Carboy inner float missing

[Supernaut1985]

I'm not an absolute beginner but I have only brewed about 5 batches in the past couple years. The most recent I have bottled is a kit of "Coopers: Real Ale." I did a stage in the fermentor, I don't remember the exact gravity readings at the moment but I calculated it to 4.2% alcohol by vol. Then to the clearing stage. Flash forward to the end of that and it was time to bottle. I did think it strange that when removing the airlock I could see straight down inside the brew through the inner stem. It only hit me yesterday that the floating part that fits over the stem was missing altogether. Allowing at 2 way opening for air and whatever else. I searched the cupboard where I keep my supplies and it seems to be gone. I guess I just don't do this often enough to immediately recognize the problem.

I don't think the beer was infected and tasted ok before bottling and looks good and clear. I have to wonder though, could I expect that a lot of alcohol evaporated off, or should it not really matter?

I have this type of airlock. This is not mine, I just pulled up a pic on google images.

 

[DrummerBoySeth]

No, I do not think that the alcohol can evaporate off. Since the beer is generating positive pressure inside the fermenter (producing carbon dioxide), it is almost impossible for anything to get into the fermenter, even with the missing float. I say you have VERY LITTLE to worry about. I suspect you have about a 98.5% chance of having no problems at all related to the missing float. enjoy your beer!

 

[divrguy]

I'm sure if it tasted good it will be good. Probably had no effect but just remember it next time.