Cold Crashing

How do you cold crashers avoid suck-back through your airlock? I'm considering using one of my S-shaped airlocks but though there might be a better option I'm not seeing.

This thread should keep you busy...

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/temp-reduction-suckback-lets-brainstorm-152658/

I don't think you'll have an issue. The liquid isn't going to drop temps fast enough to create a vacuum. At least, I've never had an issue with it. I use a standard 3 piece airlock.

Suthrncomfrt1884 said:

I don't think you'll have an issue. The liquid isn't going to drop temps fast enough to create a vacuum. At least, I've never had an issue with it. I use a standard 3 piece airlock.

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+1. Never had a problem with it. Even if it does happen, as long as you're using StarSan in your airlock.

DrawTap88 said:

+1. Never had a problem with it. Even if it does happen, as long as you're using StarSan in your airlock.

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+1 You could also use vodka.

1 piece S airlock works for me.

I ferment in a Sanke keg inside a kegerator which then has a blowoff tube in the top. I just had a 1/2 gallon of StarSan get sucked back two days ago! This is the first time it ever happened to me. I'm hoping a 1/2 gallon (diluted) won't ruin the 10.5-11 gallons of beer that is in there.

JonW said:

I ferment in a Sanke keg inside a kegerator which then has a blowoff tube in the top. I just had a 1/2 gallon of StarSan get sucked back two days ago! This is the first time it ever happened to me. I'm hoping a 1/2 gallon (diluted) won't ruin the 10.5-11 gallons of beer that is in there.

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A half gallon of sanitizer will definately give you an odd taste.

I use bicardi rum or generic vodka in my airlocks...suckback is not a problem!

Suthrncomfrt1884 said:

A half gallon of sanitizer will definately give you an odd taste.

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The sanitizer had cleared up pretty good before the crash cool. Does it precipitate out when sitting in an open jug? It had been sitting in the jug for two weeks during the fermentation, so maybe it wasn't all that strong. I'll be dry hopping too, so hopefully it will be salvageable.

I use vodka in my airlocks but have no desire to have it sucked back into my beer. It evaporates pretty quickly, making me unsure if it still maintains its bacteria fighting alcohol content.

I'm not a fan of the s-tube method, but a little O2 is more desirable than old vodka and possibly some O2 after the vodka was sucked in. Thanks Johnnybrew for the link, that provided some good tips and sciency thoughts.

I'll take a peek in the chest freezer tonight to see the state of the airlock when I add the gelatin. It's pretty hard to mess up a nearly finished beer, so I'm not overly worried, just wanted to expand my thought process on a different part of the brewing process...

Mischief_Brewing said:

Thanks Johnnybrew for the link,

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My pleasure.

I take the airlock off and just put some aluminum foil over the bung

I saw a suggestion in the other thread (can't remember the author) of sanitizing a balloon and putting that on the top. Seemed like a simple solution.

i take a piece of saran wrap and folded it over several times and twist it. then spray the **** out of it with starsan, stick it in the hump on my keezer.

THe reason i dont use an air lock is that the height becomes too tall. I've never had any issues with my method.

Like someone says here, "Use the search, Luke!"
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f13/cold-crashing-air-lock-155118/