EvilBrewer
Well-Known Member
Been using my RIMS for a few months now with good results...still learning some of the nuances associated with using the PID. But overall great, very happy.
The last few beers have not attenuated as much as I would have expected based on past experiences with the same yeast and mash temperatures. So, this past weekend, I decided to double check the temperature of the mash itself as compared to what the PID was displaying for the wort circulating through the RIMS. I suspected the mash temp might be higher than the PID was displaying--and hence higher FG's. Also want to say that I've calibrated my RIMS temp sensor using a lab thermometer so I'm fairly confident that it's accurate.
Here's the weird thing...
Upon measure the temperature of the mash using my lab thermometer, I found that the mash itself was consistently about 5 degrees *higher* than what my PID was displaying (for the recirculating wort). I measured the temperature of the wort as it returned to the MLT from the RIMS (using the lab thermometer) and it measured almost precisely the same as what the PID was displaying so, the RIMS is performing its function correctly--that being: it is maintaining the recirculating wort at the temperature I've set. So, how is it that my mash is measuring higher?? I tried stirring the mash really well to distribute the temps and eliminate any potential hot spots, etc...but same results; the mash would eventually level out about 5 degrees higher than whatever the PID was displaying. I don't have any other heat sources for the MLT.
The last few beers have not attenuated as much as I would have expected based on past experiences with the same yeast and mash temperatures. So, this past weekend, I decided to double check the temperature of the mash itself as compared to what the PID was displaying for the wort circulating through the RIMS. I suspected the mash temp might be higher than the PID was displaying--and hence higher FG's. Also want to say that I've calibrated my RIMS temp sensor using a lab thermometer so I'm fairly confident that it's accurate.
Here's the weird thing...
Upon measure the temperature of the mash using my lab thermometer, I found that the mash itself was consistently about 5 degrees *higher* than what my PID was displaying (for the recirculating wort). I measured the temperature of the wort as it returned to the MLT from the RIMS (using the lab thermometer) and it measured almost precisely the same as what the PID was displaying so, the RIMS is performing its function correctly--that being: it is maintaining the recirculating wort at the temperature I've set. So, how is it that my mash is measuring higher?? I tried stirring the mash really well to distribute the temps and eliminate any potential hot spots, etc...but same results; the mash would eventually level out about 5 degrees higher than whatever the PID was displaying. I don't have any other heat sources for the MLT.