Storing oxygen stone

[Razorback_Jack]

Hey there! I’ve seen a bunch of different methods for storing an oxygen wand in between brews, and wanted to ask for collective advice on a method.

So, I have a stone that screws onto the end of the wand, NY Brew supply I think. Just got it in. First off, do I need to soak it in something besides PBW, out of concern for machining oils or anything like that?

After running oxygen into my wort for 30 seconds or so, I’m thinking to put the wand into a StarSan bucket right taking it out of the wort, with oxygen still running through, and then turn it off. After that, a dunk in PBW, and then boil it? Finally, hang it to dry. Would it he best to store somewhere with a desiccant pack, to make sure no moisture develops in between brews? In a bag, or no?

Thanks for the input. It’s hard to find specifics on things like this.

 

[MaxStout]

Hey there! I’ve seen a bunch of different methods for storing an oxygen wand in between brews, and wanted to ask for collective advice on a method.

So, I have a stone that screws onto the end of the wand, NY Brew supply I think. Just got it in. First off, do I need to soak it in something besides PBW, out of concern for machining oils or anything like that?

After running oxygen into my wort for 30 seconds or so, I’m thinking to put the wand into a StarSan bucket right taking it out of the wort, with oxygen still running through, and then turn it off. After that, a dunk in PBW, and then boil it? Finally, hang it to dry. Would it he best to store somewhere with a desiccant pack, to make sure no moisture develops in between brews? In a bag, or no?

Thanks for the input. It’s hard to find specifics on things like this.

That's close to what I do. When done aerating, use the O2 to blow out the crud into some Starsan, then remove and boil it for a few minutes in a saucepan of water. Then store in a small jar of Starsan until next use. It's a bit of a fuss, but I don't want yeast or other things hiding in those pores.

 

[tracer bullet]

Storing in Star San is interesting, I should do that...

I use mine, leave the O2 runnign while it comes out of the beer and goes into star san, runs a few more seconds then I'll cut it. I store it loosely in some foil until next time.

It's definitely one of the things I need to do better with. Doesn't seem to have bitten me but that's just a matter of time.

 

[Broken Crow]

O2 or Carb stone, I do the same thing: attach it to some spare SS fittings and a 1/2" nipple, hold it with a pair of thick gloves and pour a kettle of boiling water through it...you'd be surprised by the tiny blobs that can emerge. After a long soak in PBW, I repeat the boil/flush and then throw it in the oven to dry it out before storing.
I don't recommend storing it in Star San as it can initiate corrosion if left in too long a time.

 

[DuncB]

I rinse the stone under water, then PBW and rinse again before starsan and air drying.
Into a packet with moisture absorbing crystals ( in bags).
I never touch the stone with my fingers unless wearing gloves.

Periodic boil in sodium hydroxide solution.

 

[MaxStout]

I don't recommend storing it in Star San as it can initiate corrosion if left in too long a time.

Depends on what it's made from. Mine's sintered ss, it's been kept in Starsan for years and no degradation.

I probably should have qualified my above suggestion based on materials. YMMV, depending on its resistance to acids.

 

[Spartan1979]

I have a wand. I made a tube from PVC and just store it StarSan.

 

[DuncB]

I have a wand. I made a tube from PVC and just store it StarSan.

That's magic!!

 

[Razorback_Jack]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! Sounds like I was closer on track than I had thought. Great to read everyone’s methodology, as usual.

 

[Razorback_Jack]

A concern I didn’t see addressed, was whether or not I should soak in something other than PBW, before first use. It’s a new one, and it seems to have some machining oils or something. Might be my imagination, don’t know. Just a little slick feeling on the wand itself.

 

[DasBrut]

This whole oxygenation thing… storing compressed oxygen just doesn’t seem like a good idea. Oxygen is extremely flammable, in fact the entire crew of the Apollo 1 mission died because the cabin was infused with oxygen. Storing that in your house, potentially with children around. Just makes me wonder if it’s that much better than a drill with an aeration wand.

 

[MaxStout]

Pure O2 provides higher levels of DO than aeration. Since the atmosphere is only about 20% O2, the most you'll get into solution is about 8ppm, and even getting that takes some work. That level is probably fine for many beers. Pure O2, OTOH, can provide a much higher level, in less time.

Storing cylinders of compressed O2 in a home (especially with kids around) may not be within the comfort zone of some people, and that's understandable. That said, many people keep high-pressure medical O2 cylinders in their homes for supplemental oxygen uses, with similar risks. You just have to be careful in storing and using it. Yeah, keep kids away from it, don't smoke around it, etc.

From Wyeast:

 

[DuncB]

I can't remember seeing many reports of oxygen cylinder fires at home.
Gas stoves, Gas boilers can all leak and cause fires and explosions, fireworks and petrol all make headlines, I can remember a news story of suffocation from fermenting wine in a basement.

The few minutes a month using my oxygen generator are far less dangerous than my filling strimmers and lawnmowers up.

 

[ba-brewer]

seen this thread it reminded me of older post
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/how-to-clean-aeration-stone.70909/post-9164946

 

[Bramling Cross]

I've taken to just tossing my wand into the boil along with my IC at the 21min mark. That's convenient because I kill three operations in one step (IC, oxygen wand, and second flushing of the pump with boiling wort). I've found that developing a reliable cadence like this eliminates opportunities for "Damnit!!! I forgot the [insert dumb thing here]." I've also added those operations to my recipes. When you're stupid it's important to take steps to counteract your stupidity.

In terms of cleaning, I rinse it thoroughly, then give it a ~10 second blast at full throttle in my Star San bucket. I'll then boil it and wrap it in plastic wrap.

It's a pity that White Labs ditched the old brown test tube packaging. With the aid of a holed stopper cut lengthwise, those things used to be great for soaking your stone in alcohol.

 

[cfrazier77]

Oxegen cylinders are very safe. Apollo 1 had a 100% oxygen atmosphere in the capsule. Therefore it was highly dangerous. A full large cylinder will not be enough to fill a home to that amount.

I have been a fire fighter since 2001. We have had to deal with a lot of homes with medical oxygen and welding shops. It has never been an issue for my two different departments. Propane cylinders, that is a different story.

 

[Razorback_Jack]

When you're stupid it's important to take steps to counteract your stupidity.

Absolutely, haha! I have a four-page printout with my own detailed instructions, and it stays on the workbench for every single brew. “At 30 minutes, put [that thing] in [there],” etc. Couldn’t do a brew day without it.

 

[Maylar]

Oxygen is extremely flammable

That's a myth. Oxygen itself is not flammable. Burning is "rapid oxidation", meaning that oxygen is required for combustion. The danger lies with high O2 concentration, where the slightest spark could ignite something that otherwise wouldn't burn.