fly sparge depth

[Fin-lander]

I searched back, and didn't really find an answer...

During a typical fly sparge, is the depth of the sparge water on top of your grain bed really that important? I constantly read how important it is to match the flow of your wort coming out of the mash tun with the sparge water coming in. I have been erring on the side of a higher level of sparge water vs running low. I know 2 - 3" is ideal, but if it gets away from you, and the sparge water grows to a level of say 5" above the grain bed, what's the harm? Is this a temperature issue, where the sparge water above the grainbed may lose too much temp, and be less effective?

Maybe I'm overthinking the issue.

 

[bohdan987]

more water you have on top of the grain bed it will be more difficult to controll the temp. alot of water on top will loose alot of heat, thats why it is inportant to mach your flow rates.

 

[chode720]

I wouldnt overthink it

I had the same thought when I first started fly sparging, but I dont think it makes too much of a difference. I've had the water anywhere from 2-3 in above, to below the top of the grain (when I wasnt paying attention. tasty homebrew was distracting me). I still got a great efficiency and tasty beer. Just shoot for an inch or so above, and dont worry too much about it

 

[Brew-boy]

I shoot for 1" above the bed and that's all I care about.

 

[Fin-lander]

thanks guys - I figured it was mostly a temp issue. I haven't been too obsessive about it, but like to know the reasons behind what I'm doing.

Thanks again.