Ask The Brewmasters

I recently purchased a replacement door gasket for one of my lagering tanks and, oooooh boy, is it pungent smelling. Almost floral like. It's so pungent that I'm worried it could impart a flavor or aroma on my beer.

Any suggestions as to how to get rid of the scent? We've already tried soaking it in caustic, thinking of trying PAA or a different acid sani next, but figured I'd come here to see if anyone has any suggestions.

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Lisa Allen (she/her)
Head Brewer/Production Manager/Owner
Heater Allen Brewing
McMinnville OR
(503) 472-4898
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Hi Lisa,

I recall reading somewhere that some brewers soak new gaskets in yeast slurry to remove malodors.  Maybe somebody else can confirm or deny if it works or not.

Hope this helps.

Dana

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Dana Johnson
Technical Director, Craft Brewing
Birko - A Diversey Company
Henderson CO
(303) 289-1090, ext. 117
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Original Message:
Sent: 1/19/2023 11:41:00 AM
From: Dana Johnson
Subject: RE: Pungent smelling gasket

Hi Lisa,

I recall reading somewhere that some brewers soak new gaskets in yeast slurry to remove malodors.  Maybe somebody else can confirm or deny if it works or not.

Hope this helps.

Dana

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Dana Johnson
Technical Director, Craft Brewing
Birko - A Diversey Company
Henderson CO
(303) 289-1090, ext. 117
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Hello Lisa, 

Good on you for maintaining door gaskets!   And you are correct, new elastomers can impart flavor.
     
Assuming the gasket meets with your product contact material specifications,
try conditioning via immersion in viable yeast slurry, for 3 days.  Use a vessel unrelated to current production.

Upon removal, repeat your sensory analysis procedure. 

I'll be surprised if there isn't a TQ article or MBAA literature reference on yeast conditioning procedures, and if others don't share their tips.   

Let us know how it turns out for Heater.

Best,

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David Ammons, PE
Retired Brewing Engineering Manager
Saint Louis MO

ammfamd2@gmail.com
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Thank you everyone for your responses!

The gasket in question was put in a yeast slurry yesterday and we're letting it sit over the weekend, I'll let you know our results on Monday.

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Lisa Allen
Head Brewer
Heater Allen Brewing
McMinnville OR
(503) 472-4898
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The results: It kind of worked. The gasket isn't as pungent smelling as it was, but there is definitely still an unpleasant aroma. I'm not too surprised as the smell of this gasket was very strong. We are going to try it again tomorrow and see if a double yeast slurry bath does the trick.

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Lisa Allen
Head Brewer
Heater Allen Brewing
McMinnville OR
(503) 472-4898
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2023 19:22
From: Lisa Allen
Subject: Pungent smelling gasket

Thank you everyone for your responses!

The gasket in question was put in a yeast slurry yesterday and we're letting it sit over the weekend, I'll let you know our results on Monday.

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Lisa Allen
Head Brewer
Heater Allen Brewing
McMinnville OR
(503) 472-4898
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