Efficiency calculations

[WyomingBrewer]

How is it figured? I used Beer Recipator and put 70% in as efficiency and it gave me a OG of 1.044 for my last brew. I understand its using an average based on sugars added. So when I took my real OG it was 1.050. If I mess around with the recipator and put in 79% efficiency it gives me the OG I actually got. Does that mean Im getting 79% efficiency? If so, woohoo, I think?

 

[BendBrewer]

Are you doing All Grain brews?

 

[WyomingBrewer]

Yes

 

[WyomingBrewer]

To be more specific, here is the batch I made last night that Im referencing.

9 lbs. American 2-row
.5 oz Chinook (60)
.5 oz Chinook (30)

When Plugged in to beer recipator and given an efficiency of 70% it calcs an OG of 1.044. Actual OG was 1.050. Plugging in 79% gives me the actual OG.

 

[bob1852]

what was your post-boil volume?

 

[WyomingBrewer]

Post boil im just over 5 gallons. I aim for 5.25 and hover around that mark.

 

[bob1852]

Post boil im just over 5 gallons. I aim for 5.25 and hover around that mark.

I put you at 77%....

38PPG x 9lb = 342 possible points

342/5.25 (gallons) = possible OG of 1.065

your 1.050=

50/65 = 77%

 

[WyomingBrewer]

Sweet. Whats typical? I use batch sparge method and have only done single infusion mashes thus far. This only my second all grain batch and it would seem Im doing it right. Maybe more details are in order.

I have been using one of the online mash and sparge calculators to get my volumes and strike water temps. Mashing with 1.33 qts/lb. Collect first runnings and sparge in 2 steps collecting 2 additional runnings for pre-boil volume. Simple and easy.

 

[jmf143]

I don't believe there is a "typical" - though most recipes I've seen use 75%. It varies by brewer, by equipment, by recipe etc. I'm right around 82% using my 5 gallon Rubbermaid cooler and cvpc manifold.

 

[WyomingBrewer]

That's re-assuring. I just wanted to be sure I was not way off. It's always nice to be able to ask and be sure. Thanks.

 

[BendBrewer]

77% from simple batch sparging is above average. Others get more and some a lot more but they have recirculating systems. Be happy with it as long as it is consistent. That is the key. You're talking the difference in a pound or 2 of grains.

 

[Sudtirol]

Bobby put together a really good explanation on how to calculate efficiency
http://www.suebob.com/brew/Bobby_Mallgrainprimer.pdf
Starts on page four.

 

[WyomingBrewer]

Bobby put together a really good explanation on how to calculate efficiency
http://www.suebob.com/brew/Bobby_Mallgrainprimer.pdf
Starts on page four.

So using his numbers from that...2-row has 36 points lb. possibility...sooo

36 X 9(lbs grain) = 324
324/5.25(Post Boil Volume)= 61.714or 1.062 SG Possible
50(actual OG) / 62 (Possible OG) = .806 or 81%

That's what I come up with but Im more inclined to believe 77%

 

[BendBrewer]

You'll have to check your specific malt. I know the 2-row I get is 37 ppg

 

[bob1852]

2-row has 36 points lb. possibility

You'll have to check your specific malt. I know the 2-row I get is 37 ppg

Yeah, it obviously varies by malster....

I have always used Palmer's table as my base (38 ppg for 2-row ale)

http://www.howtobrew.com/section2/chapter12-4-1.html