Phil Miller wrote:[color=blue]
> On 3 Jan 2007 06:52:45 -0800, "basskisser" <atl_man2@yahoo.com> wrote:
>[color=green]
> >
> >Phil Miller wrote:[color=darkred]
> >> On Sun, 31 Dec 2006 17:29:26 -0600, "Quinn Knight" <acjones@bellsouth.net>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >> >When brewing my first batch of beer I used a plastic bucket to ferment.
> >> >After I put the lid on the bucket I pushed the airlock into the hole in the
> >> >lid. When I did this the rubber grommet/gasket got pushed through the hole
> >> >and fell into my beer. I washed my hand and arm well, but had to go in up to
> >> >my elbow to find it. After 10 days this stuff smelled and tasted more like
> >> >something you would clean a carburetor in than beer. Is the sticking in of
> >> >my arm likely the problem or something else?
> >>
> >> I'd say that's one possibility. There are many others. You don't say whether you
> >> sanitised anything. More than washing is required. Everything needs to be
> >> sterile.
> >>
> >> On the subject of airlocks I suggest throwing it away. They are more trouble
> >> than they are worth. Just cover the fermenter with some plastic wrap. Works
> >> perfectly. I've been doing it for years without a single failure.
> >>
> >> Have a look at these;
> >>
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer1.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer2.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer3.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer4.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer5.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer6.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer8.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer14.jpg[/url]
> >> [url]http://www.geocities.com/spinning_wings/beer15.jpg[/url]
> >>
> >> Shill #312
> >> --
> >> Homer no function beer well without.
> >> Homer J. Simpson[/color]
> >
> >That's cool! Where does the CO2 escape if there is no airlock?[/color]
>
> I used to put a pin hole in the centre of the plastic, but I don't bother
> anymore. It just escapes gently from under the edge of the sheet when the
> pressure is positive inside. As the pressure dies down the rubber ring stops
> baddies getting in. To know when it's finished you just look inside. when the
> beer starts to clear, it's time to put it into a keg.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Shill #312[/color]

Very interesting! I like the idea! I think it will save some work! I've
got a plastic fermenter (like a bucket) with a lid, grommet and
airlock. Seems like too many pieces for me to touch and get
contaminated! Do you just use something like Saran Wrap? How about the
band, is it tight or just semi tight? I'm guessing that way the plastic
wrap would drap over the sides, the folds would allow gas to escape,
huh?