SS Brewtech w/ FTSS trub dump

[Minnehopolis]

I am fermenting my first brew in my new SS brewtech chronical 7 gallon conical fermenter. I have the FTSS temperature control system for it, and therefore have the "special" lid attached.

I know that when I go to dump my trub and yeast that the volume of liquid that exits will need to be replaced by something else in the container. I can take the blowoff tube out of the bucket of sanitized water that its sitting in to let in air, but I'd rather not let O2 in if I can avoid it. I could hook up a co2 tank to the blowoff tube, but I don't really want a pressurized system at this point, even if its only a few PSI - I don't want to risk damaging the unit.

My thought then turned to the sample port. Could I potentially hook up my CO2 tank to that (regulated to only 1-2 PSI, of course), keeping the blowoff tube in the bucket of water, so that the CO2 just flows through the beer and I can open the dump valve at the bottom without fear of letting in air? Would running CO2 through the beer like that damage it in any way or because it already has CO2 in there, it will eventually come out of solution and exit through the blowoff tube / bucket like it does now?

I should mention that my beer has been fermenting for about 2 weeks and I have not yet dumped anything, so "active" fermentation is complete.

Maybe this is a dumb idea, but just trying to keep as much of a closed system as I can with this unit! Anyone try this or have another idea?

 

[pvpeacock]

I just take the airlock off and open the valve (dump valve or sample/racking valve). I know some air will get sucked in, but there should also be a layer of CO2 on top of the beer from fermentation and CO2 is heavier than air. I used to put a starsan soaked paper towel over the hole when I did this to prevent an infection, but stopped doing that long ago without any problems. I have yet to taste anything that I would associate with oxidation by doing this. I'm curious to hear what others think.

P.S. be aware that if too much trub went into your conical when you transferred from your brew kettle, the dump valve may be plugged up since you waited two weeks. In my experience, it is best to attempt to dump trub earlier to avoid this problem. Also, be patient when you are dumping, because it can take awhile for it to slowly drain out if it is really thick, if it drains at all.

 

[pvpeacock]

P.P.S. See: https://ssbrewtech.zendesk.com/hc/e...on-after-dumping-the-trub-and-or-dry-hopping-

 

[Minnehopolis]

Ok, so I was overthinking it. I'll just let some air in, no big deal. Thanks for your help!

 

[Freddyj123]

Ok, so I was overthinking it. I'll just let some air in, no big deal. Thanks for your help!

How did this work out? I've got an ss Brewtech chronical on the way.

 

[Ole_Smoky]

Ive been looking at the SS brewtech stuff, Im torn between the 7 gal conical or 6.95 gal brew bucket. Why did you guys choose the conical? If I could save some money then Id like that, but on the other hand if its for a long term purchase then saving money isnt always the best idea.

 

[Freddyj123]

Ive been looking at the SS brewtech stuff, Im torn between the 7 gal conical or 6.95 gal brew bucket. Why did you guys choose the conical? If I could save some money then Id like that, but on the other hand if its for a long term purchase then saving money isnt always the best idea.

I was faced with the same dilemma, but after much searching chose the chronical for the same reason; long term purchase. I like the idea of being able to easily dump trub vs siphoning to a second vessel for longer-term fermenting, dry hopping, etc., ability to harvest yeast and pressurize for transfer to keg (if I decide to keg one day).

I figure for the extra $170.00 stretched out over the next 10-20 years is a good idea to keep options for future growth open.

 

[Tripel]

Minnehopolis,

I open the dump valve two times during fermentation. I do not remove my 1inch I.D. Blow off tube as the starsan only siphons up its length about 5 to 10 inches.

First dump is after vigorous fermentation starts, approximately 24 hrs. This is the trub dump. Second is right before racking to ensure the racking arm is clear of flocculated yeast. The second dump is any where from 1 to 3 weeks depending on the Ale. I don't have a system for Lagers yet. Like to hear how others Lager using a bottom fermenting Lager yeast in a conical.

 

[Freddyj123]

I don't have a system for Lagers yet. Like to hear how others Lager using a bottom fermenting Lager yeast in a conical.

great question