Adding CO2 to fermenter as it cools.

David_H

I am running my second beer through my ssbrewtech 14 gallon conical fermenter. On the first batch I sucked a bit of blowoff water into the ferment as I begin the cold crash. yuk! This time I have a balloon attached to the blowoff fitting that I try to keep full of CO2; However that this point the only place I have to add CO2 is on the side drain port near the bottom. Therefore as I add CO2 (<1 psi) it is bubbled up through the beer. I know there are some concerns with "stripping off" hop aromas and flavors. Are there any other issues?

Thoughts?

**Spike Innovations** · Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 6:59 pm Post subject:

I have the same conical. I ended up modifying it with new parts to make it more like my MoreBeer conical, as it is real easy to keep head pressure on those.

I bought this cap to replace the 3" tri-clamp port on the top of the SS:
http://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/accessories/products/cap-3-tc-to-1-5-tc-reducer

I then attach a stainless 1.5" tri-clover tee like this:
http://www.brewershardware.com/1.5-Tri-Clover-Clamp-Tee.html

I use this adapter from MoreBeer to monitor pressure and add co2 to the fermenter on the side of the tee:
https://www.morebeer.com/products/co2-adapter-pressure-gauge.html?a_aid=theelectricbrewery
Make sure you get the female plastic QD for one of your gas lines so it makes it easy to attach and detach to the fitting.

Since the new 3" TC cap from SS removes the pressure relief valve, I use a 1.5" tri-clover cap that has a welded pressure relief valve on the top of the tee (think it came from one of their yeast harvesters, I do not see it for sale individually on the website). You can also get another weldless pressure relief from SS to install either offset on the new cap, or attach it to the lid as well. While I am sure you could get away without one, I like having it in case I am not paying attention with the CO2 while I am doing pressurized transfers. I wouldn't go much higher than 2-3 psi on these fermenters.

David_H · Posted: Wed May 25, 2016 7:59 pm Post subject:

Spike, thanks for the ideas.
I don't have the 3" TC on mine, I got it just before they came out with the upgraded conicals. But the use of a tee on top will keep me from drilling another hole. I will probably attach a corny post to one of the tee legs. Great, more things to play with...

Thanks

GrumpyWally · Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 6:37 pm Post subject:

Spike:

Any chance you could post a picture of this setup? I'm having trouble envisioning what the complete assembly looks like when in use.

thanks

W

chastuck

David_H · Posted: Sun Jun 19, 2016 10:30 pm Post subject:

Gumpy,
Attached is a photo of my interpretation of what Spike suggested.
The components are
>> 1"/1.5" Tri Clover Compatible X 1/4" Male NPT Brewershardware.com
>> Stainless Steel 304 Cast Pipe Fitting, Cross, Class 150, 1/4" NPT Female amazon.com
>> Winters PEM Series Pressure Gauge, 0-15 psi/kpa, 2" Dial Display, 1/4" NPT Bottom Mount amazon.com
>> Plug Adapter 1/4" MPT x 19/32" homebrewing.org
Ball Lock Gas Post homebrewing.org
>> 1/4 MPT to 3/8 Barb
This port as configured for a blow off tube or the balloon as stated above
It could also be used for a PRV if you want to capture the little bit of pressure from the last of the fermentation.

**Spike Innovations** · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2016 12:19 am Post subject:

Attached is my setup. On the back of the pressure gauge is the QD for the CO2, as seen on the MoreBeer page here:

https://www.morebeer.com/products/co2-adapter-pressure-gauge.html?a_aid=theelectricbrewery

Mike

GrumpyWally · Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2016 10:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks Spike and David_H for the pictures - I think I might be getting an idea of what I want to do. Note that I've got a Blichmann.

W