Washer yeast troubles

[rhoffmann79]

A buddy and I tried washing our yeast so that we could reuse it on our next two brews. His turned out great while mine never really separated and I just wasn't comfortable using it. Any thoughts on possible remedies? We both used the same process the only 2 differences were his was from a blonde ale using liquid yeast and mine was an altbier using dry yeast.

 

[JimTheHick]

The separation is time dependent. How long did you wait for the trub to settle out before pouring off the yeast (still suspended in the water)?

Do the yeasts have equal floc characteristics? If yours is a super flocculating strain that might explain the difference.

 

[rhoffmann79]

I did three washes. 30 minutes 1 hour and about 24 hours. Not sure about the flocculation though

 

[JimTheHick]

I did three washes. 30 minutes 1 hour and about 24 hours. Not sure about the flocculation though

Wow. That's pretty intense. I just do one 15 minute separation in the fridge and call it good. That gives me a decently white yeast layer.

You might have lost all your yeast with that 24 hr 'wash' if you only took the liquid.