Toecutter
Well-Known Member
Hi, I am trying different methods to increase my efficiency. I am using a 52 quart coleman cooler with a copper manifold, have tried batch sparging, and recently built a rectangular copper sparge manifold with a pond pump for the sparge water.
I brew ales, normally use 12-13 lbs of various graines. I usually mash at 153, but also 150, trying to increase efficiency. I mash in with 1.25 quarts per lb of grain and sparge at just above 170 and shoot for 6.5 gallons pre boil for a 5 gallon batch. I have my grain milled at my local HBS as the do it free.
so with all that in mind, the best OG pre boil I have been able to achieve is 1.052, but mostly below 1.050 checked with a calibrated hydrometer.
I have heard there could be problems with channeling. I adjusted the size of my copper manifold to try and compensate.
My next step is to try a rectangular False Bottom to put above the copper manifold to help with channeling. Has anyone tried this??
any other advice is gladly accepted.
thanks
I brew ales, normally use 12-13 lbs of various graines. I usually mash at 153, but also 150, trying to increase efficiency. I mash in with 1.25 quarts per lb of grain and sparge at just above 170 and shoot for 6.5 gallons pre boil for a 5 gallon batch. I have my grain milled at my local HBS as the do it free.
so with all that in mind, the best OG pre boil I have been able to achieve is 1.052, but mostly below 1.050 checked with a calibrated hydrometer.
I have heard there could be problems with channeling. I adjusted the size of my copper manifold to try and compensate.
My next step is to try a rectangular False Bottom to put above the copper manifold to help with channeling. Has anyone tried this??
any other advice is gladly accepted.
thanks