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  • 1.  Air pump for props

    Posted 06-24-2022 15:55
    Hello!  Can anyone recommend an air pump suitable for aerating propagation wort in a 5 bbl yeast brink?

    When we prop-up yeast, we start in the lab in a series of flasks with stir bars/stir plates, progress to a 1/2 bbl ferm flask that's aerated with an aquarium pump and filter, and from there transfer, feed, and do the final prop in our 5 bbl yeast brink. However, our current best source of clean, dry air for the 5 bbl brink is our brewery air compressor - overkill when there's no a lot of other uses for air going on, such as overnight or weekend.

    Maybe we just need a huge aquarium pump :)

    I look forward to hearing suggestions - thanks!

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    Rob North
    Great North Aleworks
    Manchester NH
    rob@greatnorthaleworks.com
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  • 2.  RE: Air pump for props

    Posted 06-27-2022 15:53
    If you already have an air compressor with excess capacity, why not use that with some sterile filters in line?



    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Air pump for props

    Posted 06-28-2022 00:17
    As long as the compressor is oilless and that the air is water free and sterile  I can't see why that air can't be diffused into the prop wort. I am also assuming that this is yeast in a lag to growth phase and that it hasn't completed fermenting.. The wort only needs to oxygenated up to the yeast manufacturers recommendations (usually near 8 ppm)... but make sure that the 5 bbl vessel can't be pressurized with the air injection.


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    James Holden
    Brewing Consultant
    Retired but Busy
    jholden007@hotmail.com
    Canada/US/Mexico
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Air pump for props

    Posted 06-28-2022 11:55
    Just to clarify my question, it isn't that we can't use clean, dry, filtered air via our compressor. It is that we are looking for an alternative to using our big air compressor during times when the only thing calling for air is the prop.

    Someone messaged me with the idea of using purified bottled air - similar to what scuba divers would use. I thought this was an interesting solution worth checking out. Look forward to any other suggestions - thanks!

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    Rob North
    Great North Aleworks
    Manchester NH
    rob@greatnorthaleworks.com
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Air pump for props

    Posted 06-29-2022 16:05
    Rob,

    I use a small oilless pancake air compressor with a 10 micron water separator/filter followed by a 1 micron sterile air filter at the point of use.  The sterile air filter has a very small delta P limit, so it is used on the high side (encased in a chamber to equalize the pressure) in front of a needle valve to regulate flow to the end use.

    It's easy to use, 120V, portable, has built in pressure regulator and gauges, and is easily connected with air hose and standard air fittings to the point of use.

    Harlan Coomes
    Dip.Brew



    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Air pump for props

    Posted 07-26-2022 17:55
    Hi Harlan - thanks for the suggestion. Could you point me towards a source for the filters/separators you use? I think this is something we want to try and see how well it works out for us.

    Rob

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    Rob North
    Great North Aleworks
    Manchester NH
    rob@greatnorthaleworks.com
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    Original Message


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