Polyclar Causing Airlock Activity

[joshuahardie]

Brewers,

As per the title, I have started using Polyclar and I have noticed that it is causing airlock activity even though the beer is at terminal gravity.

It has happened to me all of the three times I have used it but Ill give an example of a current brew.

Beer started at 1050 and finished at 1007. No airlock activity present
I cold crashed to 1 degree and added the dissolved Polyclar.
Over the next 3 days I have noticed the airlock bubbling at a rate of about 1 bubble every 20 - 30 seconds.

The gravity is stable at 1007.

Hydro samples smell and taste just fine.

Is this normal? PVPP is a new product to me.

Thanks
Josh

 

[argon]

Firstly as you know, don't rely on the airlock as a sign if activity on the brew.

My guess is one of 2 things.
1- the polyclar gas become a source of nucleation points in the beer and is allowing some co2 to escape from solution
2- in adding the polyclar you've disturbed the trub and beer allowing co2 to escape from solution

I doubt there is any further yeast activity producing more co2. You're just losing some that was already there.

 

[raven19]

+1 to a combination of Argons two comments for sure.

I presume the beer still tastes good? If so no issue!

 

[Frag_Dog]

+1 I think Argons got it.

Polyclar bumping CO2 out of solution...

 

[Kleiny]

When tasting your sample you may note a light carbonation as argon said the polyclar becomes a nucleation point to release that CO2 out of solution. Same thing happens usually when dry hopping.

Kleiny

 

[joshuahardie]

Beer looks, smells and tastes fine.

So C02 coming out of solution is probably it.