The Science Of Beer Tubes: How Do They Work?

Tubes are an essential component of the beer brewing process, especially during the fermentation stage. A blow-off tube, for example, is a flexible, food-grade hose that is attached to the fermenter's airlock, allowing excess carbon dioxide and foam to escape safely. Tubes also come in handy when transferring liquids, as they save the brewer from having to manually pour wort or beer. The type of tubing used depends on the specific application, with factors such as temperature, flexibility, transparency, and size playing a role in the decision-making process.

Filling a beer tube

• Sanitize All Components: Before assembling the setup, thoroughly sanitise the fermentation vessel, airlock grommet or bung, blow-off tube, and sanitizer solution container using a food-grade sanitizer. This step ensures a sanitary environment for the fermentation process.
• Attach the Blow-Off Tube to the Fermenter: Securely insert one end of the blow-off tube into the hole in the airlock grommet or bung, creating an airtight seal.
• Place the Airlock Grommet or Bung on the Fermenter: Depending on your fermenter type, either place the airlock grommet on the lid of a plastic bucket or insert the bung into the neck of a glass carboy or stainless steel fermenter.
• Prepare the Sanitizer Solution: Mix a food-grade sanitizer, such as Star San or Iodophor, with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. This solution will be used to fill the container that the blow-off tube will be submerged in.
• Fill the Sanitizer Solution Container: Pour the prepared sanitizer solution into the container, ensuring there is enough liquid to completely submerge the end of the blow-off tube.
• Submerge the Blow-Off Tube in the Sanitizer Solution: Place the free end of the blow-off tube into the container of sanitizer solution, ensuring it remains submerged throughout the fermentation process.
• Secure the Blow-Off Tube (Optional): For added stability, use clamps or cable ties to secure the blow-off tube to the fermenter and the container holding the sanitizer solution. This reduces the risk of the tube becoming dislodged during fermentation.
• Monitor the Fermentation Process: Regularly check your setup to ensure the tube remains submerged and that gas and foam are escaping as expected.
• Clean and Sanitize: Once fermentation is complete, remove the blow-off tube from the fermenter and sanitizer solution container. Clean and sanitise all components before storing them for future use.

By following these steps, you can effectively fill and utilise a beer tube during the beer-brewing process, contributing to a successful and clean fermentation.

Cleaning a beer tube

Cleaning beer tubes can be a tedious task, but it is important to maintain the quality of your beer and the performance of your equipment. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean your beer tubes:

Rinsing and Sanitizing: After each use, it is important to rinse your beer tubes with hot water to remove any residual beer or debris. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and contaminants. Once rinsed, it is recommended to soak the tubes in a sanitizing solution, such as a no-rinse sanitiser like Star San, to ensure they are free of harmful microorganisms. This will also help prevent off-flavours in your beer.

Boiling Water: For more thorough cleaning, some brewers suggest running hot or boiling water through the tubes after each use. This can help loosen and remove any stubborn residue.

Cleaning Solutions: In addition to sanitising, some people recommend using cleaning solutions to deep clean your beer tubes. Products like OxiClean, bleach (1/4 cup bleach in 5 gallons of cold water), or a mixture of sodium perchlorate and sodium metasilicate (5:1 ratio) can be effective in breaking down and removing organic material. Soaking the tubes in these solutions for an hour or overnight can provide a more intensive clean. However, always be sure to rinse the tubes thoroughly after using any cleaning solutions to avoid residual chemicals affecting the flavour of your beer.

Mechanical Cleaning: Some tubing materials, like silicone, can withstand boiling. Boiling your silicone tubes in water can be an effective way to sanitise and clean them. For more stubborn buildup, consider using a dip tube brush specifically designed for cleaning tubing. Pipe cleaners can also be useful for cleaning small spaces, like the hook/crook of an auto-siphon tube or the valve at the bottom of a racking cane. Additionally, a racking cane with a small wad of paper towel pushed through it can help wipe away residue from the tubing walls.

Drying: After cleaning, it is important to dry your beer tubes thoroughly. Some people recommend using a spin or helicopter method, where you twist the tube around your head and spin it like a helicopter to remove excess water. Others suggest using an air compressor to blow out any remaining water. Hanging the tubes in a warm, dry place will also ensure complete drying before the next use.

Prevention: To minimise cleaning efforts, it is recommended to rinse and sanitise your beer tubes immediately after use. Additionally, consider using the tubes solely for beer dispensing and designating separate tubes for the blow-off process, as this can help reduce the buildup of krausen and gunk. Regular cleaning and sanitising will also prevent the growth of slime, which can occur when tubes are left soaking in sanitising solutions for extended periods.

By following these steps and adapting them to your specific equipment and needs, you can effectively clean your beer tubes, ensuring a hygienic and well-maintained system for dispensing beer.

Keeping a beer tube cold

Use Ice, Water, and Snow:

• Submerge the beer tube in a bucket of ice water or run cold water over it. This is an effective method to rapidly lower the temperature.
• For outdoor adventures, natural water sources like rivers, springs, or lakes can be utilised to keep your beer tube chilled. Secure the tube to prevent it from drifting or sinking.
• If you're in a snowy environment, bury your beer tube in the snow for natural refrigeration.

Evaporative Cooling:

• This method involves using two clay pots, one larger than the other, and sand. Plug the bottom of each pot with clay or putty.
• Place the smaller pot inside the larger one and fill the space between them with sand, preferably fine-grit river sand for better insulation.
• Pour cold water into the sand to dampen it without creating puddles.
• Cover the top of the pots with a cold, wet towel. As the water evaporates, it will cool the inside of the container, creating a natural cooling system for your beer tube.

Burying Beers:

• This method is ideal for keeping your beer tube cool for extended periods. Find a cool, shady spot with moist soil, preferably near a water body.
• Bury the beer tube partially, ensuring the top is visible for easy retrieval and to prevent accidental discoveries.

Additional Tips:

• Use a fan to blow cold air into the tube, helping to maintain a lower temperature.
• Wrap the beer tube in a wet sock or cloth and place it in a windy area. The evaporating water will assist in keeping the contents cool.
• Submerging the beer tube in a body of water and securing it to something along the shore can also keep it chilled.

Remember to always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid wasting water. Enjoy your cold beer responsibly!

Using a blow-off tube for brewing beer

A blow-off tube is a crucial component in the beer-brewing process, especially during fermentation. It is a flexible, food-grade hose attached to the fermenter's airlock, allowing excess carbon dioxide and foam, known as "Krausen," to escape safely. The other end of the tube is submerged in a sanitised water or sanitiser solution, creating a closed system that prevents contaminants like bacteria or wild yeast from entering the fermenter.

To set up a blow-off tube, you will need a three-piece airlock, a section of siphon hose (approximately three to four feet in length with a 1/2" inner diameter), and a large jar or small bucket. Prepare a sanitiser bath and clean and sanitise all parts, reserving some of the diluted sanitiser. Fit one end of the hose over the inside of the airlock and fill the bucket or jar about two-thirds full of sanitiser, leaving space for the foam. Attach the airlock end of the blow-off tube to your fermenter and run the other end into the bucket of sanitiser.

Blow-off tubes are particularly useful when brewing high-gravity beers or fermenting at higher temperatures, as they provide a larger outlet for the Krausen to escape, reducing the risk of clogs and spillage. They also help regulate pressure within the fermenter, preventing dangerous pressure build-up. Additionally, the closed system created by the blow-off tube reduces the risk of oxidation and improves yeast health by limiting exposure to oxygen and creating a more optimal environment for yeast growth.

In summary, a blow-off tube is an essential tool for maintaining quality, safety, and efficiency during the beer-brewing process, especially during vigorous fermentations. It helps prevent messes, maintain sanitary conditions, and ensure a successful and clean fermentation process.

Choosing tubing for homebrewing

When it comes to homebrewing, tubing is essential for transferring your brew. The type of tubing you choose depends on various factors, including temperature, flexibility, transparency, and compatibility with your equipment. Here are some tips to help you choose the right tubing for your homebrewing setup:

Types of Tubing

The four most common types of food-grade tubing for homebrewing are:

• Clear PVC Vinyl Tubing: This is an economical choice for moving beer before and after fermentation on the cold side of your brewery. It is crystal clear, allowing easy monitoring of colour, clarity, and flow rate. While it is rated up to 175°F (79.4°C), it should not be used on the hot side due to a dramatic drop in pressure rating and proneness to kinking at high temperatures.
• Reinforced PVC Vinyl Tubing: This tubing has a polyester braid embedded in the vinyl, increasing working pressures and making it suitable for the hot side of the brewery at temperatures below 175°F (79.4°C). It is less prone to kinking and is a good choice for temperatures below mash and sparge temperatures.
• Silicone Tubing: Silicone tubing is ideal for all applications in the home brewery. It can withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) and is highly resistant to kinking. While it is translucent, allowing some visibility, it is not as clear as PVC tubing. Silicone tubing is the most popular choice for the hot side of the brewery.
• Thermoplastic Tubing: This is a more economical alternative to silicone tubing, capable of withstanding boiling temperatures. However, its opacity is a drawback as you cannot see the colour or flow of your brew.

Factors to Consider

When choosing tubing for homebrewing, consider the following:

• Temperature: Ensure the tubing can handle the temperatures of your brew. For hot wort transfers, choose tubing rated for high temperatures, such as silicone tubing.
• Flexibility: Some tubing, like reinforced vinyl, is stiffer and less flexible, which can make it challenging to work with.
• Curling and Kink Resistance: Vinyl tubing is notorious for curling at the end, which can be frustrating. Silicone tubing, on the other hand, is highly kink-resistant.
• Transparency: Clear tubing, like PVC vinyl, allows you to monitor the colour, clarity, and flow rate of your brew easily. Silicone tubing is translucent but does not offer the same level of visibility.
• Compatibility: Ensure the tubing is compatible with your equipment, such as metal barbs, racking canes, or bottle fillers. You may need to adjust the tubing size or use clamps for a secure fit.
• Sanitation: Choose tubing that can be sanitised effectively using common brewery sanitizers. Silicone tubing can also be autoclaved, but it may become gummy after repeated autoclaves.

Remember to replace your tubing regularly, especially if it becomes discoloured, scratched, or difficult to clean. By choosing the right tubing for your homebrewing setup and maintaining it properly, you can ensure efficient and safe transfers of your brew.

Frequently asked questions