To much or will it work

[gjsumm]

I got a great deal on 4 100 liter (26 gallon) drums 304 stainless steel drums from where I work. I am thinking about making an electric HERMS system out of them , My question is if I purchase a 22 or 26 gallon stainless conical fermentor from Stout Tanks can I still brew and ferment 10 gallon batches in the 26 gallon fermentor and 26 gallon drums. I am using 10 gallon system now.

 

[gjsumm]

Ok so no reply yet, I guess what I am asking is will fermenting a 10 gallon batch in a 22 or 26 gallon conical fermentor be a problem? Will the excess head space be to much room for bacteria to grow?Can it cause off flavors etc.

 

[RM-MN]

Ok so no reply yet, I guess what I am asking is will fermenting a 10 gallon batch in a 22 or 26 gallon conical fermentor be a problem? Will the excess head space be to much room for bacteria to grow?Can it cause off flavors etc.

It shouldn't be any different than my brewing a 2 1/2 gallon batch in 6 1/2 gallon fermenter. As long as fermentation starts fairly soon you will have your carbon dioxide layer to protect your beer from the bacteria. Off flavors come from too high of temperature during the early part of the fermentation so as long as you have a way to cool them adequately that should be no problem either.

 

[KIAKillerXJ]

I'd do it.

 

[Zamial]

There is no real issue other than when you find out it takes 15 minutes longer to do a full batch.

 

[W0rthog]

Many breweries in Europe have open fermentors. I don't think the head space will matter.