How Fast Is Your Sparge Run Off?

[mje1980]

I batch sparge, and i run off pretty quickly. I've heard going slower can increase eff, but i can't be bothered adding extra time to my brew day. Happy with 68-72% eff, and happy with my beers.

 

[asis]

Usually takes me some where between 1-1 1/2 hours. The first bit is drained fairly quick down to just above the grain bed (same as my recirc rate) then I back it off a bit as I start to sparge and balance the in and out. The kettle is usually starting boil before the sparge is finished. Usually 44 litre batches and always 83% efficiency.

 

[argon]

If you batch sparge properly it should not matter how fast you draw off your wort, the only restriction is your system ie your manifold and your crush. By batch sparging I am talking about adding sparge water then giving the mash a good stir to release sugars from the grain, if you are not stiring the mash then you are doing some kind of hybrid batch-fly sparge and not realising your full potential efficiency. Batch sparging is all about stiring the mash. So your only restriction is with the crush you have, how fast can you draw the wort off without compacting the bed and getting a stuck sparge. If you are anal about having perfectly clear wort going into the kettle then you are going to be recirculating for a few minutes but then you should be able to draw your wort off as fast as your system allows without getting a stuck sparge. Brewers with well designed manifolds should be able to draw off quickly, 12L in 5 mins or so.

cheers

Browndog

Awesome... Happy to see I'm at least doing something right then.

 

[manticle]

I start slow to avoid splashing, then slowly open the tap up to full when the end of the tube is submerged. I guess 10-15 minutes per sparge (sometimes one, sometimes two depending on grist size and desired volume).

I stir and let sit 10 minutes then recirc till husks are removed and wort seems to be running reasonably clear before draining

I've tried running as slowly as I can and noticed no real difference.

Batch sparger.