Losing efficiency in smaller batches

[AndyMac81]

I started all grain brewing earlier this year with a 10 gal circle cooler mash tun. when doing 2.5 gal batches, my efficiency has gone down, occasionally a lot. Has this happened to anyone else?


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[Talgrath]

We'll need more detail than that, is this drop in efficiency on high gravity beers for instance? A high gravity beer generally has worse efficiency, for example.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Might you be leaving wort behind in the large MT, aka dead space?


Wilserbrewer
Http://biabbags.webs.com/

 

[AndyMac81]

They are generally medium gravity beers ( wheats and ambers) and I try to batch sparge in 2 batches. I gave a gut feeling it's my sparge but can't be sure. Any pointers, tips, tricks etc. are Deeply appreciated.


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[wilserbrewer]

Do you stir very well?
Both at dough in, prior to draining 1st runnings, and also prior to sparge runnings?

A good stir is vital to rinsing in batch sparging IMO.

 

[AndyMac81]

Actually I don't stir when draining but could that be enough to cause a 10% loss?


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[Talgrath]

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f36/maximizing-efficiency-when-batch-sparging-77125/

^Try this thread, it will probably help you out.