Gravity Question

[HazyNick]

Hi all

Into my third year of brewing;

1. all grain brewing
2. 35 litre Brewzilla
3. allrounder (I ferment under pressure)
4. Recently purchased RAPT Pill and RAPT controller (2nd brew using this)

I seem to have a lot if issues with my gravity. I've been using recipes online, I'm just brewing my 4th version of Naboo NEOPA aka Jedi Juice clone.

I have never been able to get the 1.070 OG that the recipe suggests, I always seem to end up around 1.060.

My concerns stem from this time around my pre gravity OG was 1.058 and my post boil OG is 1.061.

Process:

• 7.25 KG fermentable
• 22 litres of water
• I mashed in at 68 degrees and mashed out at 78
• I sparged for 30 minutes and had 29 litres in the kettle
• boiled the wort for 90 minutes and cooled to 18 degrees prior to fermenting

Over 90 minutes I lose 6 litres (which is usual for me) and have 23.5 litres in the fermenter

Usually the beer comes ion at 6.5% with an FG of 1012, however I am concerned that the increase in gravity after boiling is on .003

Any suggested changes to my process would be appreciated.

Cheers
Nick.

 

[MHB]

I'm not 100% sure what the question is. The gravity will go up as the volume goes down as gravity is really just a way to determine the amount of extract (solids extracted from the grain) in the wort.

To get accurate results you need to be measuring volumes accurately (I notice a few 5L differences) and all readings need to be taken at the same temperature (normally 20oC) or adjusted for temperature.
There really is a lot wrong with your numbers. You are claiming around 82% efficiency into the kettle (unlikely on a Brewzilla. To get an OG of 1.070 you would need to be at 100% (that’s pre-boil). I suspect you arent getting what you think you are.

Measurement errors are among the most common. Check your volumes measurements very carefully, use a good hydrometer and at the right temperature. Check the temperature the Brewzilla is reporting.
Mark

 

[Will2233]

Also before taking your sample give the wort a really good stir to help get a correct reading.
William

 

[Ditchnbeer]

What kit are you measuring gravity with? Sounds like pre boil measurement off.
Always measure sample at same temp as calibration solution.
Dont let measuring device get hot.
'Scoop up' a sample from the bottom of kettle, to get a good sample
Measure 3 times and use average