Refractometer correction?

[WaltG]

Is this accurate during fermentation or only after. I'm 48hrs in with no airlock activity but i have krausen. Just wanted to check progress.

https://www.northernbrewer.com/learn/resources/refractometer-calculator/

 

[kh54s10]

The link leads to the calculator but it has no numbers input. It is looking for the new person to enter numbers.

It you have krausen you have fermentation. Wait at least 7-10 days then use a hydrometer to determine that you have reached final gravity. You can use a refractometer but even with the correction they are not accurate with the presence of alcohol.

Airlocks might not bubble for a variety of reasons. Usually a bucket with a leak in the lid that makes gas passage easier than going through the airlock.

 

[WaltG]

I broke my hydrometer.

 

[doug293cz]

This is considered to be the best refractometer correction calculator: http://seanterrill.com/2012/01/06/refractometer-calculator/

Brew on

 

[Calder]

This is considered to be the best refractometer correction calculator:

That's quite a statement.

According to who?

 

[doug293cz]

That's quite a statement.

According to who?

Seems to be the consensus most recommended from what I've read on HBT. Although there will always be contrary opinions to everything. Do you have one to recommend that you think is better, and if so, why do you think it is better?

Brew on

 

[NSMikeD]

The NB calculator comes pretty close and for most beers it's close enough to calculate ABV and to know whether or not you yeast is working and if you are ready to bottle.

The calculators issue is when you are brewing beers with high OG - as the adjustment in the formula is less accurate.

If you are looking for lab precision, then yeah use a hydrometer. If you want to know if you are ready to bottle, the refractometer will do.

It's been my experience that the refractometer readings (using the NB calculator) have been in line with my software's predictions and calculations consistently enough to not replace my broken hydrometers.

 

[WaltG]

The NB calculator comes pretty close and for most beers it's close enough to calculate ABV and to know whether or not you yeast is working and if you are ready to bottle.

The calculators issue is when you are brewing beers with high OG - as the adjustment in the formula is less accurate.

If you are looking for lab precision, then yeah use a hydrometer. If you want to know if you are ready to bottle, the refractometer will do.

It's been my experience that the refractometer readings (using the NB calculator) have been in line with my software's predictions and calculations consistently enough to not replace my broken hydrometers.

How far off with high gravity? Within .02 or so?

 

[doug293cz]

How far off with high gravity? Within .02 or so?

".02" is a huge error. Did you mean 0.002?

Brew on

 

[WaltG]

".02" is a huge error. Did you mean 0.002?

Brew on

Yes

 

[RM-MN]

I broke my hydrometer.

That's fine. Wait 4 weeks and then bottle and you have better than 95% chance that the beer is at final gravity. Otherwise, buy 2 more hydrometers, one to use and one to keep you from breaking the one you use.:rockin:

 

[WaltG]

That's fine. Wait 4 weeks and then bottle and you have better than 95% chance that the beer is at final gravity. Otherwise, buy 2 more hydrometers, one to use and one to keep you from breaking the one you use.:rockin:

That was kinda the plan. Raising temp daily then holding for at least 15days. I'm almost 5 days in and if the NB calculator is right I'm at about 1.020. Goal is below 1.015 so i think i'm in good shape.

When I buy new hydrometer it will be professional grade.