oxygen permeable bucket in water

killian · 02-28-2010, 02:55 AM

I have been thinking about the issue of oxygen permeability of a bucket when fermenting a flanders in a bucket. By submerging the bucket in water couldnt you somewhat control the amount oxygen exposure?

Munsoned · 03-01-2010, 09:05 PM

I had the same thought. Also thought about wrapping the outside of the bucket in foil or saran or both.

At the end of the day, I wonder if the O2 dissolved in the H20, would simply pass through the plastic wall too, just as if it were in the air.

I wonder how concentrated in 02 is in H20 left out in a natural state? Same as air, significantly less? I should have paid more attention in chemistry class...

avidhomebrewer · 03-02-2010, 03:01 AM

Go with glass and you won't have to worry about this issue.

killian · 03-02-2010, 03:47 AM

I want some air thats why I'm looking at a bucket.

I was thinking of using pre boiled water to be sure that as little air as possible remained in the water.

ryane · 03-02-2010, 01:43 PM

it will slow the transfer of O2 but not stop it, even if you boil/degas the water, oxygen will slow diffuse back into the water and will transfer across the bucket

the limiting step will probably be the oxygen diffusing into the water, and this will definately help the gradient of O2 between the wort and the outside of the bucket, but it could also speed up the transfer across the walls, I doubt the sides are as much an issue though as the seal around the lid and thats something I wouldnt imagine you would want to cover with water

RDWHAHB · 03-02-2010, 01:48 PM

Isn't some exposure to O2 a good thing for a flanders? I thought a carboy was undesirable because it doesn't let enough in.

RDWHAHB · 03-02-2010, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matadero Creek Brewery

Many commercial sour ales are not aged in wood (including Lambics). Nobody likes to talk about this. The good news is that the standard, food-grade HDPE bucket is the second best fermenter for sour al

http://www2.parc.com/emdl/members/apte/flemishredale.shtml

killian · 03-02-2010, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDWHAHB

Isn't some exposure to O2 a good thing for a flanders? I thought a carboy was undesirable because it doesn't let enough in.

some o2

.............

RDWHAHB · 03-02-2010, 05:38 PM

My link indicates that HDPE bucket give about the right amount. Are you impying it is too much?

Not calling you out. I have know idea if that guy knows his stuff. Just currious b/c I am interested in doing a flanders. I was going to look into getting a cheap bucket because of this (all I have is glass & better bottles).

Regards, Jeff

wscott823 · 03-02-2010, 05:50 PM

From reading "Wild Brews" it is my understanding that if you do use a HDPE bucket you will get the O2 required for Flanders Reds and Lambics, however the rate of exposure will cause a quickly maturing beer that may not have the complexity desired.

Personally, when I have my first go at a Flanders I'll be trying the carboy trick with a wooden peg in the top as linked in RDWHAHB's post.