Fermentation gone wild

ziursrm · Jul 26, 2013

I just put my first all grain batch in the fermenter about 12 hrs ago and it's going so hard now that it keeps popping the lid off of the bucket. Never had this problem with extracts of course. I recleaned and sanitized the lid and weighed or down, but am I screwed on this batch? What can I do to prevent this next time?

kh54s10 · Jul 26, 2013

Install a blow off tube at the start of EVERY fermentation. I also don't think it has anything to do with being all grain. I have had blow off with all styles of brewing. Another thing it to ferment toward the low end of the yeasts optimal range. This is also better for flavors with most ale yeasts.

peterj · Jul 27, 2013

You should put a blow off tube on now. Of it's that active then krausen could start coming through your airlock and it will clog. Then the bucket could pressurize, blow the airlock, and spew beer on your ceiling.

bbohanon · Jul 27, 2013

kh54s10 said:
Install a blow off tube at the start of EVERY fermentation. I also don't think it has anything to do with being all grain. I have had blow off with all styles of brewing. Another thing it to ferment toward the low end of the yeasts optimal range. This is also better for flavors with most ale yeasts.

+1 on this. Ferment lower and put a blowoff tube in place every time for the first week of fermentation. I have noticed my higher efficiency AG batches go a bit more bonkers if I pitch a starter, especially with the WL-001. Its just an animal.
A blown fermenter lid can get SWMBO really pissed if its in a hall closet(like mine was before I learned this valuable lesson on blowoff tubes).
Cleaning bits of hops and krausen off the walls sucked.
:rockin:

ziursrm · Jul 27, 2013

I've popped a lid before, but it was super minor and didn't recur. Tonight when the lid popped it flew threw my pantry and even weighed down happened over and over. The airlock was also clogging within a minute of cleaning and reinsertion. Ugh.

So I installed a blow offline a few minutes ago and now it's all beautiful. Thanks!

Now is it just wait and see if it was contaminated?

splattsmier · Jul 27, 2013

ziursrm said:
I've popped a lid before, but it was super minor and didn't recur. Tonight when the lid popped it flew threw my pantry and even weighed down happened over and over. The airlock was also clogging within a minute of cleaning and reinsertion. Ugh.

So I installed a blow offline a few minutes ago and now it's all beautiful. Thanks!

Now is it just wait and see if it was contaminated?

I wouldn't worry about contamination at this point. Your yeast sounds like it's already set up shop.RDWHAHB