PBST feedback

[JaxBrewer]

Anyone bought any tanks recently from PBST? They have very competative pricing but would like some hands on feedback before purchasing

[Bham Brewer]

I would also like to hear feedback... of course, I would also like to see a quote in the first place... I sent a request in probably two weeks ago (via their website) and have heard nothing

[dwollner]

I received a 7bbl fv and server. Manway doors are tough to deal with and have a huge shadow that collects yeast. Otherwise the welds seem nice and have brewed with them for nearly a year. Other odd things but not really a deal breaker.

[BrewinLou]

If they are like most at the moment their lead time will be in the area of 6 months. I have found some North American fabricators that can get it done in 3 months but the price is a little higher. I have got quotes from 23K to 37k for a 60 bbl FV. A few of the North American fabricators are just way out of the ball park with their pricing. Others are only slightly more than the Chinese. With what we will save in shipping I am staying home on this one.

I have used PBST in the past their tanks are holding up fine so far (a year in). I did have a minor problem with a spray ball that Frank took care of. Be prepared to replace all gaskets they are silicone and very small for tri clamp. FYI they do not pickle any part of the tank. You need to pickle the inside and put something on the outside as well. Stainless polished mine once and that seems to have done the job.

[Bham Brewer]

I did get the quote today and I can say the numbers look good. I get the impression that Frank actually READ my quote request, which I can't say for a few of the others that I have received.

Brewin Lou; I am not familiar with the term "Pickle" when it comes to tanks. I THINK I know what you mean, but please clarify.

Dwol and brew, please discuss gaskets and manways as mentioned. If you don't feel comfortable posting public, feel free to PM. Thanks!

And thanks again for the info!

[v2comp]

I did get the quote today and I can say the numbers look good. I get the impression that Frank actually READ my quote request, which I can't say for a few of the others that I have received.

Brewin Lou; I am not familiar with the term "Pickle" when it comes to tanks. I THINK I know what you mean, but please clarify.

Dwol and brew, please discuss gaskets and manways as mentioned. If you don't feel comfortable posting public, feel free to PM. Thanks!

And thanks again for the info!


I think he means to passivate them.

A typical passivation process of cleaning stainless steel tanks involves cleaning with sodium
hydroxide and citric acid followed by nitric acid (up to 20% at 120 °F) and a complete water
rinse. This process will restore the film, remove metal particles, dirt, and welding- generated
compounds (e.g . oxides). [3]

[Bham Brewer]

I think he means to passivate them.

A typical passivation process of cleaning stainless steel tanks involves cleaning with sodium
hydroxide and citric acid followed by nitric acid (up to 20% at 120 °F) and a complete water
rinse. This process will restore the film, remove metal particles, dirt, and welding- generated
compounds (e.g . oxides). [3]

Thanks. I thought that was what he meant. I consider this SOP on ANY tanks I receive anyway, so that is just fine.

[BrewinLou]

Yes passivate.
I do to, but I had never had a problem with the outside of a tank before.

[drewseslu]

I agree that the gaskets have got to go, the clamps are pretty cheap, too. When the tanks showed up the doors were cut very roughly, as were the racking arms, which we had to bring fabricators in to fix up and polish. The gauges and thermometers are kinda crappy, too, and don't look like they'll be lasting long, and are off by up to 50%, anyway. Also, they don't make terribly efficient use of the floor space. There are a few other minor gripes, like the manways not CIPing very well.
Other than that, not too bad for the price.