Identifying & Fixing Leaks
FermZilla Tri-Conical 27L & 55L | Identifying & Fixing Leaks
If you suspect that your FermZilla has a leak it is important to properly test this.
Leak testing is not typically viable when fermentation is in progress. It is also possible to mis-identify the FermZilla as having a leak due to factors such as CO2 dissolving into solution (during cold crash, for example) or other factors.
Leak Testing | 30L & 60L All Rounder FermZillas
Unless the tank itself is cracked (in which case it will need to be replaced) then the All Rounder range can only leak from the lid or neck of the FermZilla.
There are two ways to test and identify the location of a leak.
Detergent Bubble Test
Ensure the FermZilla is empty. Assemble the FermZIlla according to instructions ensuring all threads, seals and o-rings are lightly lubricated with food grade lube
Pressurise the FermZilla to approximately 20psi (no higher than 35psi)
Spray or lightly sponge the entirety of the lid and neck of the FermZilla with a detergent or StellarSan solution. Ensure the lid collar, the whole of the lid and the Carbonation Caps, threads and PRV are covered.
Examine the lid and neck for bubble formation. We are looking for bubbles forming and escaping due to CO2 escaping from the lid or neck of the FermZilla - this indicates the presence of a leak
If any leaks are detected, please refer to Fixing Leaks
Immersion Test
Ensure the FermZilla is empty. Assemble the FermZIlla according to instructions ensuring all threads, seals and o-rings are lightly lubricated with food grade lube
Pressurise the FermZilla to approximately 20psi (no higher than 35psi)
Half fill a suitable bucket or container (large enough to fit the FermZilla) with cold water
Invert the FermZilla into the bucket, ensuring that it is submerged past the lid
If a steady stream of bubbles, or slow but regular bubbles are visible, then the FermZilla may have a leak
If the exact position of the leak cannot be determined (if the vessel is not large enough to see the whole lid, for example) then perform a Detergent Bubble Test to identify the location of the leak
Leak Testing | 27L & 55L Tri-Conical FermZillas
Unless the tank itself is cracked (in which case it will need to be replaced) then the Tri-Conical range can only leak from the lid, Collection Container or Butterfly Valve assembly of the FermZilla.
There are two ways to test and identify the location of a leak.
Detergent Bubble Test
Ensure the FermZilla is empty. Assemble the FermZIlla according to instructions ensuring all threads, seals and o-rings are lightly lubricated with food grade lube
Pressurise the FermZilla to approximately 20psi (no higher than 35psi)
Spray or lightly sponge the entirety of the lid and neck of the FermZilla with a detergent or StellarSan solution. Ensure the lid collar, the whole of the lid and the Carbonation Caps, threads and PRV are covered.
Examine the lid and neck for bubble formation. We are looking for bubbles forming and escaping due to CO2 escaping from the lid or neck of the FermZilla - this indicates the presence of a leak
Spray or lightly sponge the threads/caps/Carbonation Caps of the Collection Container with a detergent or StellarSan solution. Also spray or lightly sponge the Butterfly Valve assembly and the flange and clamps of the assembly
Examine the bottom assembly (Collection Container, Butterfly Valve and 2" TC flange) for bubble formation. We are looking for bubbles forming and escaping due to CO2 escaping from the FermZilla - this indicates the presence of a leak
If any leaks are detected, please refer to Fixing Leaks
Immersion Test
Ensure the FermZilla is empty. Assemble the FermZIlla according to instructions ensuring all threads, seals and o-rings are lightly lubricated with food grade lube
Pressurise the FermZilla to approximately 20psi (no higher than 35psi)
Half fill a suitable bucket or container (large enough to fit the FermZilla) with cold water
Invert the FermZilla into the bucket, ensuring that it is submerged past the lid
After checking the lid, lower the FermZIlla into the vessel so that the bottom assembly (Collection Container, Butterfly Valve and 2" TC flange) are submerged
If a steady stream of bubbles, or slow but regular bubbles are visible, then the FermZilla may have a leak
If the exact position of the leak cannot be determined (if the vessel is not large enough to see the whole lid, for example) then perform a Detergent Bubble Test to identify the location of the leak
Fixing Leaks
Once a leak has been identified the cause of the leak needs to be determined and corrected.
Lid Leaks
If the leak is from the lid itself or the neck of the FermZilla then remove the lid and inspect the threads of the FermZilla tank for cracking. If a crack is located then the tank will need to be replaced.
Remove and insect the lid o-ring from the inner lid. Inspect the o-ring for burrs, cuts or damage. If this is damaged it will need to be replaced with a Replacement Lid Seal
Inspect the threads of the Threaded Lid Ring and the Pressure Lid for cracks, nicks or damage. If this is the source of the leak it will need to be replaced.
Once parts are inspected and/or replaced as needed, ensure the o-ring and threads are lubricated with food grade lube and repeat the above tests.
If the lid is still leaking make sure that the stainless-steel handles are not too tight. Loosen these\ handles (or remove) and then perform another leak test. The handles should only be hand tight as too tight can result in distortion of the neck of the Fermzilla
Collection Container and Butterfly Valves Leaks
Inspect the threads on the Collection Container. If any cracks are found this will need to be replaced. Ensure that the threads are lubed and the Carbonation Caps are only hand tightened when replacing fittings.
Inspect the Tri-Clover beaded seals for nicks or damage. If these are damaged they will need to be replaced.
If no physical issues are found carefully reassemble the Collection Container and Butterfly Valve. Lubricate the beaded seals and all threads with food grade lube. Reassemble and retest the FermZilla.
If you are still experiencing issues please send through a video to the email beer@kegland.com.au showing where the leak is occurring (leak test) and photos of the condition of the lid and o-ring.
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