Fixes for really low efficiency?

[Epimetheus]

What could be wrong? Bad crush? Should I condition smaller, harder malts before the Corona mill?

Previously my efficiency has been OK, right on the dot in one case. The last two BIAB have seen terrible efficiency, I had to pull them out of a dive with DME.

The only change was specialty malts. The rye malt had smaller kernels and was very hard. They only broke in half compared to the 2-row which pulverized like usual. I use a Corona type mill and it has done OK.

I did a 75 minute mash at 152F. Dunk sparge. Stirred it "like it owed me money" (Yooper's expression) to knock the sugars loose.

Nest batch I am going to try a very simple 80% 2-row and 20% crystal 60.

 

[RM-MN]

How do you have your Corona mill set? My mill plates are rubbing when there is no grain in them, tight as I can go and I have no problem with efficiency with any grain I use. I also only mash for 30 minutes because conversion is so quick with that fine grind and I only do a pour through sparge (about 2 qts) and squeeze that bag like it owed me money. My efficiency tends to run into the high 80's.

 

[Epimetheus]

I will try the mill with a finer grind and post the results.

The 3/8" corded drill gets very warm with the plates set the way they are. I will use the big old 1/2" Milwaukee with the closer, more difficult grind.

 

[13ONK]

I've found the crush is the biggest factor in efficancy for me. If that hasn't changed from your last brews, it might be the condition of the grain. Maybe it's aged a bit or wasn't kept in great conditions.

 

[SDJay]

I will try the mill with a finer grind and post the results.

The 3/8" corded drill gets very warm with the plates set the way they are. I will use the big old 1/2" Milwaukee with the closer, more difficult grind.

Another option is to double grind. That is what I do, and so far I have hit my OG every time.

 

[Weezy]

I was going to say that, besides the fine grind, you can also mash longer, but you're already at 75 min. :/



I continuously recirculate. with a silicone tube end set up to aggressively spray sideways and buried in the grain. Here's a pic of the trial test setup...