How to seal fermentation barrel cap hole

[kudos1uk]

Does anyone have any good ideas what I can use to seal the hole on the cap of one of my fermentation barrels.

Both my barrels have a hole in the cap for an airlock and I want to seal the hole in one with some form of "blank" anyone seen anything or re purposed something that fits? Even better some form of simple pressure relief as I want to store final product in there topping with CO2.

 

[Gerryjo]

Does anyone have any good ideas what I can use to seal the hole on the cap of one of my fermentation barrels.

Both my barrels have a hole in the cap for an airlock and I want to seal the hole in one with some form of "blank" anyone seen anything or re purposed something that fits? Even better some form of simple pressure relief as I want to store final product in there topping with CO2.

By barrels I'm assuming they are fermenting buckets with pre-drilled holes in the lids. If so they aren't really designed for storing under CO2 pressure unless it's an actual pressure barrel in which case you could cut some food grade plastic placing each side of the cap with some epoxy resin too bond them or just get a new barrel cap which would be a better option IMO.

 

[terrym]

If its a standard plastic FV apply duck tape to cover hole. Sanitise. Job done.
If you want to vent any CO2 whilst your beer is resting crack the lid open slightly.
If its one of the sturdier FVs with a cap, apply duck tape as above. And If you want to vent the FV just uncrew the cap slightly.
Simple unless you have neither of these two FVs.

 

[VW911]

Just put an airlock in it...
Otherwise, a 5/16" solid grommet.

 

[kudos1uk]

By barrels I'm assuming they are fermenting buckets with pre-drilled holes in the lids. If so they aren't really designed for storing under CO2 pressure unless it's an actual pressure barrel in which case you could cut some food grade plastic placing each side of the cap with some epoxy resin too bond them or just get a new barrel cap which would be a better option IMO.

Yes they are both pressure barrels.

I have not been able to find new caps, both barrels (different makes) have the same 4 1/2" caps but the biggest I can find is 4".

 

[Gerryjo]

Yes they are both pressure barrels.

I have not been able to find new caps, both barrels (different makes) have the same 4 1/2" caps but the biggest I can find is 4".

What you could do is measure the diameter of the hole and order a plug/blank from a local plumbing supplier or online and this will certainly help you.

 

[kudos1uk]

What you could do is measure the diameter of the hole and order a plug/blank from a local plumbing supplier or online and this will certainly help you.

That's an idea, the holes are about 1" for a rubber demijohn cork, you can get chrome disks to blank tap holes that might work.

I have only used them to brew wash before, wash gets used right away with no need for storage.
Ale is a new venture and I wanted to use the same equipment, one barrel to ferment and second to condition, the second barrel will need to be airtight.

EDIT:
Yep, I think you solved my problem: Tap Hole Stopper 25mm Chrome-Plated

 

[Gerryjo]

That's an idea, the holes are about 1" for a rubber demijohn cork, you can get chrome disks to blank tap holes that might work.

I have only used them to brew wash before, wash gets used right away with no need for storage.
Ale is a new venture and I wanted to use the same equipment, one barrel to ferment and second to condition, the second barrel will need to be airtight.

EDIT:
Yep, I think you solved my problem: Tap Hole Stopper 25mm Chrome-Plated

You can get stainless steel which is a better option as the acidic beer will attack the chrome over time.
https://www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk/stainless-steel-tap-hole-stopper---54000790-394-p.asp

 

[kudos1uk]

You can get stainless steel which is a better option as the acidic beer will attack the chrome over time.
https://www.plumbers-mate-sales.co.uk/stainless-steel-tap-hole-stopper---54000790-394-p.asp

Thanks, yes that would be better or a plain white plastic one, thanks again.

 

[Gerryjo]

Thanks, yes that would be better or a plain white plastic one, thanks again.

You're welcome...

 

[Richie_asg1]

Put an undrilled cork in the hole from the inside.

You could fit a pressure cooker fitting that uses the adjustable weights. They can maintain a steady 15lbs pressure. Or an adjustable pressure relief but you would need to calibrate that.

Would be easier to use them for the purpose of fermentation, and save for a corny set up.

 

[kudos1uk]

Put an undrilled cork in the hole from the inside.

Thanks, that actually would have been the simplest and easiest method, a demijohn rubber cork would have been perfect.
I have placed an order with Toostation now but this is a great fallback.

 

[kudos1uk]

Put an undrilled cork in the hole from the inside.

This was the really simple way to go, problem solved for a couple of quid, I was overthinking it to try and make a more permanent seal but this is ideal as I can still use the PB's as FVs if needed, I guess if I over gas they will pop out if I put them this way (upside down when in use of course).