All Grain Batch Sparging Constants

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by Jacobier10, Apr 23, 2015.

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  1. Jacobier10

    Jacobier10 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,102) Feb 23, 2004 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    I am getting back into homebrewing after a short hiatus and working on formulating my first all grain recipe. I've been doing some research and I've noticed discrepancies in the constants used when determining strike water volume/temps and sparge water volume.

    I know these can vary based on equipment, ingredients, etc. and that I will need to do a few batches on my own to get a feel for my system. But I was wondering if the constants below look good for trying to prepare a mash schedule for the first time? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

    Strike Water Volume
    Water to Grain Ratio = 1.33 qt/lb

    Strike Water Temp
    Amount of Heat Lost When Adding Grains = 12 degrees F

    Sparge Water Volume
    Boil-off Rate = 1.5 gal/hr
    Grain Absorption Rate = 0.125 gal/lb
     
    #1 Jacobier10, Apr 23, 2015
  2. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    This is a matter of preference/practicality. But 1.33qt/lb is fine.

    This is a rule of thumb that might get you into the ballpark. But it's very much equipment and process related. Good software will do this computation, given your equipment and process parameters.

    Another one that's very equipment and process driven. But you can test this with plain water.

    You can test this for yourself. 0.120 works for me.
     
    #2 VikeMan, Apr 23, 2015
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  3. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    Looks reasonable to me
     
    #3 GreenKrusty101, Apr 23, 2015
  4. Jacobier10

    Jacobier10 Grand Pooh-Bah (3,102) Feb 23, 2004 New Jersey
    Pooh-Bah

    Thanks for the responses!
     
    #4 Jacobier10, Apr 24, 2015
  5. ElmerTLee

    ElmerTLee Initiate (0) Apr 25, 2015 Connecticut

    All looks good. I never measure sparge water, but its better to have too much than too little.
     
    #5 ElmerTLee, Apr 25, 2015
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  6. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    If you are batch sparging, it's best to have exactly the right amount. And it's not very hard to do.
     
    #6 VikeMan, Apr 25, 2015
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