Steeoing - Aeration / Diffuser

[funkyZero]

I have seen this mentioned in passing in a couple of threads, but I haven't seen anything about actual testing, methods or results so I had to ask...
Has anyone actually done any testing on the effects of diffused aeration on steeping?

I was thinking about getting a very small diffuser stone and one of those real low volume aquarium air pumps to see what effects it would have on flavors in addition tot he ultrasonic conditioning I am already doing.

Anyone have any input on the subject?

 

[SouthernBliss]

Very interesting idea. You would have to make sure that the stone was really clean before you used it. Not sure if they sanitize them or anything before packing. Also wonder what sort of container and volume of liquid you would have to have. It would cause a good deal of movement in the fluid though. But at the same time it might over oxidize the liquid. Just not really sure.

 

[Aheadatime]

Imo the oxidation would be more harmful than anything. As Hoosier always says, aerating and steeping are two different things, with the former causing a decay in nicotine potency and potentially making flavors stale. Steeping just deals with letting the flavors marry over time, and imh(umble)o the best method for that is just closed bottle + patience.

 

[Kurt]

Imo the oxidation would be more harmful than anything. As Hoosier always says, aerating and steeping are two different things, with the former causing a decay in nicotine potency and potentially making flavors stale. Steeping just deals with letting the flavors marry over time, and imh(umble)o the best method for that is just closed bottle + patience.

Agreed. Aeration will drive off more volatile flavor compounds, many of which are the most defining notes of a flavor. I think this is what causes flavors to fade into a vague nondescript flavor over time. Nicotine-oxides will also impart their own flavor, which may or may not be enjoyable for the user. They tend to be somewhat tobacco-like in taste, but can be like a dirty sock too.

 

[funkyZero]

Ok so I did a little test after I went to the pet store... I bought a real small/cheap aquarium air pump, some hose and a volume control valve. I found some small diffusers that were made of some sort of synthetic material rather than stone. I chose these because of their small outside diameter ( Amazon.com: Perfect-A-Flo Air Stone - 6 pk - 2 in. x 3/8 in.: Pet Supplies )

I used a test mix that I had made up of FA Watermelon that was stubbornly "perfumed". I tried heating this stuff, airing out for days, ultrasonic cycles and it just wouldn't go away.
So I setup the air stone and put the 6ml batch in a 10ml glass bottle with the pump running. Being able to adjust the airflow, it worked really well even in such a small bottle.

After 10 minutes, I definitely noted a substantial decrease in the perfume taste and the watermelon mellowed quite a bit and came out really well. It still has a very noticeable perfume taste though.
It's late now, but I have an FA Raspberry test batch that is also very stubborn and I am going to try that one tomorrow and possible let it run for 1/2 hour or longer and see what happens.

I guess the topic should have been a little different (and possibly even spelled correctly) because the biggest problem I am having right now is the damned perfume taste. I absolutely cannot stand it and I can't seem to overcome it with some flavors...

I'll post again after I decide if this works on the Raspberry mix tomorrow

 

[Kurt]

Then this aeration is probably doing exactly what was needed: to drive off volatile notes that are perceived as unpleasant. Given that they are being described as perfume-like, it seems reasonable they are also some of the most volatile notes. Of course, the pleasant notes might come off too, in which case a different brand flavoring might be in order.

Please keep us updated! This is interesting work!

 

[funkyZero]

Well, I did the test using the FA watermelon batch I was working on.
After 70min under aeration, there was basically no change at all. It's still so strong with perfume that I can't stand it.
I think I'm going to call aeration a no-starter, it doesn't appear to help at all.
Running it for 24 or 48 hours seems to not be an option since it would in all probability ruin the nicotine and the flavors anyway.