Anybody out there convert a 15gal ss keg into a fermenter? I’ve been running the logistics over and over in my head and I think it could work for a nice 10 gal FV, but I’m also wondering if anybody’s ever done it with any success. It’d kinda be designed after a conical, but not quite. Advice?
not done it myself but I know a few people who have and they seem happy. I know more folks that ferment 10 gallon batches in the 15 gallon vittles vaults pet food containers though.
Lots of ways to do it . Most use it like a big carboy. Put an orange carboy cap on and you’re good to go.
I use the “slim” quarter kegs. They are 7.75 gallons, as tall as a pin-lock, and a little wider.
Brewers Hardware also sells a stainless cap to use.
Brewers have also cut out the top and made a pressure lid for it. Others have welded on a corny top.
I like to keep it simple. YMMV
P.S. you can use cornies too.
I use the Brewers Hardware tri-clamp setup. I’m thrilled with it… although I do wish I could reach inside to clean it.
vittles vaults - good idea. i’ve seen 'em around. never thought about using them as a fermenter.
i was planning on cutting the top out so i could top-crop the yeast and then have the bottom and lower/front valves as well.
transporting the liquid is another hurdle for the future.
I have been fermenting in a 15 gallon corny keg for the last several years. Took an inch off the dip tube and it works great. I run a blow off hose off the gas. Plenty of head space for 11 gallon batches. Transfer to serving kegs under CO2. Soak in PBW to clean.
The only downside is that it’s heavy as can be when full. I put casters on my chest freezer along with a 12" collar to accommodate the tall keg. I put the keg in empty and roll it over to my brewstand to pump my wort into it.
This is a picture of it next to my old brew stand.
If I had one of those I’d go back to 12 gallon batches. The 12"collar works huh? Seems to me it wouldn’t tax the unit too much.
Doesn’t seem to tax it too much. That is, the unit doesn’t have any trouble holding fermentation temps and cold crashing down to near freezing. As far as longevity, I assume that Texas summers are the biggest enemy of my chest freezer fermentation chamber. This is my second chest freezer. It has had the collar on it since day one. It’s in its second year of service. We will see how long it lasts.
