You guys ever use one of these fermenters

[Blowmax10]

I got two of these from work for free - I converted one but the second is still in the basement untouched, there like 15 gallons or more

I've used it twice as the primary and racked to a secondary after a week because I've always heard that HDPE is oxygen permeable - both batches came out great

The thing is that these were used for cranberry concentrate and one of the guys that I work with who has done the extrusion blowmoulding which makes these types of things told me that in some of the HDPE packaging they put some kind of a oxi barrier in the plastic so It is possible that I have my hands on a high quality fermenter and know nothing about it

Is there a way I can tell if oxygen is leaching in through the plastic??

It would be great if I can find out because I can probably get more of them

[Lars]

I use a similar one as my fermenter. Only mine is sort of whitish/translucent plastic. I've also seen the ones like I have for sale at B3 in Riverside as wine fermenters. I think you are safe.

[chefchris]

I work in a chemical lab and we have those exact containers. I would bet that you're safe. I'm using them for no chill brewing.

I remember seeing the one you have the other day at work and trying to figure out how I could keep 15 gallons cool.

[Blowmax10]

racking out of it is a pain in the butt. I'm trying to figure out how I can mount a spigot to it

Not to mention how heavy it gets - pretty much need it where it is going to be before I fill it up

Like I said, I've only used it twice but it seems like it has potential if I can over come some of its issues

[Lars]

Wuss. I lift mine onto my countertop to rack into kegs. Last time I did it had around 14 gallons of beer in it. I usually try to do this a few hours before racking so the sediment has some time to re-settle.






BTW - I am an idiot for lifting this much liquid and DO NOT recommend anyone to attempt it. You will probably blow a disc out in your back and die a slow painful death after multiple surguries and rehab. I guess that is what I have to look forward to...

[chefchris]

Maybe try a bottling bucket spigot on it ????

How are you guys keeping this thing cool?

[Blowmax10]

Maybe try a bottling bucket spigot on it ????

How are you guys keeping this thing cool?

the problem with the spigot is attaching the thing - it no easy task to tighten the nut on the bottom of the 15 gallon fermenter

Cool = My upright fridge
Warm = My brewing closet

My current problem (with all my beer) is that I can do cool and I can do warm but I can't do both at the same time

[Lars]

I built a foam board 'closet' and cool it with peltiers. I can hold 15 gallons of ale at 59 with no problem. With more insulation I chould be able to hit Lager temps easily.