32 replies to this topic

[Mynameisluka]

do any of you do it? im about to start using a sanke for fermenting 10-12 gallon batches.any tips/tricks?airlock or blowoff tube?best way to transfer?any special mods?etc?what do i need to know?

[tag]

I use "slim" 1/4 kegs. At first I used the orange carboy caps. They work fine. The orange carboy cap will fit on the Sanke more easily with a quick soak in hot water. I use a 1/4" barb to 1/4" flare fitting to use for a blow-off tube and then for CO2 to push the beer out. Although the carboy cap can only take 2-3 psi before blowing off. A standard racking tube fits in the larger opening.And I just bought a sanke cap from BrewersHardware https://www.brewersh...Fermenter-Kits/ that I am using on my recent English IPA. Seems to be quality stuff. Maybe ask for it from Santa.

Edited by tag, 23 November 2012 - 11:17 PM.

[beach]

I ferment 11-12 gal in 1/2 bbl sankes using the gizzmo that tag linked from brewers hardware. My chest freezer/ferm chamber can hold 2 sankes and I have 2 of the things from brewers hardware. With my set up I can't fit a standard air lock on them. I use these https://www.northern...le-closure.html held on by a 1/2" compression coupler. Low profile, doesn't need to be filled with liquid to work and, therefor, no suck-back when cold crashing in the primary. I pump wort in with a March pump and push beer out with CO2. Initial investment was higher than the more standard stuff, but, it's all quality, long lasting equipment. Even with 12 gal in the fermenters I have only had 1 blow-off, plenty of head space. I picked up a 2" tri-clover cap to use when rinsing and sanitizing the kegs. After thorough rinsing with hot water the keg go on the keg washer for final cleaning. No worries about scratching buckets, dropping glass carboys, etc. Overall, I'm very happy with the whole set upBeachBeach

[BlKtRe]

I have a few of these built. TC fitting with a gas in for co2 transfers, 3/8 thermowell for fermentation, and a 1/2 port for blow off tube, airlock, or a 1/2 racking cane...

[BlKtRe]

I highly recommend building a keg washer for cleaning if you go this route vs cutting the top off and figuring out a way to seal the lid (which are many).

[beach]

I put this together to enable me to push beer out with CO2. Screws into the same compression coupler that I attach the dry trap to on the brewers hardware sanke kit.

[tag]

Does the dry tap fit into the 1/2" silicone blow-off connector? I just used a 1/2" ID vinyl hose into a partially filled growler.BlKtRe's looks like Swagman's work. Nice.

[BlKtRe]

Does the dry tap fit into the 1/2" silicone blow-off connector? I just used a 1/2" ID vinyl hose into a partially filled growler.BlKtRe's looks like Swagman's work. Nice.

It is. These were the first ones he built like this. Told him what I wanted and he did it for me. Good guy. Miss seeing him around and hope come spring time he makes it back out to the shed.

[beach]

Does the dry tap fit into the 1/2" silicone blow-off connector? I just used a 1/2" ID vinyl hose into a partially filled growler.

Yes, you could use a short piece of 1/2" ID tubing, slip it over the blow-off port and slip the dry trap into the other end of the tubing. I use the compression coupler so I can add the CO2 post (in post #6) when I'm ready to push the beer out.Beach

[beach]

One of mine in ferment configuration. Beach

Edited by beach, 24 November 2012 - 03:58 PM.

[BlKtRe]

Well done Beach!

[Genesee Ted]

Wow, those are some seriously awesome fermenters. I have a handful of Sankes at work that I have been given and I think this will be the direction I go. I may just sell my glass for good now. About the keg cleaners though... I know we have had threads on them, but perhaps a little refresher here would be in order because I don't see how you can use these without one

[beach]

Well done Beach!

Thanks, same to you!

Wow, those are some seriously awesome fermenters. I have a handful of Sankes at work that I have been given and I think this will be the direction I go. I may just sell my glass for good now. About the keg cleaners though... I know we have had threads on them, but perhaps a little refresher here would be in order because I don't see how you can use these without one

For me, once I went to 1/2 bbl Sankes I won't go back. But, IMO a keg cleaner is a must. The only way I feel completely comfortable using 1/2 bbls as fermenters is that I run the cleaning solution up to 160*F+ prior to cleaning them. doob are you wanting to see pics? If so, let me know, as soon as I get some keg lines cleaned I'll be getting mine out for the afternoon and I can post some pics.Beach

[Genesee Ted]

I would love to see some pics of the cleaner and the process

[beach]

Will do. Heating the water now.Beach

[BlKtRe]

I also have a heated keg washer. Im using another sanke as the cleaning vessel. I got lucky and somebody gave me one of those huge pumps big breweries use to do transfers. My element is hooked to a Love controller.

[beach]

Heating a bucket of water with my 2000 watt heat stickSubmersible pump with 1 1/2" pcv stand pipe with 1 shit load of 1/16' holes all over itReady to go with with homebrewed PBW

[Genesee Ted]

I also have a heated keg washer. Im using another sanke as the cleaning vessel. I got lucky and somebody gave me one of those huge pumps big breweries use to do transfers. My element is hooked to a Love controller.

I still can't picture all of this. I keep thinking of the keg washer we use at work, but I don't get how yours works

[Genesee Ted]

Heating a bucket of water with my 2000 watt heat stickSubmersible pump with 1 1/2" pcv stand pipe with 1 shit load of 1/16' holes all over itReady to go with with homebrewed PBW

Ah ha! Got it. Works pretty well huh?

[beach]

Tall 1/4 bbl being cleaned. The stainless tube sticking out is a racking cane. I put them in, flip end for end 1/2 way through a cleaning cycle (15 min) and use a brush in them. Small parts (cornie keg parts, compression fittings, o-rings, etc) go in a 2" stainless tea ball and in the bucket.RinsePretty straight forward. Beach