graduating a 5.5 gallon bucket

BlackJaqueJanaviac · Jul 15, 2011

I decided to mark graduations on my brew bucket so I could get a better handle on my brewing efficiency.

I used a 2 qt glass measuring cup and filled the bucket up. I marked 3 gallons, 4 gallons, 4 1/2 gallons, 5 gallons, 5 1/2 gallons . . . and 6 gallons!

The bottom of the bucket states 5 1/2 gallons. Should I have been able to fit 6 gallons in it with 1/2-inch of room to spare?

Germelli1 · Jul 15, 2011

Don't know but I can tell you that your measurments are going to be much more accurate than the manufacturers most of the time!

BlackJaqueJanaviac · Jul 15, 2011

Good. I guess. Because I tried calculating my efficiency and got 84% which is fantastic. The only problem is I find this hard to believe because my methods are crude and simple. Someone said my volume measures could be off - but I don't think so now.

Germelli1 · Jul 15, 2011

Ya, some of my pre marked bucckets have been spot on, and others have been waaaaaay off haha. I have learned with AG is that if you are having issues, simplifying your processes can go a long way so your efficiency calculations could be spot on.

BlackJaqueJanaviac · Jul 15, 2011

OK. So a 48 qt cooler with a 30-inch SS braid on the bottom, filled with 10 lbs of grain & 20 qts of 153F water; set for 1 hr, stirring every 15 min; drained; filled with another 20 qts (153F) and set for 15 min and drained would not be unusual to yield 84% efficiency?

Germelli1 · Jul 15, 2011

I wouldn't say it was typical but, it is possible! How was the grain crush? That is a variably that hugely effects efficiency.

smyrnaquince · Jul 15, 2011

BlackJaqueJanaviac said:
I decided to mark graduations on my brew bucket so I could get a better handle on my brewing efficiency.

I used a 2 qt glass measuring cup and filled the bucket up. I marked 3 gallons, 4 gallons, 4 1/2 gallons, 5 gallons, 5 1/2 gallons . . . and 6 gallons!

The bottom of the bucket states 5 1/2 gallons. Should I have been able to fit 6 gallons in it with 1/2-inch of room to spare?

My experience is that the painted markings on measuring cups are not necessarily accurate, either.

The buckets have sloping, not straight vertical, sides, but you could still do a rough check using a volume calculation based on the diameter of the bucket and depths at your markings.

graduating a 5.5 gallon bucket

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graduating a 5.5 gallon bucket

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