Silafine (SiO2 fining agent) PSA

[Rungus]

Some may find this interesting but I've just tried using silafine into a cold keg for the first time and on the bottle it describes as a "negatively charged silica sol fining agent." I went to pour the bottle into a metal measuring spoon and received a strong static shock into my finger on the other side of the spoon as soon as the liquid contacted the metal. It really freaked me out! I've just contacted cellar science to ask if now I've "discharged" my whole bottle or at least made it much less effective. I had no idea that liquids could hold a charge like that long term but I guess for those interested pour directly from the bottle or use plastic spoons? I will update the post when I hear back from them. Any thoughts from others?

 

[Bramling Cross]

I've only ever poured directly out of the bottle, but intrigued by the prospect of a fun static shock, I just poured some into a metal measuring spoon. Sadly, no fun electrocution.

Bummer.

 

[Broken Crow]

Maybe it was made in Aretuza...

 

[MaxStout]

I expect this thread to go completely off the rails. I want to see puns, too. Resistance is futile.

For OP, if I'm reading this right, you were pouring from a bottle held in one hand, into a metal spoon held in the other. Normally, both hands should be at or close to the same electrical potential, so the only explanation for a static discharge is just what you thought--there was a charge on the liquid when pouring. If the finings are negatively charged, I suppose it's possible, though I wouldn't have expected the difference in electrical potential to be great enough to cause a shock. Maybe you're just a positive person.

Looking forward to hearing what Cellar Science says.

 

[Rungus]

"Due to the advanced nature of your inquiry, we have promoted your ticket for review by our higher level agents or managers." XD looks like it's gonna be a few more days!

 

[Rungus]

Here's the response I received:

"We unfortunately have not received a response on this ticket but from our own investigation it seems the ionic charge of Silafine is not enough to create such a shock alone. The spoon was likely charged ahead of time and a "circuit" may have been closed or completed when pouring releasing the charge, grounding through your body.

As for the efficiency and residual charge, our limited investigation states there would be some degradation when in contact with metals however, this should not be a crucial factor and as metals fluctuate in charge depending on environment it will be hard to tell one way or the other. Many customers use Silafine in stainless tanks and kegs with great success so we do not believe there should be any concern with measuring in metal spoons. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns and we will do our best to help."

I don't agree with the spoon comment but interesting nonetheless. Since then, I've used silafine at the recommended amounts in 2 batches and both have absolutely no head retention, which I have not had an issue with for several dozen batches. I will definitely be switching back to gelatin for the next beer I wish to clarify and am disappointed with the performance of the product for sure. The beers didn't even clear up that well either!