Hot break issue on batch #2

[11RileyJ]

Hi all,

I tried my second batch today (both all grain) and I ran into considerable issues during the boil. Actually I don't think I technically even got to the boil. The hot break took FOREVER to precipitate out. Almost an hour. All I saw for an hour was foam at the top of the kettle. 5 minutes after the hot break my propane ran out. 15 minute trip to the pharmacy for a replacement and when I hook it up I get all foam again. An hour later, still no hot break after battling boil overs. I was using a spray bottle to mist the foam but it didn't seem to help.

Can anyone figure out what happened? I was attempting to brew FATC1TY's Oddside CPA clone (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f66/citra-pale-ale-oddsides-clone-375338/). I had some temp issues during the mash so I mashed an extra 15 minutes. Would that have something to do with it? Also I had about 7 gallons of wort in a 9 gallon kettle. Is that too little remaining room to handle the hot break?

Thanks for any help. I'm really quite bummed how tonight went but I'm eager to get back in the garage and give it another go.

Justin

 

[BigFloyd]

I'm not sure that I'm understanding what you're seeing in the kettle.

The foam is the proteins that will hot break out. When it starts getting a layer, you can stir to prevent it from forming a thicker, solid layer which can lead to a boil-over. If I'm bored, I'll skim some of it off. Once the batch gets to a boil, the break material precipitates down. Are you using a burner that is up to the task?

I do 7.3 gallon pre-boil volume in a 9-gallon kettle and have no problems or boil-overs.

 

[DrunkleJon]

Yeah. For the boil, just bring it up to a strong boil and start your hop additions. You do not need to wait for the hot break to appear. So long as you bring it to a full boil then keep it at a boil for your hop additions you should be fine.

 

[freisste]

Actually I don't think I technically even got to the boil.

As was mentioned, your burner may not be up to the task.

 

[11RileyJ]

Thanks for the input.

It's one of those Bayou Classic burners attached to the propane. I'm pretty sure it was something I did that prevented the full boil. I stirred it and the foam would subside but it wouldn't "break." With my first batch there was a rising foam then eventually the wort bubbled back up and I imagine this is when the protein precipitated out. On this batch, with more wort in the kettle, it kept trying to do that but it would get to the lip of the kettle, boil over, and drop a couple inches. It repeated this cycle several times. Is it possible I had the flame too high? I tried to manage the flame and spray the kettle but it was a little tricky trying to do both.

 

[jmh286]

I usually have to mess with my heat depending on the beer. I crank it up high to get everything to a boil and then usually end up cutting the heat in half to keep it at a nice rolling boil. Each burner is different though so you just have to play with it.

 

[11RileyJ]

Yep yep. After dumping the batch (I got nervous!) I saw a whole bunch of break material at the bottom of the kettle. I think I just had the flame waaaaay too high and what I was seeing was just a series of boilovers. I guess it comes with the territory of being a new brewer. Not used to seeing certain things and panicking. Gonna give it another go Saturday and I'm rather excited about it.

Thanks again to all of you for offering your insight.

Justin

 

[BigFloyd]

You may end up having to decrease your boil volume a bit next time.

 

[Upthewazzu]

A Bayou Burner should have no problem whatsoever getting the wort to boil. How much liquid were you attempting to boil?

Once you see a boil, you should start to turn down the flame. For my 3.5 gallon boils, I generally turn it down to about 10% power, if that.

 

[kapbrew13]

What model burner. They do make different models and burner strength.

 

[freisste]

To the last three posts: OP already mentioned that the burner was turned up way too high. So the excessive rolling boil was mistaken for lack of a hot break. I'm pretty sure everybody is on the same page now...

 

[Upthewazzu]

To the last three posts: OP already mentioned that the burner was turned up way too high. So the excessive rolling boil was mistaken for lack of a hot break. I'm pretty sure everybody is on the same page now...

Gotcha, my bad!

 

[freisste]

Gotcha, my bad!

No problem. Easy to miss stuff like that on forums.