Is my air stone defective?

[mroberts1204]

I recently bought a ss .5 micron air stone which is connected to a disposable oxygen cylinder and tested it out in some room temp water. I only noticed some bubbles coming from one area of the stone (the side closest to the hose). I expected to see hundreds of tiny bubbles...Is this normal or is there something wrong?

oh, and it is a brand new oxygen tank btw

 

[ClaudiusB]

I only noticed some bubbles coming from one area of the stone (the side closest to the hose). I expected to see hundreds of tiny bubbles...Is this normal or is there something wrong?

You should see a lot of bubbles.
A aeration stones require a few PSI (size and porosity dependent) of pressure, low tank pressure can do it.

Do a simple test.
Remove the hose from the tank and blow air into the hose, bubble should freely flow.

Cheers,
ClaudiusB

 

[SavageSteve]

You should see bubbles from all over the stone. I have the same stone and that's what happens with mine. Try wetting it in something that will foam, like a StarSan solution. When I do that, the entire stone gets covered with foam.

Did you touch any part of the stone? I had read that oils from the skin could block up the openings in the stone since they are so small.

-Steve

 

[Blender]

Try boiling it in water and don't handle the stone with your fingers because of the oil residue. You should see bubbles over the entire surface.

 

[Revvy]

We noticed and discussed on here last year that the regulators that come with the kits are crap, and need to be turned on ALL THE WAY to get bubbles coming out.

Also like others have said, make sure to boil the stone, between fingerprints and the sticky wort, the pores do tend to get clogged.

But crank up your regulator all the way as well.

 

[mroberts1204]

You should see bubbles from all over the stone. I have the same stone and that's what happens with mine. Try wetting it in something that will foam, like a StarSan solution. When I do that, the entire stone gets covered with foam.

Did you touch any part of the stone? I had read that oils from the skin could block up the openings in the stone since they are so small.

-Steve

I have never touched it per the instructions. I tried boiling it and that didn't clear it up. I think the StarSan idea is a good one...I'll give that a try next time. Do you guys use medical grade oxygen, filter regular welding oxygen, or just hook it up to the disposable tank with no filter? I don't see how 100% oxygen could have contaminants but...I guess you never know.

 

[SavageSteve]

I just use the red disposable cylinder from the hardware store. As Revvy said, I do have to turn the valve all the way open for the O2 to come out of the stone. And, I use a sterile filter, even though it's probably not necessary-- I just like the feeling of insurance that it provides.

-Steve

 

[ClaudiusB]

I don't see how 100% oxygen could have contaminants but...I guess you never know.

The tank can have contaminants left over from the manufacturing process.
It takes a lot to mess up the complete stone.

Cheers,
ClaudiusB

 

[SavageSteve]

OK, I took some photos.

The first is just with back pressure from the gas. I had turned it on full blast, then back off. Note the bubbles all around the stone.


Now here it is with the full gas on. Note that the bubbles seem to be coming mostly from the top.


With the gas full on, the bubbling was like that of a highly carbonated beverage.

-Steve

 

[malkore]

It looks normal to me.

On my O2 regulator, I have to remove it between uses or it can drain my cylinder. Basically the opposite of what was posted...I barely turn it and have a stream of O2 pouring out.

 

[Revvy]

It looks normal to me.

On my O2 regulator, I have to remove it between uses or it can drain my cylinder. Basically the opposite of what was posted...I barely turn it and have a stream of O2 pouring out.

That looks normal to me as well.

Also malkore's right, remove the regulator between uses or you'll be outta gas when you need it.

Another tip, get something like a gold or red paint pen and "detail" the on and off and the directional arrow on the top of the regulator. If you are like me and need cheaters to read things, it will come in handy to know which way is open or close. Especially if it is late, dark out and you are by the time it is to aerate and pitch the yeast....You'll thank me for that tip one day.

 

[SavageSteve]

Uh, my pictures were to show the OP what normal should look like. I guess I didn't actually say that in my post.

-Steve

 

[Revvy]

Uh, my pictures were to show the OP what normal should look like. I guess I didn't actually say that in my post.

-Steve

I'm on a different computer with a different siz monitor, all I saw were the pics NOT who posted them....I thought it was the OP posting his.

OOPs

 

[jrkettle]

I had the same problem with my air stone at first. So I boiled it for 30 minutes and now I boil it for 10 minutes before and after each use. Haven't had any problems since. It may be a little excessive, but it takes very little effort and it keeps it working for me.

 

[mroberts1204]

Yea that pic wasn't mine but we managed to get some more advice outta you guys!! I'm gonna have to try out a couple different methods before the next brew day to make sure I get it right.