Yeast Washing With Separatory Flask

[@TheMarcioChannel]

I'm someone in the science field and I'm always surprised by how creative homebrewers can get. You're a clever, bro.

[@daneeehhhh]

I've been looking at so many videos and none of them were as clear as you when it comes to explaining the entire process, glad I found this

[@matiasd5216]

Hi man. The best video I've seen about yeast recicling. Congratulations.

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

A vial (soda bottle preform) such as the ones used by White Labs is about 45ml. The 250ml that I recycled was enough to fill up 5 of those. Since I shot this video I equipped myself with a hemocytometer which allows me to do more precise yeast count. Back then I used the vials as a measuring tool. So James Snyder I would not use all of the 250ml. Only 1/5 of it. If it was a lager yeast I will use 1/2 of the 250ml. And I make yeast starters if the yeast spent more than 10 days in cold storage. Thanks for watching.

[@MusicGodsNFT]

This is such a brilliant solution to a common problem. It would seem that you could even over pour and quite easily drain the trub via the flask and retain more yeast. Thanks for sharing this idea with us. Cheers.

[@tomwhelan8586]

This video was well put together. You didn't skip steps on what you did and explained things in good detail I would definitely adopt this process.

[@baddonkey6876]

This is seriously the best video of harvesting clean yeast

[@eliasmith7608]

You are so adorable! =) Beer in one hand and happy yeast in another! I am a Chemist, and getting laboratory gear for homebrewing it's so much fun!.. I agree with the other comments, get a Cast Iron Stand with 24 in rod height, diameter of the rod 0.5 inches. Get a support ring 5 or 7 in diameter. Your separatory funnel looks like a 2,000ml volume. Great Video! Cheers from San Diego, CA

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Andrew Wade, it is 2l in size. That's the biggest one I found online. And Mican Epps, I just got a ring stand. It doesn't make things much easier, but it looks so much more professional then the old whiskey box that I used for the video😁. Thank you all for the kind comments

[@kevinsmithson8655]

can you please share the link of the 2L flash you purchased ? :) I

[@muzguz7276]

Easily one of the best washing yeast videos out the. Cheers for taking the time.

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

muz guz Thank you sir.

[@slaprakshas]

I think I should throw in a tip.. If you already own a separator with iron clips... Use a pressure cooker or an autoclave to sterilize it.. this won't cause corosion. Great video amd great take on yeast washing. Thank you from India! P.S. Also Removing the cap)or slightly opening it from the separatory funnel will help speed up the yeast flow when decanting.

[@DontStopBrent]

Really great method. Thx for sharing!!!

[@aa3nk]

Nicely done video, greatly informative. I also like the way you have adopted English, the subtlety from your first language is pleasantly engaging, your accent holds a viewers attention.

[@suiderkruisbrewers1998]

Thanks for this video. I just received my funnel in the post from eBay. And I am already using it. I just love how easy it makes washing your yeast. I look forward to using my own cultivated yeast.

[@yovaalvarado9773]

Thanks for the Info! It is super useful, for a Rookie like me who’s starting to build up his own home brewery, I have just saved the yeast Cake from a Kveik Voss from a Conical fermenter, but still having not super clean yeast from my last Christmas beer, with some spices.

[@jbeid7574]

That's a pretty solid process. I had trouble understanding why folks don't create a yeast starter large enough to split off half in a storage container for the back of your fridge and the other half for your brew. But, you've demonstrated clean yeast as output and elimination of starter process in favor for this one. Something to seriously consider. Nice work.

[@myown66]

I have seen about 5 yeast harvesting videos so far. This one is by far the best. I dont need to watch any more.

[@carlosjoelgarcia3200]

Great Video, informative, brief and enjoyable. Thanks for posting. I ordered my flask today. Cheers

[@weldit321]

with minimal equipment cost you got a badass setup going man. Well done. Im going to probably get one and give this a try. Thanks for making the video!

[@meganmcgrory7525]

great video I really like your set up and how simple it is using good equipment :) I hope to see you making more videos :)

[@SirGolfalot-]

Very clear directions. Answered my questions. Good video

[@jbeid7574]

From a video stand point, Copy time section 3:17 - 3:27 and simply paste it to the very front of your video's intro. That time slice will grab your audience and hold them. Cheers.

[@johngalt969]

I concur. That would sensibly be the start of the video.

[@MisterGSteven]

The "plastic" stopcock on his larger sep funnel is likely PTFE, aka Teflon. It's chemically inert and non-stick, so it won't degrade, and is easy to turn without requiring lubrication. These are the go-to whether you work in a chemistry lab or in your kitchen.

[@factsnotfeelings4901]

dude thank you for the ideas!

[@TheBollyers]

Simply awesome, man! I have been dying to try this method. I finally ordered a separatory funnel, and it should be arriving today. Can’t wait! Thanks for the great video!

[@locojuan87]

So much wisdom in this vid. Thanks for sharing!!

[@kungopus]

Great and informative video! 🍺👍 Best regards from Sweden

[@kevinmurphy4712]

Very well done.

[@dimitarkochev4067]

Поздрави от България! Много добро видео:)

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Наздраве Димитре!

[@MTEXX]

Great technique using the right tools for the job! 10:39 - You should get yourself a ring stand now : )

[@sharmarannmyers8795]

very interesting nice work best way of doing it I've seen

[@LordMcMPA]

1:11 "it's being used in the laboratories - it's called separatory flask. Now I don't know what they use if for in the laboratory" Bro, they use it for the exact same thing you're using it for! :D To separate (at least somewhat) liquid matter of different densities - hence the name: 'separatory flask'. Great video, btw! Thx for sharing your knowledge.

[@commonporpoise2068]

Awesome tutorial. Going to put these tools on my list and give it a try. Thank you for this valuable info!

[@franciscoruiz3365]

best video I've seen on this subject, thank you

[@qwasertben976]

cool video, SHMBO will not let me play with fire. Thanks for the tip. When I get my beer lab built I will be buying one of theses separation flasks. You really should add an affiliate link to amazon for that so you can get a little kick back overtime someone buys one!

[@falconerodland]

Really clever technique. I'm interested to try it.

[@lederse]

I've been collecting my yeast for the carboy directly, swirl around, wait to settle a bit and then siphon in a beer bottle and then cap it. However i get in some trub and that makes the yeast feed on it and ending up with some "eruptions" occasionally and that lead me to look for a separatory funnel but thought they are very expensive so I will build my own. 1 gallon jug, a rubber stopper with two holes one for a bottling wand and one avoiding building the vaccuum. Key is finding a jug/bottle that has a large and nice long coned neck. Excellent video Tsenko!

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Constantin Moisei That's a great idea Constantin. Carlo Rossi wine 1 gal. jug might be just what you are looking for. They have a wide opening in which a carboy stopper fits just fine. I use those for small experimental beers. Good luck.

[@lederse]

That is correct, is the going to be the first try. I will post a picture when I have a prototype.

[@lederse]

Another cool idea to avoid contamination/exposure is to use the stopper straight on the carboys (I have the small opening ones). Pour water in,, wash the yeast then turn it up side down then release all the trub, then only collect the yeast! TADA. need to find small stainless valve and make the tubing from SS. I;d need to build a carboy stand :)

[@silva10123]

Very nice method!

[@AlbieTom]

Love the bottle of bushmills in the back.

[@unsaltedlife5998]

Great idea I think I will make one out of a soda bottle just need a valve on the cap side.

[@alexcarter8807]

In chemistry it's called a separation funnel, and I've had many a good(?) time with the ol' "sep funnel'

[@realchristopher4334]

I do not know whether Tsenko still sees this or not, considering he has only one video which is published four years ago. Anyway, he is a genius! It is costly to buy a separatory funnel, but it is the most efficient way to 'purify' yeast!

[@brianb.941]

just wanted to point out that whenever using a separatory funnel, taking the top off allows air pressure to push down on the solution and speed up the flow of liquid out of the stem. Capping and separating slowly increases the volume, but not the temperature or number of air particle, so the pressure decreases to compensate (PV=nRT)

[@godsun316]

Great video. Really appreciate the great content

[@mr.mentat.0x]

EXTREMELY helpful, man. I greatly respect your style and passion for science. The other videos on here about yeast washing from obese dads who contaminate everything with junk. I learned a lot here and can apply some concepts here to other principles.

[@robertmullins9639]

Brilliant man... gotta say! I am going to try this for sure!

[@magicalpancake]

I tried this out for myself and had great results thanks to you! I made a video and I'm giving you credit

[@RotationFSX]

Great video - thank you

[@DennisKwasnycia]

Great video man. Going to look for a separator flask now.

[@AndrewWadeNZ]

What size separator flask did you use for this? Great video - thanks for sharing.

[@slamong]

Thank you very much. THis is very helpful and useful.

[@magicalpancake]

What a great, informative video. Thanks man!

[@elpin88]

greetings from Mexico

[@miker6171]

Great video, ordered mine!

[@NicholasDMcCoy]

Thanks bud. Very interesting. Cheers!

[@DontStopBrent]

Great video. I’m very new to all grain brewing. So not trying to be a jerk here with my new opinion. What about just making a rally large starter and just saving some of it back? That’s way you don’t have to wash any yeast at all. Maybe you still need the separatory funnel though?

[@Huy0035]

Great job!

[@snortyfox]

thank you my man, I love your videos and thanks for the technique!!! :)))

[@CarlosRivera90]

You are a really professional home brewer man. Good for you, and thanks for sharing how to separate yeast from beer/water. I wonder if you stored the yeast for 24 hours in the separatory flask in the fridge or if you left it outside at room temperature?

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

It did sit in my chest freezer over night at 36°F. The cold deactivates the yeast and it helps it to quickly settle to the bottom. Thank you for watching Carlos. 🍻

[@DanABA]

Great tip! Thanks!

[@paulverheyen5240]

Great video. Thanks for taking time to share this. I have a couple of questions. 1. Do you use all of that harvested yeast in the next brew? 2. Do you need to make a yeast starter the next brew to get yeast going? 3. How do you separate the yeast and store it? Thanks Paul

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Great video! Getting one of these now!

[@circlewarwick]

I have also found the pouring from jar to jar to be not great process. My solution has been to use a large syringe to suck off the top. You could use this in your initial step to get a cleaner start. In your separator I guess you will also get some trub. I guess you pour this off first.

[@scotloggan1885]

WOW!!! SO COOL!! I've never heard of washing yeast. How many times can you use it? I Really liked your video!! I'm just blown away man🤔😀

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Thank you Scot. If you are doing everything wright, meaning the yeast didn't get infected before you wash it, you can use the same yeast over 10 times.

[@scotloggan1885]

@@tsenkotsanov4596 Really!! Where do you get those beakers? There's a Home Brew Company 12 miles from me, you reckon they'd have them?

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

@@scotloggan1885 I'll be surprised if they do. If they sell them, it will kill their sales of yeast. Look on the internet for "separatory funnel". There is a wide variety of sizes and prices, but knowing that the price of package of yeast is now close to $10 it will pay for itself in no time.

[@jamesp1979]

great tips thanks!

[@canberradogfarts]

Congratulations, you've rediscovered air.

[@BStott]

It seems with the torch, the up draft created draws in more surrounding room air making your immediate work area dirtier than if you left the work area stagnate. It also creates air turbulence to draw in and mix more airborne contamination. Yes? And turn off the HVAC & Fan during your working to simply work in a calm air environment. Another suggestion: Hours before starting to wash your yeast. Charge/feed the yeast with some sugar. A teaspoon or two. Then, close the large vessel and allow the yeast to produce CO2 and build pressure. Outgas the vessel a few times as the yeast creates it's CO2 pressure. This will assure oxygen is being expelled. Remember, CO2 is heavier than Oxygen and the yeast will create a CO2 rich gas in the container.. This will purge the vessel of other bad stuff which grows with oxygen. Yes? Third, syphon. Draw out your fluids by syphon to limit capturing more undesirable things during your fluids and yeast transferring. Limit pouring.

[@RiderRevolutiontv]

great informative video!

[@dreadlockmike6059]

Nice symphony x t shirt!

[@locomalagra]

Hey cheers from Argentina, great technique and video. Just one question, how much yeast will you use for example for a five gallon or 19 liters batch? We use dry yeast so I don't have how to compare amouts, thank you!!

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Knowing the thickness of the yeast slurry when using this technique, I have found that 45-50ml of yeast and a yeast starter of one or two liters works the best for the ales I normally brew at home. The amounts vary because it matters how long the yeast stayed in cold storage and what your O.G. is. My rule of thumb is that if I am brewing a beer that will finish at ABV lower than 5% I need to make 1L starter and 2L starter for the beers with ABV higher than that. For Lagers the original amount of 45-50ml will go up to 90-100ml. Cheers back to all Argentina!

[@marcelomalagra1613]

Thanks Tsenko! I found where to buy the glass separator here, I will try this with my next Ales, thank you!

[@ghg1977]

Hola Marce! Donde conseguiste el flask ese? Soy de Tigre, bs as. Thanks for sharing, tsenko! Greettings from Buenos Aires!

[@tube4waldek]

Great idea. Thanks!

[@wisconsinlife742]

i love your shirt ))

[@jacobthompson1682]

Star San isnt acidic it's an oxidizer. That's why it rusted the steel.

[@declanhealy8162]

Great piece of work. Do you have any links to the hemocytometer you are using ? Cheers

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

I'm glad you like it. Here's the link that you requested. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SCOGY56/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@declanhealy8162]

Cheers. Is there a microscope you would also recommend ? Its a bit of a mine field.!!

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

I'm using AmScope that I purchased from eBay in 2011. I don't know the exact model and it is not labeled on it. The cool thing about it is that has a digital camera that comes with it, which you can plug in to your computer or tablet (if USB port is available). If you are in this field, you probably know someone who knows a bunch about microscopes. All I can recommend is, look for a microscope with a USB camera. It makes things way easier.

[@declanhealy8162]

Grand. I will use your guide on how much yeast to pitch for lager/ale and put a camera with usb port on wishlist ! Then I can check and get more precise measurements of yeast vitality. Thanks again for information.

[@raymondjolly282]

Great video, Tsenko. Do you have a video where you then transfer the yeast from the flask down to individual viles? I ask because I worry about viscosity. Is this a problem? Thanks.

[@scottarcher1773]

Nice job!

[@cfishmuk73]

Great vid. I find exactly the same 1000ml flask, but I can find much cheaper with glass stoppers. Often glass stoppers are held in place by an elastic band, and I guess glass is more trouble free and hygienic. Is there any reason why you couldn't have used an elastic band with the 500ml one you had?

[@jamiea2281]

Brilliant

[@diverbob33]

Outstanding video dude! Just a quick note on safety but maybe a small, desk top fan angled up next to your fermenter might be a a better way to go. I'm pretty clumsy and working with limited space, I can easily see myself knocking that torch over and causing some serious damage. Anyway, thanks for all the good information!

[@ApocalypseRider]

Thank you for a very interesting video! Can you tell me how big is that bigger funnel. Is it 2000ml? Cheers!

[@christopherfajardo9624]

Did you ever find out ?

[@philliptaud9464]

Great video, thanks! How about cleaning yeast from dry hopped beers? Is that an issue? Also, how long can one store the yeast in the fridge after cleaning as you just showed in the video? Thx!

[@clemke]

Hi Tsenko, very great video. Thank you so much for sharing. I have one doubt. I'm going to brew a Lager Pilsen tomorrow and I bought 23g of Saflage w-34/70 yeast to brew 30 liters of beer. Later I wanna save the yeast to use in my next beer. After saving the yeast, I'm gonna have a good quantity of yeast, like 250mg or more, I guess. But, in my next beer, I need to use all this quantity, half or less, to brew 30 Liters?

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

So I gues you are using the first batch of beer as an yeast propagator. You probably already know that you should expect a lot of off flavors in it and the beer will be way less than perfect whith such a low pitch rate. If you wanna get more yeast out of that batch, one thing you can do is, oxigenate the wort little longer than you usualy do. When it comes to the second batch though, 140-150ml of yeast slury with thickness close to the one that you see on the video should give you quick and clean fermentation. I brew 20L. (5gal.) batches and when I ferment lagers I normally pitch about 100ml. of yeast and I'm very happy with the results of that pitch rate. I don't know where in the world you are, but if you can get Wyeast 2487 Hella-Bock don't wait. I hope that helps.Thank you for waching!!!

[@graphene1487]

6:10 very important information here.

[@snachez]

Great vid. Glass is king!

[@RobertFay]

How many times or actions do you notice where you contaminated your materials by placing the top or other components on the table top instead of into a sanitizing bath, and then replaced those contaminated materials back on top of something that would contaminate your yeast?

[@Thereisnorules]

Thanks for video. and how can i dry that yeast? I think if i dry it i can keep it longer in refrigerator,right?

[@jeepjohnson226]

Great video....Thanks !

[@ruchancakaloglu]

Instead of seperating flask please use long pvc bag. . Fill it with your liquid. Let it sit a while than after you see the boundary between the water-alcohol mixture and yeast please firmly press the boundary outside from the bag with a ruler for example .. that will quickly seperate the two layers .. than dispose the top useless liquid

[@bobbob-ze9zo]

Never do this to save money. ( Do Not Reuse Yeast !! ) When you are ready to brew make a yeast starter split into 3rds pitch 1 and put the other two in the refrigerator. No need to wash or clean yeast.( will last 3 months in refrigerator ) or drain off beer and add sanitized water then freeze.( will last 2 years + ) P.S. Always make a yeast starter when you brew !!

[@tm8001]

Tsenko,Thanks for the great tutorial.I bought a flask and it worked outstanding with one exception and that was I could not get the yeast to flow. I tried 2 separate times and eventually I sterilized a paper clip and shoved it from the bottom of the flask up thru the stop cock valve and into the yeast. I know I was in the yeast as some yeast was on the paper clip but no real visible movement / draining of the flask. I then got on a 1 hour conference call and inadvertently forgot to close the stop cock valve. When I came back in an hour, the flask it had emptied itself. I don't want to repeat this next time I go to wash my yeast So that leads me to ask you - Have you or did you consider drilling out the stop cock valve so the hole was larger to allow the yeast to drain easier?

[@elpin88]

you keep it in the freezer or in the refrigerator? and for how many days can it last? By the way, great video!!

[@marknohr4433]

so the 2L funnel is less common/ more expensive/ harder to store . 1L seems to be the most common larger Separatory Flask. I plan on doing 5 Gallon batches so is 1L large enough or will it be hard to make the 1L work well? Also I'm wondering about the temperature you use while settling. You mention the 1st settling in your chest freezer and then there is the 24hrs in the Separatory Flask.

[@KulKlas]

You need to feed the yest daily or how do you keep it alive? How offen you need to feed it? What do you feed it whit? Or you just keep it in refrigerator?

[@Wolfpack1986]

So many comments, so can't read all. But why don't you do the first step directly into the sepatory flask? And split the trub off the yeast with it?

[@marktabone4023]

Hi TSenko, Great Vid! one question: Would you need to make a Starter with the yeast collected? Or just pitch at appropriate temp to the wort on your next batch? Also, could you use the rest of the yeast still in the serperation flask at the bottom? It still looked like there was another 150ml flask left. Cheers

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Hi Mark,Since the yeast spent only 1 night in my fridge at about 40F I could use it the day after without making a starter. The yeast is still very viable for about a week or two after storing it in the fridge. Making a small starter is a good idea if the yeast set at cold temps for longer than that. It does look like there is a lot of it still left in the bottom of the funnel, but that's just small amount that was stuck on the wall. If you let it sit for 2-3 hours it will all pack at the bottom. Thank you for watching!

[@NightRider54]

I'm confused. You're saving the "sediment" from the bottom of the separatory flask. What about the liquid on the top? I never did this, but I watched a different video about harvesting yeast with mason jars. What they saved was the liquid on the top of the jars, discarding the few layers of "sediments" from the bottom. I'm surprised with that amount of "sanitation solution" in your video. So I always had the idea that the good stuff is always on the top. Am I missing something??

[@AndreaSacchi]

Great video! How many days can you store the yeast in fridge?

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

Hi Andrea. It's the same as storing a package of comercial liquid yeast. Storing it for more than 3 months would mean that you need to work on revitalizing it before pitching. Thanks for watching!

[@TheChangeWithin]

So when you reuse this yeast, do you have to reuse it for the same type of beer you brewed with it? I understand yeasts are for different styles of beer but I mean reuse this particular yeast remnant for the same beer brewed before. Does it have any leftover taste from the last batch?

[@tsenkotsanov4596]

No. You don't have to use it for the same type of beer. If you used it to make an IPA, there might be some residual taste in the washed yeast. In my experience it has never been enough to effected the next batch, even if is a beer with a clean profile.

[@weldit321]

Sorry if you've already answered this, but that cleaned sample of yeast in the vial, was that just sanitized distilled water? And does the yeast store well like this in the fridge?

[@rhysezfpv]

Thx man ! But what if I used cryo hops for dry hop ? will it still separate ?