Didn't see that coming...

Subliminalfringe · Joined: 31 Aug 2016 Posts: 14

So brewed my second batch successfully a couple days ago with only a few hiccups - still ironing out my process. When transferring liquor from the HLT there was a really loud bang that startled the heck out of me. The lid was on the HLT and apparently sealed well enough to collapse into a concave shape! I released the vacuum by opening a ball valve and quickly found out that those thin SS lids are really strong. I couldn't pop it back out. Today I came up with the idea to place a layer of petroleum jelly on the top of the kettle and placed the lid upside down on the kettle and again started a transfer of water from the HLT and in about 5 seconds the lid popped back into it's original shape.

Hope this helps anyone if this happened to them.

Sub

**kal** · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2017 1:25 am Post subject:

Wow! I've never never heard of that!

What kind of kettle was it?
Where you moving strike water to the MLT?

Kal

Subliminalfringe · Joined: 31 Aug 2016 Posts: 14

20 Gallon Blichmann kettles. Was transferring to the boil kettle after brewing and preparing to recirculate Oxyclean through the system. Water temp was 180F.

Sub

SD Endorf · Joined: 24 Apr 2015 Posts: 88

That is truly bizarre!
What kind of pumps are you using?

**kal** · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2017 2:58 pm Post subject:

Truly strange indeed! I've never seen or heard of that happening. The only similar issue I've ever heard of are on some of the all-in-one brewing setups where you boil and then ferment in the same conical-like vessel. Some people have completely crumpled their conicals when chilling from boiling to pitch temp with everything sealed. (oops!)

Kal

Subliminalfringe · Joined: 31 Aug 2016 Posts: 14

Wow I'm glad the damage was minimal! I'm using chugger pumps.

Tennessee · Joined: 04 Apr 2015 Posts: 116 Location: Tennessee

fseider · Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 10:34 pm Post subject:

I've had my HLT lid sealed once - could not get it off until I opened the upper valve. A vacuum can be strong! But no damage done.