Evaporation Rate of Airlock

[nickharbour]

I am going on a long trip (5-weeks) and hope to have a batch moved into secondary fermentation right before the start of the trip. My only concern is that the water in the airlock will dry out before I can return.

Has anybody here left a water-filled airlock for that period of time before without topping it off?

 

[SumnerH]

If it's full when you leave of water (or better yet, mixed up Star-San) you should be fine.

 

[BendBrewer]

Has anybody here left a water-filled airlock for that period of time before without topping it off?

All the time. Just don't use alcohol. That stuff evaporates

 

[brewingkitty]

i always find mine darn near empty, but i live in dry, 115F+ summers.

 

[nickharbour]

Thanks everybody! I googled the bejesus out of that and couldn't get an answer. love this site!

 

[AnOldUR]

i always find mine darn near empty, but i live in dry, 115F+ summers.

Yeah, there's not one answer to this question. My carboys are kept in a damp basement and even vodka will last for several months without needing to be topped off.

 

[Revvy]

I've never had one dry out even after 5-6 months. It probably depends on the temps and humidity (or lack of) of your space.

The thing to remember is, even with a dry airlock is that the bad stuff are not ninja acrobats....whether it is a 3 piece or an s type, they would have to get through the cap at the top, then either negotiate a series of twist and turns through an S shaped "track" OR have to dive down, then climb up the center post under the plastic bubbler, then lift said bubbler up enough to the make it into the center post and dive into your fermenter....and STILL have to negotiate the rising co2 current pushing out of the fermenter itself....Think about it...Even without water in there, do you think a piece of dust can make this journey?

Needless to say a piece of dust ain't gonna make it. And not much else either. Relax

 

[SumnerH]

The thing to remember is, even with a dry airlock is that the bad stuff are not ninja acrobats....whether it is a 3 piece or an s type, they would have to get through the cap at the top, then either negotiate a series of twist and turns through an S shaped "track" OR have to dive down, then climb up the center post under the plastic bubbler, then lift said bubbler up enough to the make it into the center post and dive into your fermenter....and STILL have to negotiate the rising co2 current pushing out of the fermenter itself....Think about it...Even without water in there, do you think a piece of dust can make this journey?

Needless to say a piece of dust ain't gonna make it. And not much else either. Relax

Fruit flies can make it through a dried out airlock, if you have them.

 

[nickharbour]

Fruit flies can make it through a dried out airlock, if you have them.

I don't, but that is an interesting point. seems like you could keep critters out with maybe a paper towel and a rubber band.

 

[slicksmix]

try glyserin (spelling?). it doesnt evaporate. you should be able to find it at your lhbs.

hope that helps, cheers

 

[jonmohno]

Fruit flies can make it through a dried out airlock, if you have them.

If fruit flys can -i dont see why wild yeast couldnt either.
But then again their is a co2 force field.

 

[nickharbour]

If fruit flys can -i dont see why wild yeast couldnt either.
But then again their is a co2 force field.

well I don't think yeast are self propelled and probably require air currents of some sort to amble by gracefully. By second chamber of an airlock I'd think the air would be pretty still.

 

[jonmohno]

well I don't think yeast are self propelled and probably require air currents of some sort to amble by gracefully. By second chamber of an airlock I'd think the air would be pretty still.[/QUOT
air is invisible you cant see it why would you cant see yeast and im shure they are light as hell, wouldnt take much. Am i missing something or is it not kinda by the lines of flu virus and the like?
Holy cRAP. Left Hand Brewing Pale Ale- maybe my favorite pale and i have a hard time with pales- maybe i havent researched enough pale ales:rockin:- but damn thats one good pale ale.