Heating P.E.T. fermenters?

[namsag]

Hello I am getting back into brewing after 20-odd years. I see that there have been a lot of changes since I brewed my last batches of beer and mead. I am getting back into mead.

I see that P.E.T. fermenters are the thing now and I am all for it over dealing with glass carboys again.

One thing I am wondering, though, before I invest in P.E.T. is, is there any issue with using fermentation heaters with the plastic. Is there an issue with gas or chemical release when using a FermWrap or the like to warm the fermentation?

Any thoughts/advice appreciated. Thanks, namsag.

 

[TheCache]

I use a fermowrap with my fermonster and have not had any issues. Most heaters made for brewing will state they are safe for glass or plastic. Can't say for sure that no gas or chemicals are released, I know that can be an issue with plastic bottles as they degrade over time, but I don't think the heat is high enough or of long enough duration to cause an issue. Besides plastic fermenters are a heavier grade of food safe plastic so I feel they are pretty safe.

C

 

[balrog]

some use seed mats
I have a box built from 2" thick foam insulation board, and stick a constant fan and a Lasko 200 watt heater for temp control.

 

[passedpawn]

Hello I am getting back into brewing after 20-odd years. I see that there have been a lot of changes since I brewed my last batches of beer and mead. I am getting back into mead.

I see that P.E.T. fermenters are the thing now and I am all for it over dealing with glass carboys again.

One thing I am wondering, though, before I invest in P.E.T. is, is there any issue with using fermentation heaters with the plastic. Is there an issue with gas or chemical release when using a FermWrap or the like to warm the fermentation?

Any thoughts/advice appreciated. Thanks, namsag.

A friend of mine poured hot wort into his. Besides losing two fermentors, it was a bit of a mess and panic as they shrank before his eyes. I suppose if they are full of cold liquid, the heater on the outside won't get the plastic hot enough to shrink. But be prepared for it, anyway. That means, have a camera ready and be sure to post pics

 

[balrog]

A friend of mine poured hot wort into his. Besides losing two fermentors, it was a bit of a mess and panic as they shrank before his eyes.

View attachment 757806

Yes, but, but, but they were sanitized!

 

[micraftbeer]

I see Kegland FermZilla says don't put stuff in there above 131F, Fermonster says 140F. I imagine they're both generally the same material, probably just a different comfort level from the manufacturer in specifying a Max temperature.

I've never had warpage or discoloration of anything, and used 20W and 30W belt wraps, probably Max fermentation temperature I've had is 75-80F.

 

[TheCache]

A friend of mine poured hot wort into his

Hot wort is going to be a far higher temperature than a heating pad wrap. Yikes!

 

[namsag]

OOF that’s one of the things I would like to avoid!

I can see that happening once by accident, but man it takes talent to do it twice!

 

[passedpawn]

OOF that’s one of the things I would like to avoid!

I can see that happening once by accident, but man it takes talent to do it twice!

haha, he made a 10g batch I think, so it was simultaneous meltdowns. Double the fun!

 

[balrog]

ouch