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Author Topic: Aeration equipment  (Read 7005 times)

Offline Hokerer

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #15 on: April 15, 2011, 07:51:49 pm »
A mix-stir and a paint stirrer are the same thing, aren't they?
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Offline bluesman

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #16 on: April 15, 2011, 09:02:57 pm »
Just curious, what's the mechanism that causes aeration with the mix-stir?  I assume you're putting the mix-stir at the bottom of the vessel and it gets everything moving, maybe forming a vortex?  Would a paint mixer do the same thing?  I ask because I was thinking about using a paint mixer for faster cooling with an immersion chiller, but don't want to aerate the hot wort (not trying to start an HSA debate here...).

Yes, it creates a vacuum (vortex) in the beer drawing air into the wort. A paint mixer would also accomplish this task.
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Offline Thirsty_Monk

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #17 on: April 15, 2011, 09:13:56 pm »
I started to use Ventury tube.
Something like this:
« Last Edit: April 15, 2011, 09:51:21 pm by Thirsty_Monk »
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Offline hopfenundmalz

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #18 on: April 15, 2011, 09:20:13 pm »
Just curious, what's the mechanism that causes aeration with the mix-stir?  I assume you're putting the mix-stir at the bottom of the vessel and it gets everything moving, maybe forming a vortex?  Would a paint mixer do the same thing?  I ask because I was thinking about using a paint mixer for faster cooling with an immersion chiller, but don't want to aerate the hot wort (not trying to start an HSA debate here...).

You can get a vortex right to the bottom of the vessel if you really get it going. 

Never used a paint mixer
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Offline a10t2

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #19 on: April 15, 2011, 09:27:20 pm »
As far as aeration, all you need is an aquarium pump, an inline filter cartridge, and an air stone. You should be able to get it set up for <$20, much less if you can get the filters locally.

I'm a big fan of these air stones: http://www.petco.com/product/6126/Lee's-Discard-A-Stones-Aquarium-Airstones.aspx If you're going to use a non-disposable stone, make sure it's stainless so that you can sanitize it (with heat).
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Offline denny

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #20 on: April 16, 2011, 10:30:59 am »
Would a paint mixer do the same thing?  I ask because I was thinking about using a paint mixer for faster cooling with an immersion chiller, but don't want to aerate the hot wort (not trying to start an HSA debate here...).

Yep, there are people who use a SS paint mixer to do the same thing.
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Offline jibblett

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #21 on: April 16, 2011, 10:42:53 am »
problem with a paint mixer is when you want to aerate what's in a carboy, and the fixed blades won't fit through the neck.  the mix-stir blades fold against the shaft to fit through, then spread out when mixing.

Offline kal

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #22 on: April 19, 2011, 01:38:09 pm »
You should be able to get everything you need from a local pet store. Basically its a pump and some tubing.

Have you considered using a mix-stir rod? All you need to do is attach it to a drill motor and stir the wort at high speed for a minute or two.



That's exactly what I do. It works well for me, never had any issues. I like it due to the simplicity and speed: 60 seconds is all it takes.  Forming a vortex is exactly what happens.

The one I use goes by the brand name "Fizz-X". It's meant to degass wine.



Mine looks slightly different as I've had it for ~20+ years.

Kal

Offline zorch

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Re: Aeration equipment
« Reply #23 on: April 20, 2011, 04:50:56 pm »
Just curious, what's the mechanism that causes aeration with the mix-stir?  I assume you're putting the mix-stir at the bottom of the vessel and it gets everything moving, maybe forming a vortex? 

When I aerate with my mix-stir I will run the blades near the surface for a bit first, which creates a lot of froth.  Then I'll drop them lower and create a strong vortex for a bit to 'mix in' the froth.   I'll go back and forth between 'frothing' and 'mixing' for a couple of minutes, or until I've got foamy wort right up to the neck of my carboy.

I don't know if that procedure is necessary, but it's worked well for me.

As an aside, I would highly recommend the stainless steel version over the cheaper plastic model.   The blades on the plastic version are attached to the shaft with a plastic peg -  Perhaps my drill is extra-powerful, but the third time I used my original plastic version that peg snapped.     I replaced that with the steel model, and it's still going strong after 40+ brews.