40 gallon blue drum

[greenthumb]

Ive just picked up some 40 gallon blue drums my question is what is the safe level to ferment at without the risk of foaming over?

sorry if this question has been asked before, I couldnt find any answers

thank for your time guys

[kurgan]

Most of the sugar and grain washes aren't going to foam in my experience (they just fizz), fruit washes are another story. I guess it does depend on the grain. I've had some big barleywine's, stouts and porters puke pretty good. I'd say leave 5 gallons head space till you get a feel for the drum.

[greenthumb]

Thats the figure I was thinking, im only used to doing 5 gallon washes, im mainly going to be doing neutrals and rums like you say they dont tend to foam much, will probably back the amount off a bit on fruit washes and mashes to be safe

[Truckinbutch]

I leave 3" of head space on sugar washes in a 44 gallon fermenter . I asked this same question not long after I joined here . I got few responses and finally figured out that it is a subjective question . Depends on what you are going to ferment . You can cautiously increase ferment amounts or load up a guestament and either achieve success or have a lot of mopping to do .Experience has taught me to work my way up the volume levels .
Don't ask about my failures .

[greenthumb]

I leave 3" of head space on sugar washes in a 44 gallon fermenter . I asked this same question not long after I joined here . I got few responses and finally figured out that it is a subjective question . Depends on what you are going to ferment . You can cautiously increase ferment amounts or load up a guestament and either achieve success or have a lot of mopping to do .Experience has taught me to work my way up the volume levels .
Don't ask about my failures .

Yeah I'm kinda trying to avoid using the mop my OH thinks I'm allergic to it

Good advice, will start off small and build up to it, time to dig out the paint stirrer!

Now just gotta decide on birdwatchers or all bran wich one first?

[notrub]

The general rule of thumb is 3 or 4" I run a lot of different washes Its always worked for me and never foamed over. Everything from apple to sweet feed .

[WalkingWolf]

Wheat will make it foam a bunch. Wheat-germ same thing. I've used oats, rye, corn and barley with no foaming.

[Red Rim]

I can tell you what not to do.

Do not
Under any circumstances (except for entertainment value),
Add raw sugar to that barrel while under full ferment!


If you do, keep a mop on hand. Ole faithful is not to be trifled with!

[WalkingWolf]

Something else to keep in mind. If you plan on sealing this then put a blow-off tube tucked in a quart of water. Don't try to vent this with an air lock meant for a 5 gallon ferment. This should be self-explanatory but wanted to err on the side of caution.