution 
• Allows for a consistent product during blending prior to bottling. 
• Allows for insertion and extraction of the mixing shaft from full tanks.  There is no loss of product. 
• Even distribution of fining agents/tannins and other additives 
• Allows for even temperature throughout the whole tank to facilitate fermentation 

The addition of a variable frequency drive allows the winemaker to control the speed of the mixer to minimize over mixing and possible oxidation of the wine.  The VFD also helps to minimize wear and tear on the motor. 

What to Consider when Ordering a Guth or Inoxpa Tank Mixer

1. Choose the appropriate size mixer based on your tank sizes to minimize overmixing and potential oxidation of your product.  
   1. For tanks up to 5200 gallons, the Guth RA 45 is the best size option.
   2. For tanks between 5200-13,000 gallons, either the Guth RA 110 or the INOXPA CPG 211 will work best.
   3. For tanks between 13,000-26,400 gallons, the Guth RA 300 or the INOXPA CPG 330 will meet your tank mixing needs.
2. Specify voltage requirements for your tank mixer.  
3. Do you want to order a variable frequency drive for your tank mixer?
   1. If your facility has just one large tank and all the other tanks are smaller, purchasing a larger mixer with a variable frequency drive is a great solution. This allows the operator to reduce the mixer speed for the smaller tanks and increase the speed for the larger tank, which results in cost savings by not having to purchase two separate mixers.
   2. The addition of a variable frequency drive allows the operator to control the mixing speed of the Guth or Inoxpa tank mixer. This helps to avoid such issues as over-mixing of the product which can result in oxidation, reduces the amount of time required to create a uniform product, and helps to quickly homogenize any additions to the tank without over-mixing.
4. Do you need a stand for your tank mixer? 
   1. Both Guth and INOXPA highly recommend using an adjustable stand to stabilize the mixer during use:
      1. Each tank manufacturer has mixing ports located at different heights
      2. A stand with adjustable height will help stabilize the tank mixer at a specific height
      3. The stand with wheels can easily be moved from tank to tank which means no heavy lifting for your cellar crew!
      4. Helps reduce the overall weight on the tank fitting
      5. Stands are easy to assemble and disassemble
   2. The Guth RA 45 and 110, and the INOXPA CPG 211 are designed to attach to a "Sitting Type" stand
   3. The Guth RA 300 and the INOXPA CPG 330 are specifically designed for the "Hanging Type" stand