possible use as a fermenter for 10 gal batches?

[RobertHSmith]

http://www.biodieseltank.com/inductor_tanks.html

was poking around and saw this. Not sure how much it is though..

 

[devaspawn]

Yep. I have seen stuff recently where they advertise this stuff for both homebrewing or biodiesel use.

 

[camiller]

Another source, since the one above doesn't show prices:

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/pr...SPlastic&category_name=20726&product_id=33150

 

[brewskibob]

would the plastic leave an off flavor in the beer? I mean I'm sure thats not a problem for biodiesel, but it might cause a brewing problem

 

[devaspawn]

as long as it's PET it's like using a better bottle so my guess would be no.

 

[camiller]

as long as it's PET it's like using a better bottle so my guess would be no.

I'm pretty sure it is HDPE like a Ale Pail/bucket, not PET.

 

[mysteryberto]

My main concern with plastic conicals and the like is scratches. Once it's scratched bacteria can hang out and wreck havoc with your beer.

 

[RobertHSmith]

A thought about the scratches...

You'd have to worry about scratches on stainess too. On stainless to get rid of the scratch you'd have to polish it out if possible, if not it would be expensive to replace. I imagine that you could polish a scratch out of plastic too. But then what would you put in the fermenter that would scratch it?

Another thought I had was what about off flavors? Some people frement in plastic buckets, do they get off flavors? I use glass and have only done 5 gal batches, but was thinking of moving up to 10 gallon batches with in the next year or two. I have two glass carboys and could split a 10 gal batch into both of them. I've never read that glass can absorb flavors/aromas from the contents, but what about the plastic?

I like the idea of a conical, and not having to pay someone eles to configue it the way I want it would be a plus. Another plus would be the time savings of using it as a secondary too. Just open a waste valve on the bottom and drain the trub out.

Does anyone know someone who uses plastic conicals that can share some experience?

 

[Sea]

Don't forget that you have to maintain proper temps in that thing too.

 

[RobertHSmith]

found this thread. Might be useful for those considering this type of thing

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?p=709882

 

[beerthirty]

most plastic conicals are mdpe which is fine,and they are usually foodgrade . Cant wait till it cools and I can use my new conical.
oh my thread. yeah read that.