COLObrewer
Well-Known Member
So, I downloaded a trial beersmith and plugged in the numbers for my last brew, set it up for a system with 15gal boil pot and 10 gal mash tun, etc, if for no other reason it is time to start working on our efficiency.
Beersmith says that if I had 75% eff., the OG should have been 1.071 (with projected FG of 1.020), my OG was at best (Refractometer) 1.058 after boil. So then I tweak the numbers on brewsmith, change the efficiency until the Est OG matches the actual OG and it says efficiency is 56%, it also changes the projected FG to 1.015.
You probably need more info to help me, so Ill try to give out what I can.
Our process involves Single step infusion with english batch sparge (I think thats what its called). We have a basic manual system with no pumping, gravity, or scooping and pouring everything as follows:
First we grind with the old feed grinder, its a large corona type mill.
Then we mash in trying to get close to 150F, which we have been able to do with no problems. We have typically only stirred during mash in, then we leave it for an hour. The cooler holds the temp well, temp will fall in the winter maybe 1-2 degrees. We have three thermometers, two hydrometers and refractometer we try to cross check with.
After an hour we drain the first runnings (we usually forget to vorlauf, but it is also usually clear anyway), still no more stirring, then sparge with water (appx. 185F) trying to get close to sparge temp of 170F in the bed, stir it in, wait a few minutes then drain that. We taste the final runnings of that sparge and if its still sweet, we sparge again and repeat until its not sweet. We do all this without much measuring of water, just eyeballing the thickness of the mash.
Keeping in mind I want to increase our efficiency, specific questions I have are:
1. Do we need to change the basic mashing process, if so, what?, automatic sparging? Step mashing? Etc?
2. Do we need to stir more?
3. Is the grinder up to spec? The grind looks good to me, dunno.
4. Do we need to measure the water? Etc?
5. Is this even a good way to check the efficiency? Is this brewhouse efficiency?
6. Anything else?
I hope this is posted in the right catagory, thanx for any help, Vern.
Beersmith says that if I had 75% eff., the OG should have been 1.071 (with projected FG of 1.020), my OG was at best (Refractometer) 1.058 after boil. So then I tweak the numbers on brewsmith, change the efficiency until the Est OG matches the actual OG and it says efficiency is 56%, it also changes the projected FG to 1.015.
You probably need more info to help me, so Ill try to give out what I can.
Our process involves Single step infusion with english batch sparge (I think thats what its called). We have a basic manual system with no pumping, gravity, or scooping and pouring everything as follows:
First we grind with the old feed grinder, its a large corona type mill.
Then we mash in trying to get close to 150F, which we have been able to do with no problems. We have typically only stirred during mash in, then we leave it for an hour. The cooler holds the temp well, temp will fall in the winter maybe 1-2 degrees. We have three thermometers, two hydrometers and refractometer we try to cross check with.
After an hour we drain the first runnings (we usually forget to vorlauf, but it is also usually clear anyway), still no more stirring, then sparge with water (appx. 185F) trying to get close to sparge temp of 170F in the bed, stir it in, wait a few minutes then drain that. We taste the final runnings of that sparge and if its still sweet, we sparge again and repeat until its not sweet. We do all this without much measuring of water, just eyeballing the thickness of the mash.
Keeping in mind I want to increase our efficiency, specific questions I have are:
1. Do we need to change the basic mashing process, if so, what?, automatic sparging? Step mashing? Etc?
2. Do we need to stir more?
3. Is the grinder up to spec? The grind looks good to me, dunno.
4. Do we need to measure the water? Etc?
5. Is this even a good way to check the efficiency? Is this brewhouse efficiency?
6. Anything else?
I hope this is posted in the right catagory, thanx for any help, Vern.