fermenter size

[bmathews]

Hi guys I am looking at new fermenters and was thinking that in the futrue I may do some 10 gallons batches. So I was thinking of getting a larger fermenter but was wondering if that could be used for 5 gallon batches as well. Not sure if having all the extra space would hurt anything of if the co2 produced would keep it safe. Thanks

 

[JDGator]

i'd go with 6 gallon fermentors because if you have to move a 10gallon batch she will be heavy and you are more likely to get hurt or break something.

 

[dyqik]

I think you'd be best getting a 6 gallon fermenter (standard ale pail type) and then if you switch to 10 gallon batches, buying a second one to split the batch between two of them. A 10 gallon fermenter is very heavy to move about, particularly if you build a fermentation chamber or similar that you have to slide it into, and the head space when fermenting 5 gallons is very large, which can cause oxidation issues with long fermentations. Using two fermenters for a 10 gallon batch will also let you play with dry hopping half a batch, or using different yeasts or temperatures as well.

 

[ACbrewer]

I think you'd be best getting a 6 gallon fermenter (standard ale pail type) and then if you switch to 10 gallon batches, buying a second one to split the batch between two of them. A 10 gallon fermenter is very heavy to move about, particularly if you build a fermentation chamber or similar that you have to slide it into,

and the head space when fermenting 5 gallons is very large, which can cause oxidation issues with long fermentations. Using two fermenters for a 10 gallon batch will also let you play with dry hopping half a batch, or using different yeasts or temperatures as well.

I agree with the first bit, get 2 standard ale pales, and not a feremnetor for 10 gallons (12 or 13 gallons total). a gallon is rought 8.3lb, so 10 gallons is 83lb PLUS fermentor. A 5 gallon batch is about 42lb + fermentor, call it 50 lb.
Now if you can do it all inplace (ie you put the wort in and don't have to move it) then the weight isn't an issue, which brings us to the 2nd part

I dissagree with the 2nd bit on oxydiation, well conditionally disagree. A wort at about 1 .040 makes something like 60 volumes of CO2 - ie a 5 gallon batch makes liek 300 gallons of CO2. It consumes up O2 in the head space -assuming the O2 disolves, or displaces it out the airlock. It is unlikely you will get oxyidation in the ferment. ONCE fermentation has ended, and you do something like check the gravity, or open it for other reasons, all bets are off, and you will introduce a lot more 02 that you would in a smaller container. But atleast at the start, you'd be ok., excpet for the fact that it is very heavy

 

[grathan]

What are you using now? What type of fermentor are you looking at getting?

Co2 would keep it safe for a little while, but if you talking months and your constantly opening the top for gravity readings, or adding dry hops, or there is a lot of temperature fluctuation then you could be in trouble.

 

[bmathews]

Ok so weight I am not worried about I lift full 1/2 kegs all the time. I am mostly concerned with the oxygenation and never open it during primary. I plan to transfer the beer with co2 into a corny fir secondary

 

[two_one_seven]

If you are futzing with it the O2 mixing shouldn't be a problem.

 

[bmathews]

Ya that's pretty much my biggest fear

 

[bmathews]

My fear is that a 5 gallon batch will have problems in a 15 gallon fermenter

 

[ACbrewer]

Again if you don't open it, a 15 gallon container should be ok. Just once you open, you can assume that you get a lot more O2 exposure. Also you have a potential for a lot more O2 transfer before the CO2 has mixed it all out. But that is mostly during growth phase.

 

[meltroha]

Pro breweries brew 2-3 batches regularly to put in a single fermenter, even on a 3 shift operation, the first batch is in 1/2 - 1/3 of the fermenter for at least 18 hours, so there is no issue at all, if you use an airlock, and don't open the top there is no way to introduce oxygen. Plastic is permeable, but would take 6 months or more to get anything in there, and still not enough to make a difference. It would be unusually heavy though, and even if you can lift it, it may collapse on itself.

 

[bmathews]

Thanks for the info I shouldn't have a problem with it collapsing as it will be stainless steel so it should be strong enough. I dont really plan on lifting it anyway most movements will be done with a dolly and beer will be transferred with co2. So once full I wont really need to lift it .