One vessel system advice.

[doug293cz]

I'm just wondering who all the OP is brewing two barrel batches for.

The end product might not be beer...

Brew on

 

[Ninoid]

I did not say there was a "problem" with larger grain bills. I said that as the grain weight to pre-boil volume ratio increases, the lauter efficiency decreases. This is due to the fact that more grain retains a larger fraction of the total wort than does less grain (assuming the same grain absorption rate.) The chart below shows what happens to lauter efficiency as the grain weight to pre-boil volume changes, for two different grain absorption rates, and zero to three equal volume batch (or dunk) sparges:

View attachment 869923

Using the grain weight to pre-boil volume ratio makes this chart batch size independent.

Brew on

I've seen that chart before, but my measured OG matches the calculation. I use BrewMate and instead of 23L (6 gallons for 5 gallons of bottled beer) I calculate as if my batch size is 46L plus 8L of water loss (remains in the grain and evaporates during the boil). My mash efficiency is 70%, which is about 5% less than when brewing two batches. For me, an acceptable loss considering the time and energy saved.

 

[DuncB]

I did not say there was a "problem" with larger grain bills. I said that as the grain weight to pre-boil volume ratio increases, the lauter efficiency decreases. This is due to the fact that more grain retains a larger fraction of the total wort than does less grain (assuming the same grain absorption rate.) The chart below shows what happens to lauter efficiency as the grain weight to pre-boil volume changes, for two different grain absorption rates, and zero to three equal volume batch (or dunk) sparges:

View attachment 869923

Using the grain weight to pre-boil volume ratio makes this chart batch size independent.

Brew on

I love this chart would a conversion to metric be easy ?

 

[Mord]

Yes, for more than a five gallon batch, you need some kind of pulley system (unless you are a serious weightlifter.) A hoist is nice if you like toys and have the funds. Many of us use pulleys even for 5 gal batches. You don't necessarily need a "crane", just something to hang the pulley from. Ceiling joists work well, as do tall step ladders, deer hanging tripods, engine hoists - there are lots of possibilities.

The bag does not need any special "strong material" the bag for the 145 gal (280+ lb grain bill) is made out of the same material as the smaller bags that Wilser makes. The material is much stronger than it looks.

Brew on

Thanks for the info. I was concerned about the bags weight capability. I have a chain fall to do the heavy lifting. Without using the conical as a kettle the biggest pot I have available is 20 gallons so lifting the bag won't be an issue. I really appreciate the insight on the easley overlooked details that bite you in the butt the day you try to incorporate shenanigans into the real world.

 

[Mord]

I'm just wondering who all the OP is brewing two barrel batches for.

I'm just wondering who all the OP is brewing two barrel batches for.

2 60 liter kegs per month, one for me and one for a buddy who's footing a good chunk of the equipment bill.

 

[Mord]

2 60 liter kegs per month, one for me and one for a buddy who's footing a good chunk of the equipment bill.

Oh sorry forgot to mention that If not brewing in the unitanks one will be sold. The wife is starting to ask questions.

 

[doug293cz]

I love this chart would a conversion to metric be easy ?

The chart is primarily for illustrative purposes, as it only applies to a limited set of parameters. My spreadsheet, that was used to create the chart, allows the parameters to be set to your specifics, and works in imperial (gal & lb) or metric (liters & kg.) To use the spreadsheet, download a copy either as an Excel or LibreOffice spreadsheet.

Brew on

 

[DuncB]

@doug293cz
Great I've got the spreadsheet I'll play with that again.