MoreBeer Conical

[Brewday2]

I recently got my hands on a new to me Morebeer heated and cooled conical. Its one of the originals that I believe they came out with around 15 years ago before they spun off into the brewbuilt fermenters. Anyway, I am enjoying its convenience so far, but was hoping to get it pressure fermenting. Best case is it gets to around 10 psi then starts blowing liquid until its down to 0 (I've already modified the prv, currently it will go at 17 psi if I ever can make it there). It has the v-band-clamp that I know are successful on some of the pressure fermenting conicals, though it does not fit as well as the others seem to, with a 1/2 inch gap being left at the clamp. We tried to use clamps to hold it in that 1/2 inch gap with no luck. I've noticed in videos of the brewbuilts that the gasket is a bit different, where the brewbuilts have a more "regular" gasket with a round section that sits in a channel in the lid, our gasket I believe is more square in section and has a flap that allows it to hold onto the lid rather than go into a channel. So my question is, has anyone had success pressure fermenting with these? Or does anyone have any suggestions to try? I was also considering maybe replacing the clamp with a brewbuilt x1 if they are the same diameter, as it seems to fit a bit better but I cant find that information, and even if I could it appears they no longer sell them.

 

[Brewday2]

One option I'm considering is it appears that the spike lid is the same size and may be compatible, would probably end up running me around $130. I was hoping for a cheaper solution though.

 

[Whisky River]

It’s not entirely clear where you’re loosing pressure, a picture or two would probably help but if the Spike lid is the same size maybe you could just use the spike clamp to eliminate the 1/2 inch gap you have. I’m pretty sure all the V band clamps used on these fermenters are standard sized clamps or standard clamps with slightly modified latches.
Maybe you could find somebody local to lend you their lid, clamp and gasket for a pressure test to see if it would solve your issue.

 

[mashdar]

Was the fermenter originally pressure rated?

edit: I found one reference to a 5psi rating on the 7.5gallon version

edit2: 5psi from the horse's mouth https://www.morebeer.com/articles/benefits_of_a_morebeer_conical

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

I recently got my hands on a new to me Morebeer heated and cooled conical. Its one of the originals that I believe they came out with around 15 years ago before they spun off into the brewbuilt fermenters. Anyway, I am enjoying its convenience so far, but was hoping to get it pressure fermenting. Best case is it gets to around 10 psi then starts blowing liquid until its down to 0 (I've already modified the prv, currently it will go at 17 psi if I ever can make it there). It has the v-band-clamp that I know are successful on some of the pressure fermenting conicals, though it does not fit as well as the others seem to, with a 1/2 inch gap being left at the clamp. We tried to use clamps to hold it in that 1/2 inch gap with no luck. I've noticed in videos of the brewbuilts that the gasket is a bit different, where the brewbuilts have a more "regular" gasket with a round section that sits in a channel in the lid, our gasket I believe is more square in section and has a flap that allows it to hold onto the lid rather than go into a channel. So my question is, has anyone had success pressure fermenting with these? Or does anyone have any suggestions to try? I was also considering maybe replacing the clamp with a brewbuilt x1 if they are the same diameter, as it seems to fit a bit better but I cant find that information, and even if I could it appears they no longer sell them.

To answer one of your questions, pressure fermenting in my experience isn't a game changer. I haven't noticed any difference although I keep trying.

I took the plunge and bought a Spike Unitank/conical. Many upgrades from using my modified half barrel fermenter.

I wouldn't get hung up on not being able to pressure fermenting if everything else works fine. People have been brewing great beer with a whole lot less.

 

[Brewday2]

Not to worry, we arent hung up at all! Just trying to make progress in every way possible, but continuing to brew great beer in the meantime, and to be honest the primary reason for me with pressure fermenting is not so much about the quality of the beer (though I am excited about that as well). I like the concept of using the CO2 naturally produced by fermentation to purge my kegs, pressure transfer etc. To this point we have already had moderate success with these aspects and the conical, just trying to advance that success.

To answer one of your questions, pressure fermenting in my experience isn't a game changer. I haven't noticed any difference although I keep trying.

I took the plunge and bought a Spike Unitank/conical. Many upgrades from using my modified half barrel fermenter.

I wouldn't get hung up on not being able to pressure fermenting if everything else works fine. People have been brewing great beer with a whole lot less.

 

[TBA]

I like the concept of using the CO2 naturally produced by fermentation to purge my kegs, pressure transfer etc.

You only need 1-2 PSI to purge kegs. I still use my SS Brewbucket and it can do that.

 

[Broken Crow]

Not to worry, we arent hung up at all! Just trying to make progress in every way possible, but continuing to brew great beer in the meantime, and to be honest the primary reason for me with pressure fermenting is not so much about the quality of the beer (though I am excited about that as well). I like the concept of using the CO2 naturally produced by fermentation to purge my kegs, pressure transfer etc. To this point we have already had moderate success with these aspects and the conical, just trying to advance that success.

I did my best to look that conical up but I don't know what size TC ports it has.
Just a suggestion: Since you're considering pressure fermenting you have or will buy a spunding valve...get yourself a TC lid with gas and liquid posts and pressure test it..you don'tneed a separate gauge as you can just use your spunding valve and slowly raise the pressure unitl it leaks ot you hit the max level you want to use it at, and then leave it sit to see if it holds that pressure.
Here's a starting point: https://www.brewhardware.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=tc+ball+lock&Submit=
Let us know.

 

[jbreardon]

I recently got my hands on a new to me Morebeer heated and cooled conical. Its one of the originals that I believe they came out with around 15 years ago before they spun off into the brewbuilt fermenters. Anyway, I am enjoying its convenience so far, but was hoping to get it pressure fermenting. Best case is it gets to around 10 psi then starts blowing liquid until its down to 0 (I've already modified the prv, currently it will go at 17 psi if I ever can make it there). It has the v-band-clamp that I know are successful on some of the pressure fermenting conicals, though it does not fit as well as the others seem to, with a 1/2 inch gap being left at the clamp. We tried to use clamps to hold it in that 1/2 inch gap with no luck. I've noticed in videos of the brewbuilts that the gasket is a bit different, where the brewbuilts have a more "regular" gasket with a round section that sits in a channel in the lid, our gasket I believe is more square in section and has a flap that allows it to hold onto the lid rather than go into a channel. So my question is, has anyone had success pressure fermenting with these? Or does anyone have any suggestions to try? I was also considering maybe replacing the clamp with a brewbuilt x1 if they are the same diameter, as it seems to fit a bit better but I cant find that information, and even if I could it appears they no longer sell them.

 

[jbreardon]

I have an early 7gal Heated & Cooled which I could not pressure ferment. I recently got a BrewBuilt X2 Jacketed for pressure fermenting. The X2 lid has a better gasket and fits onto the older H&C fermenter. I ran a test and my H&C holds pressure at 14.5 psi just like the X2.
The X2 out of the box has a problem with the band clamp not tightening completely. I took ½” off the clamp. Took a while as stainless is hard to work with. I added 3/8” of washers to the threaded rod to get the lid seal properly. I got another X2 lid and band clamp so both my fermenters now hold pressure.

 

[day_trippr]

"crush until you're scared, then crush some more"
I haven't read that this "rule" for biab mashing has been repealed

Cheers!