Does fermentation airlock need to be centered?

[CptCaveman]

Hi folks,

Does the fermentation airlock need to be centered on the top of the fermentation vessel (in my case a 25l plastic bucket)?

I ask because I have a small fridge that I have managed to non-destructively convert into a fermenter.. but I only have 7.5cm between the top of the bucket and the bottom of the ice making compartment. If I bring the opening towards the front, I will have a lot more room. Surely the pressure will force the gas up the airlock wherever it is?

 

[Wouter]

Nope, doesn't matter where the air lock is for it to work. As long as it is above liquid level of course haha.

But still, on the top is the best. The lower the airlock is situated the higher the chance the foam reaches it.

 

[Bigcol49]

Does the fermentation airlock need to be centered on the top of the fermentation vessel

No - as long as the CO2 can escape it doesn't matter where the ventis situated on the lid.
Have you considered a blow-off tube as a CO2 vent instead of a bubbler? A blow-off tube takes up a lot less space than a bubbler, and if you use an elbow fitting it takes up virtually no space at all.

 

[CptCaveman]

No - as long as the CO2 can escape it doesn't matter where the ventis situated on the lid.
Have you considered a blow-off tube as a CO2 vent instead of a bubbler? A blow-off tube takes up a lot less space than a bubbler, and if you use an elbow fitting it takes up virtually no space at all.

Something like this?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0118EANRQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I presume they can be had cheaper than that?

 

[Wouter]

Something like this?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0118EANRQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I presume they can be had cheaper than that?

Yeah, just make it yourself.
You just take some tubing, fix it to your FV and lead it through a sterile environment.
Try searching for how to make a blow off tube. It'll be easy, I guarantee it.

 

[terrym]

Something like this?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0118EANRQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I presume they can be had cheaper than that?

That looks like the most expensive piece of SS tube I have seen!!
Plastic tube is fine and considerably cheaper.
Or if you want to use metal, small bore copper pipe is cheapish, can be formed into most shapes, and is compatible with the brewing process.

 

[Bigcol49]

Something like this?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stainless-...&qid=1519815151&sr=8-6&keywords=blow+off+tube

Hi!
I was thinking of this pushed into your lid grommet (Oooh, Matron!) and then connected to bog-standard vinyl tubing.
Of course, you can simply push the tubing into the grommet, but you will have to allow space for the bend of the tubing.
EDIT - see Dutto's pic below.

 

[Dutto]

Something like this?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0118EANRQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

I presume they can be had cheaper than that?

Holy crap! I've just had to rescue my wallet to stop it from committing suicide! :wave:

Your presumption is correct and the system below cost about 50p.



Enjoy! :thumb:

 

[Bigcol49]

I've just had to rescue my wallet to stop it from committing suicide!

Hi!
I bet it blinked as you took it from your pocket.

 

[nigelnorris]

I just scrunch a bit of kitchen roll and bung that into the hole to stop anything crawling in, I've never used a hydrometer on a beer fermenter.

 

[BarnBrian]

Holy crap! I've just had to rescue my wallet to stop it from committing suicide! :wave:

Your presumption is correct and the system below cost about 50p.

View attachment 12763

Enjoy! :thumb:

Are you sure you're not a Yorkshireman Dutto? Incoming!!!!

 

[foxbat]

I ask because I have a small fridge that I have managed to non-destructively convert into a fermenter.. but I only have 7.5cm between the top of the bucket and the bottom of the ice making compartment. If I bring the opening towards the front, I will have a lot more room. Surely the pressure will force the gas up the airlock wherever it is?

I have a similar height restriction in my brewfridge. The answer for me was this type of airlock. With it pushed right into the bung it sticks up exactly 50mm.

 

[BeerCat]

That looks like the most expensive piece of SS tube I have seen!!
Plastic tube is fine and considerably cheaper.
Or if you want to use metal, small bore copper pipe is cheapish, can be formed into most shapes, and is compatible with the brewing process.

Agreed Terry. they are 12.99$ in the USA

 

[-Bezza-]

I have a similar height restriction in my brewfridge. The answer for me was this type of airlock. With it pushed right into the bung it sticks up exactly 50mm.

And looks to have a convenient bit of pipe sticking up to connect some tubing and turn it into a blow-off...

At least that seems to be what people do with it based on some internet pics.

 

[Bigcol49]

And looks to have a convenient bit of pipe sticking up to connect some tubing and turn it into a blow-off...

Hi!
The tubing can be fitted directly into the grommet - much less height than 50mm.
A blow-off is a very effective airlock.

 

[Clint]

Yeah get a tube fitted!