Hdpe fermenter

[pdfmorais]

Hi,

I've came across this hdpe#2 containers. I would like to know if they are good for fermentation. The problem is that they dont have the food safe symbol. But i'vê searched around the Internet and most People say that hdpe#2 is food safe.

https://goo.gl/images/2e2d8w

Thanks.

 

[IslandLizard]

HDPE itself is food safe, but how about the chemicals that were inside? Although it's possible to clean these containers, can you get all the chemicals out? Some may have penetrated the plastic and remain in there, slowly leaching out over time into your beer...

 

[pdfmorais]

Wont this chemicals go away with time? The containers im talking about are empty for at least a year now.

 

[IslandLizard]

Well, some may evaporate over time, but many may not. Do you know what was inside those containers? Check the chemicals it contained.

Although I said HDPE by itself is food safe, it may contain additives that are not. One common additive is BPA, which is highly frowned upon for consumption. Others are certain plasticizers and added coloring. Also, the mould release agent can still cling to the surface.

Are those containers your only source? Can't you get food grade containers or buckets, commonly used in transporting (certain) food products, like the ones used in baking (eggs, icing, etc.) or dairy products?

 

[pdfmorais]

I can only get containers from detergents and sanitizers. Floor detergent, Multi-surface detergent, Hydrogen Peroxide (35%) sanitizer and Oxonia Active acid sanitizer (peracetic acid + Hydrogen peroxide). Is any of them usable?

 

[IslandLizard]

I can only get containers from detergents and sanitizers. Floor detergent, Multi-surface detergent, Hydrogen Peroxide (35%) sanitizer and Oxonia Active acid sanitizer (peracetic acid + Hydrogen peroxide). Is any of them usable?

I'd say Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxonia will be safe and stay away from the ones that contained detergents. The Oxonia ones will be smelling of Acetic Acid (vinegar) for a while, so after a few good rinses, let them soak filled with water with some washing soda (sodium carbonate) added for a week or so, then air them out well until they don't smell anymore.

Peracetic acid is a wonderful brew equipment cleaning agent and sanitizer. It compliments the duty performed by alkaline and caustic cleaners by removing what they leave behind. Do NOT mix them together though! You may be able to save some remnants from the jugs for that purpose.

 

[pdfmorais]

I'd say Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxonia will be safe and stay away from the ones that contained detergents. The Oxonia ones will be smelling of Acetic Acid (vinegar) for a while, so after a few good rinses, let them soak filled with water with some washing soda (sodium carbonate) added for a week or so, then air them out well until they don't smell anymore.

I have some oxonia jugs lying around that already lost the smell.

Peracetic acid is a wonderful brew equipment cleaning agent. It compliments the duty performed by alkaline and caustic cleaners by removing what they leave behind. Do NOT mix them together though! You may be able to save some remnants from the jugs for that purpose.

I use oxonia as a sanitizer for everything. I don’t use it as a cleaning agent though.

Anyway, thanks for the help!