Hey guys,
my mate and i are gearing up for our first biab and i was wondering if there are any downsides to using natural fibres (ie. 100% cotton) other than the working life of the bag and drain time. The concern with using synthetics is some form of chemical leaching into the brew.
Any thoughts or comments would be helpful,
Beerslave.
Post #2 made 14 years ago
Hi Beerslave
I think you've nailed the major downsides of going "natural" the main worry for me would be knowing when the bag would fail. I split bag during a brew would be a nightmare
As to modern synthetics, most voile material is polyester, this is the same material used to make plastic water/softdrinks bottles (PET) and in my veiw has been well tested and I personally have no worries in using it.
This subject has been discussed before here's a link to one discussion..http://biabrewer.info/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=481
I would go with the voile, it will be worth it in the long run, some guys on here have lived with the same old bag for years
Good luck
Yeasty
I think you've nailed the major downsides of going "natural" the main worry for me would be knowing when the bag would fail. I split bag during a brew would be a nightmare
As to modern synthetics, most voile material is polyester, this is the same material used to make plastic water/softdrinks bottles (PET) and in my veiw has been well tested and I personally have no worries in using it.
This subject has been discussed before here's a link to one discussion..http://biabrewer.info/viewtopic.php?f=53&t=481
I would go with the voile, it will be worth it in the long run, some guys on here have lived with the same old bag for years
Good luck
Yeasty
Last edited by Yeasty on 28 May 2011, 16:56, edited 6 times in total.
Why is everyone talking about "Cheese"
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Post #4 made 14 years ago
I tried making a bag from cotton canvas with a wide weave for the reasons you mentioned. It worked when I did a test run in the bath tub with cold water, but when it came to brew day and it was full of hot water and grain, it plugged up or swelled tight like a balloon. Luckily I had another bag there I could transfer into. So I would think the down sides are that:
-Natural fibers absorb water and are thereby heavier and harder to drain.
-Wont last as long.
-Despite looking in a couple of great fabric stores, it was hard to find cotton material with the right weave. If you could find something airy enough, it would probably work.
-I looked at muslin, but the holes in this cloth were too big...
I have been using a polyester bag and it works great. My bag is holding strong and it cleans up well and dries fast.
Good luck.
-Natural fibers absorb water and are thereby heavier and harder to drain.
-Wont last as long.
-Despite looking in a couple of great fabric stores, it was hard to find cotton material with the right weave. If you could find something airy enough, it would probably work.
-I looked at muslin, but the holes in this cloth were too big...
I have been using a polyester bag and it works great. My bag is holding strong and it cleans up well and dries fast.
Good luck.
Post #5 made 14 years ago
I had my wife make my first bag from muslin, it had a really slow run off and it rotted very quickly and tore, then we went with voile.
http://beernvictuals.blogspot.com/ My blog, If you like what you read post a comment on the blog comments section thanks, BIAB post coming soon.
Post #6 made 14 years ago
I am using synthetic 'paint strainer' bags from LOWES. They are $3.00 for 2 bags that a big enough to hold 15-18lbs of grain. So far, nothing but good!
Post #7 made 14 years ago
I was in the fabric store the other day buying some polyester voile material, and I ran accross silk organza in the bridal section. (That sounds a little funny, come to think of it).
I haven't tried it, but when I pulled it along the warp and weft, it was very strong and the weave did not open up. It was $17 US per yard, but I bet it would be a good alternative for those worried about brewing with poly. I know silk is a very strong natural fiber. I would get some silk thread to sew it up...
I haven't tried it, but when I pulled it along the warp and weft, it was very strong and the weave did not open up. It was $17 US per yard, but I bet it would be a good alternative for those worried about brewing with poly. I know silk is a very strong natural fiber. I would get some silk thread to sew it up...
Post #8 made 14 years ago
It just dawned on me the other day about all the hype from so called traditional brewers frowning apon using the synthetic material (plastic leeching bla bla ) when they use it themselves in the hop bags!!
Post #9 made 14 years ago
Exactly 
And we don't boil the bags
And we don't boil the bags
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On Tap: NS Summer Ale III (WY1272), Landlord III (WY1469), Fighter's 70/- II (WY1272), Roast Porter (WY1028), Cider, Soda
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5/7/12
Cubed: -
Stirplate: -
On Tap: NS Summer Ale III (WY1272), Landlord III (WY1469), Fighter's 70/- II (WY1272), Roast Porter (WY1028), Cider, Soda
Next: Munich Helles III
5/7/12
Post #11 made 14 years ago
Just a quick post to add some more info to this thread before I forget it...
I've read of a few brewers who are happy using natural fibres however, natural fibres need to be given a good boil first. For example, it is not uncommon for cotton to be pre-treated with arsenic.
Finding the melting point of materials is quite difficult. For example, some nylons have the same melting point as some polyesters. They are generally above 180 C though.
Some burners with a narrowly focussed flame can turn the bottom of a kettle red hot (400c) so in many situations, a bag will burn if the mash is not agitated whilst flame is applied.
I've read of a few brewers who are happy using natural fibres however, natural fibres need to be given a good boil first. For example, it is not uncommon for cotton to be pre-treated with arsenic.
Finding the melting point of materials is quite difficult. For example, some nylons have the same melting point as some polyesters. They are generally above 180 C though.
Some burners with a narrowly focussed flame can turn the bottom of a kettle red hot (400c) so in many situations, a bag will burn if the mash is not agitated whilst flame is applied.
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