How to measure losses in your system

[highland_brewer]

I posted this in another thread but since it is a software post I wanted to put it here as well. It is based on an electric system, however the principals apply to all types of systems. Included is a calculator that will measure the losses in your system to .10 of a gallon, these measurements can be used in any brewing software that accounts for losses.
https://youtu.be/HwEbjOt8OR8

 

[jekeane]

Nice video and a helpful tool. However I have a few questions.

In the video when you entered the boil kettle loss s 6lb 3.1oz which came to .26 gallons and the chiller was 1lb 15oz and gave you .23 gallons. There is something wrong with that math. The kettle number would be close to .75 gallons. As I finished the video I actually got a little more confused as your herms coil entry point weighed a third of the boil and hlt water but was a larger volume.

 

[highland_brewer]

Nice video and a helpful tool. However I have a few questions.

In the video when you entered the boil kettle loss s 6lb 3.1oz which came to .26 gallons and the chiller was 1lb 15oz and gave you .23 gallons. There is something wrong with that math. The kettle number would be close to .75 gallons. As I finished the video I actually got a little more confused as your herms coil entry point weighed a third of the boil and hlt water but was a larger volume.

The calculator measures each of those differently. The boil kettle is comparative measurement against the weight of a full gallon of water as opposed to the chiller measurement is just the actual volume based on the weight. Does that make sense?

 

[jekeane]

Yeah the comparative does.

Im just thinking about my 10g blichmann boil kettle it has about a .2 gallon headspace from the dip tub but in reality if I want my wort remotely clear going into the fermenter I'm looking at closer to .7 gallons left behind to protein and hop materials.

Appreciate the video. It took a good 5-10 batches on my eherms system before I got the beersmith profile where it was consistent. This will help people get there much quicker.

 

[highland_brewer]

Yeah the comparative does.

Im just thinking about my 10g blichmann boil kettle it has about a .2 gallon headspace from the dip tub but in reality if I want my wort remotely clear going into the fermenter I'm looking at closer to .7 gallons left behind to protein and hop materials.

Appreciate the video. It took a good 5-10 batches on my eherms system before I got the beersmith profile where it was consistent. This will help people get there much quicker.

Thanks for the comment. I looked and looked around and couldn't find anything that covered how to actually measure losses in your system and then that's when I got the idea to do the calculator because the math is kind of a PITA. Every system is different but at least this will give then a place to start as you point out.

Cheers!

 

[pricelessbrewing]

Hey highland, switched forums but finally took a look. I was the guy that asked for it to change from a .zip.

So feedback:

I would add that water should be used as close to room temp as possible, since density changes with temp.

You're using two density coefficients for some reason. (0.12 for lb) and (oz/16)/8.35 for ounces.

Density of water at room temp is generally 8.33 +- 0.005 @ NTP (normal temp and pressure). You're using 8.35

A more accurate method would be to first enter the empty kettle weight.

Then Kettle losses would be drain as much as possible to get (undrainable weight + empty wight) - empty weight)/water density. This would also account for displacement of the ball valve/heating elements/whirlpool arms and would not have the inherent instrumental uncertaint from having the user leave EXACTLY 1 gallon of water.


Good work!

 

[highland_brewer]

Hey highland, switched forums but finally took a look. I was the guy that asked for it to change from a .zip.

So feedback:

I would add that water should be used as close to room temp as possible, since density changes with temp.

You're using two density coefficients for some reason. (0.12 for lb) and (oz/16)/8.35 for ounces.

Density of water at room temp is generally 8.33 +- 0.005 @ NTP (normal temp and pressure). You're using 8.35

A more accurate method would be to first enter the empty kettle weight.

Then Kettle losses would be drain as much as possible to get (undrainable weight + empty wight) - empty weight)/water density. This would also account for displacement of the ball valve/heating elements/whirlpool arms and would not have the inherent instrumental uncertaint from having the user leave EXACTLY 1 gallon of water.


Good work!

Yeah I struggled with how detailed to get in the calculator and the instructions.. I did a speidel review once and got trolled because i took the measurement conversion out 3 decimal places.. lol I tried to keep it as simple as possible, while still being as accurate as possible. As you state there are many variables that come into play.. I think it gives a good starting point for someone setting up their system for the first time, or someone having trouble with missing their volumes. Your comments are both insightful and greatly appreciated!

Cheers!