fermcap

[monkeybrewer]

gone phishing

how did you know

[Jephro]

The Foam keeps getting thicker

I was referring to myself, but Jam On!!

[gitchegumee]

Fermcap S, or Fermcap AT?

What's the difference? And who is your supplier?

[Jephro]

I get FermCap S from Crosby & Baker. I really don't know the difference, they are both the same chemical...Dimethylpolysiloxane.

Here is the Data Sheet for S from BSG:

http://www.brewerssupplygroup.com/pdf/brewing_aids/foam_control/FermCap%20S%205D01530%20MSDS%20Apr07%20Update.pdf

FermCap AT:

http://www.brewerssupplygroup.com/pdf/brewing_aids/foam_control/FermCap%20S%205D01530%20MSDS%20Apr07%20Update.pdf

http://www.brewerssupplygroup.com/brewing_aids/foam_control.php

[brewery master]

Scoop The Poop!!!

I Use An 8 In. Strainer Scoop The Poop Just Before The Boil,no Boil Problem Here

[gitchegumee]

Thanks! I like the idea of using this stuff to keep us from getting burned. Also would like to see whether it can give me better foam/lacing in the glass. I have no problem with Fermcap, but will not use PGA. Cheers!

[Jephro]

It "should not" affect your beer post Fermenter, it is supposed to attach itself to the cell walls of the yeast and drop out when chilled, filtered, or fined. That actually makes me curious about its use in an unfiltered beer any thoughts on that??

My $.02 on foam stability/lacing, bung your FV's!! Don't waste that precious Co2 that the yeasties are making for you. I attach a Barby-Kuhner on the third day of fermentation and consistently get 15 PSI in the FV and at least 1/2 to 3/4 of my gas in the beer before it makes it to the BBT. I get great head retention and beautiful lacing.

[mharrison]

I know this stuff works great and supposedly doesn't remain in the beer after filtration but I just can't help feel a little dirty adding a synthetic oil to the beer. Are there any non man made alternatives?

Botanix makes a hop oil antifoam, http://www.botanix.co.uk/html/lipohop.html

Does anyone here have any experience with it?

[velez03]

I Use An 8 In. Strainer Scoop The Poop Just Before The Boil,no Boil Problem Here

Do you mean you scoop the foam off the top just before boil and that prevents boilovers?

[Brew Chef]

It is wise to scoop the foam that accumulates on the top of the wort just prior to boiling. THese are fine protein particles that add to chill have in your beer. Your filters will thank you if you use them.

Fermcap is an awesome product. I add it directly to my fermenters if the krausen gets too high. I just drop it onto the krausen during vigourous fermentation. and it reduces the height of the krausen quickly.

[Jephro]

Guess this answers my question about unfiltered beers....

From the BA Forun Today:

From: Dana Johnson [mailto:djohnson@birkocorp.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: Experience with Fermcap S

Hi Brandon,

Brewers should not use silicone-containing antifoam for unfiltered beers. The FDA allows active silicone to be used up to 10 parts-per-million (ppm) but stipulates that the silicone must be removed prior to packaging by either filtration or centrifugation. In the case of unfiltered beers, use a food grade, non-silicone antifoam. We sell a food grade, canola oil based antifoam that works well for this purpose and has an added benefit of being yeast-friendly at the same time. Look for my article on antifoams in the brewery in the July/August issue of The New Brewer. Please contact me directly if you would like to discuss this or any other matter further.

Cheers!

Dana Johnson
Brewery Technical Representative
BIRKO Corporation
Henderson, Colorado

https://www.birkocorp.com

[Fred Scheer]

Guess this answers my question about unfiltered beers....

From the BA Forun Today:

From: Dana Johnson [mailto:djohnson@birkocorp.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 3:14 PM
Subject: Re: Experience with Fermcap S

Hi Brandon,

Brewers should not use silicone-containing antifoam for unfiltered beers. The FDA allows active silicone to be used up to 10 parts-per-million (ppm) but stipulates that the silicone must be removed prior to packaging by either filtration or centrifugation. In the case of unfiltered beers, use a food grade, non-silicone antifoam. We sell a food grade, canola oil based antifoam that works well for this purpose and has an added benefit of being yeast-friendly at the same time. Look for my article on antifoams in the brewery in the July/August issue of The New Brewer. Please contact me directly if you would like to discuss this or any other matter further.

Cheers!

Dana Johnson
Brewery Technical Representative
BIRKO Corporation
Henderson, Colorado
www.birkocorp.com

I hear only the best from your product.
Cheers
Fred