Fermcap-S vs Patcote 376 Foam Control
Posted: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:16 am
Since I switched to the smaller 6 gal Better Bottles for my fermentation, I've been a regular user of Fermcap-S antifoam to keep the krausen under control and contained in the smaller fermentor. It works very well for this.
However, I was disturbed to learn listening to the presentations from the National Homebrewer's Conference that if a commercial brewery uses Fermcap, they must filter it out before packaging. Otherwise they will exceed the allowable limit of silicone.
Now normally nearly all of the Fermcap settles to the bottom of the fermentor and gets racked off but I've become a little uneasy using it from stories that although being inert, ingesting too much can clog up your kidneys {no citation found}. Plus adding strange chemicals to my beer seems a little unnatural.
During the presentation, another product was mentioned that is used in commercial breweries that is derived from canola oil and is not required to be filtered.
It's called Patcote 376 (or Patco 376).
This is the description from Binko:
Fermcap doesn't seem to affect head retention at all. I'll see how Patcote 376 performs. Or Better Bottle could make a freaking 6.5 gal bottle!
However, I was disturbed to learn listening to the presentations from the National Homebrewer's Conference that if a commercial brewery uses Fermcap, they must filter it out before packaging. Otherwise they will exceed the allowable limit of silicone.
Now normally nearly all of the Fermcap settles to the bottom of the fermentor and gets racked off but I've become a little uneasy using it from stories that although being inert, ingesting too much can clog up your kidneys {no citation found}. Plus adding strange chemicals to my beer seems a little unnatural.
During the presentation, another product was mentioned that is used in commercial breweries that is derived from canola oil and is not required to be filtered.
It's called Patcote 376 (or Patco 376).
This is the description from Binko:
And here is a description from the eBay seller I bought a small bottle from:Patcote® 376
A 100% active, non-silicone defoamer. Designed for use in food processing operations. Will not blind micro/nano filters. Patcote® 376 complies with Paragraph 173.340 of Title 21 of The Code of Federal Regulations covering defoaming agents used in food processing. Kosher approval.
http://www.birkocorp.com/produce/veggiexide/
I've also requested a sample from Hydrite Chemical Co. http://www.hydrite.com/ethanol.phpBREWING ANTI-FOAM Foam Control
for Beer, Brewing, Wine Making, and Food Preparation - Patcote 376* ( Patco 376 )
(Non-Silicone) VEGETABLE OIL-BASED
1 Ounce Bottle with Dropper Applicator (approx 30ml).
REDUCE THE RISK OF BOIL-OVERS and FERMENTATION BLOW-OFFS.
Many anti-foam agents contain "Dimethylpolysiloxane", a synthetic man-made silicone polymer, which the FDA has tough restrictions on for its use in food (for example it is totally forbidden to be added to milk).
Craft breweries and home brewers now have an option with Patcote® 376 Anti Foam.
A vegetable oil-based antifoam, it is a great FOAM CONTROL option for brewers who want to keep all man-made silicone polymers out of the beers they serve. This antifoam product can also be used in winemaking, and food or drink preparations where foam control is required.
If you brew beer, you must read this blog entry about the use of PATCOTE 376 Anti-Foam: http://www.birkocorp.com/brewery/confes ... -salesman/
Vegetable-Oil based anti-foam agents:
reduce loss and boil-overs during boiling,
permit fermentation vessels to be filled higher and better utilized,
reduce blow-off foam at the fermenter,
improve head retention,
optimize brewing efficiency.
functions as yeast nutrient.
contain ABSOLUTELY NO synthetic man-made silicone polymers.
HOW TO USE
Help to control foam during Beer Wort Boiling - add 1-2 drops per gallon
Help to control foam during Beer Wort Fermentation - add 1-2 drops per gallon at flame-out.
A 1-Ounce bottle contains approximately 600 drops, enough to treat up to 300-600 gallons.
A 100% active NON-SILICONE antifoam that is vegetable-oil based.
*A product of Hydrite Chemical Co.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150873533619?ss ... 682wt_1169
Fermcap doesn't seem to affect head retention at all. I'll see how Patcote 376 performs. Or Better Bottle could make a freaking 6.5 gal bottle!