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Hop boil overs


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#1 chadm75

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Posted 23 July 2015 - 01:17 PM

Anyone else have an issue with boil overs when adding hops?  The last three times I've brewed, I've had to be really careful when adding my hops because the wort has been practically erupting. 

 

I don't remember this ever being an issue for whatever reason...

 

Anything I can do to combat that?



#2 SchwanzBrewer

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Posted 23 July 2015 - 01:31 PM

I think the anti foam stuff works that you can use for starters, but I'm not entirely sure.

 

Be careful. I saw that a lady probrewer in Colorado got 2nd degree burns on 30% of her body a couple weeks ago from a boil over after adding hops. The foam erupted from the lid in the kettle and shot right on her.


Edited by SchwanzBrewer, 23 July 2015 - 01:32 PM.


#3 3rd party JKor

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Posted 23 July 2015 - 01:37 PM

You can turn off the heat right before adding the hops.  You might be boiling too vigorously, as well.

 

 

I think the anti foam stuff works that you can use for starters, but I'm not entirely sure.

 

 

I have still had hop boilovers (or near misses) even when using Fermcap-S in my boil.  It helps but doesn't eliminate the possibility completely.



#4 positiveContact

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Posted 23 July 2015 - 01:38 PM

must have been a small hole over the BK?



#5 3rd party JKor

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Posted 23 July 2015 - 01:46 PM

must have been a small hole over the BK?

 

 

Most commercial kettle just have a manway.

 

7BBLBrew-Kettle-00.jpg



#6 Corbin

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Posted 23 July 2015 - 02:26 PM

Anyone else have an issue with boil overs when adding hops?  The last three times I've brewed, I've had to be really careful when adding my hops because the wort has been practically erupting. 
 
I don't remember this ever being an issue for whatever reason...
 
Anything I can do to combat that?

I always turn down the heat when adding hops.

#7 Deerslyr

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 09:22 AM

I boil in a converted sanke keg, so when I do my 5 gallon batches, it's not really an issue.  When I do my 10 gallon batches, I monitor the boil and when it gets close, I put some liquid poly-clar in to prevent it from boiling over.  I don't need to add any more when I add hops.  It's pretty cheap and an effective method.  

This may be the anti-foam stuff Schwanz was talking about.



#8 chadm75

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 09:31 AM

I always turn down the heat when adding hops.

 

I guess this is what I'm going to have to start doing.  I use Fermcap in every boil but that hasn't seemed to control the issue. 

 

Not only do I lose a bit of wort but I also lose hops that boil over and out.  Frustrating.



#9 HVB

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 10:39 AM

I must not be adding enough hops because I have never really had this issue.



#10 chadm75

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 10:43 AM

I must not be adding enough hops because I have never really had this issue.

 

It's only been an issue when I'm brewing 10 gallons in the converted sanke kegs.  When I'm brewing five gallons, I've got more than enough space to accommodate the foam from the hops.



#11 HVB

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 10:48 AM

It's only been an issue when I'm brewing 10 gallons in the converted sanke kegs.  When I'm brewing five gallons, I've got more than enough space to accommodate the foam from the hops.

Even on my 10g Batches with a 62qt pot I have not experienced it.  Now, part of that could be how my boil acts being pulsed electric.



#12 neddles

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 11:10 AM

I get the foam on every batch but its rarely enough to be a concern. When it is I just dial back the heat for a few seconds. 7.25-7.75 boils in a 11 gallon kettle.



#13 MyaCullen

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 11:32 AM

keep a spray bottle of filtered water handy when you toss in the hops, a few spritzes of water will usually knock it down



#14 denny

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 11:34 AM

keep a spray bottle of filtered water handy when you toss in the hops, a few spritzes of water will usually knock it down

 

That's what I do since I stopped using Fermcap



#15 chadm75

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 12:36 PM

keep a spray bottle of filtered water handy when you toss in the hops, a few spritzes of water will usually knock it down

 

Dammit...I forgot all about that.  I did that for a long time and for whatever reason totally forgot about it!  :facepalm:

 

That's what I do since I stopped using Fermcap

 

Why did you stop using Fermcap?



#16 denny

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 01:04 PM

Dammit...I forgot all about that.  I did that for a long time and for whatever reason totally forgot about it!  :facepalm:

 

 

Why did you stop using Fermcap?

 

There is some evidence (not conclusive) of possible health issues if Fermcap isn't filtered after using.  I've got enough health issues already that I don't care to take chances.



#17 MyaCullen

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Posted 24 July 2015 - 05:23 PM

There is some evidence (not conclusive) of possible health issues if Fermcap isn't filtered after using.  I've got enough health issues already that I don't care to take chances.

            what, you needed those kidneys?



#18 denny

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Posted 25 July 2015 - 09:31 AM

            what, you needed those kidneys?

 

only for the beer



#19 3rd party JKor

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Posted 25 July 2015 - 11:53 AM

My guess is that reducing your boil intensity will do it. I never had issues on my larger system, but have had issues on recent batches on the stovetop where i tend to have a much more vigorous boil if i'm not careful with the stove control.

#20 positiveContact

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Posted 25 July 2015 - 11:55 AM

I mostly only have to watch my boil during the very start of the boil.  I usually have to turn it off once the foam starts and then start it back up and watch it for a few minutes.  after this I'm ready to turn it off when I add hops but this is rarely necessary.




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