Sight Glass Volume Markings

[Ghillie]

Ola,

Just purchased a sight glass and I'm wondering how to go about marking the volume increments?

There is an outfit in the US that cater for this, the only one I've found though which I think is pretty odd... Waiting to hear back if they can offer specific numbers though as I sparge to 26L:
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/cal2-25.htm

I've also found these on eBay which I think would work. Cut the strips down a bit and with a very steady (at least 5 pints) hand - apply the level and numeric volume markings:
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=173751068267

http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/710-5...0001&campid=5338413729&icep_item=173498551032

I know a lot of guys use sharpies, but lets face it - it will probably look rough AF. O rings are another option I'm considering - but it would be nice to have the numbers there too.

What's everyone else used/done?

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi!
I used address labels cut into a triangular shape with the numerals written on in mine own fair hand.
I took immense care and minutes of intense labour and you know what? It looked, as @Ghillie so charmingly put it, as rough AF!

 

[Ghillie]

I took immense care and minutes of intense labour and you know what? It looked, as @Ghillie so charmingly put it, as rough AF!

 

[Ghillie]

So got one of these to fit in series with the kettle ball valve:

http://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/weldless-sight-gauge-16-inch-with-12-inch-npt-fittings-p-2959.html

And these decals graduated from 10L to 28L in 2L increments. It's a little misleading, but you add the most applicable decals to your basket and on checkout stipulate what you actually need. i.e. extra numbers, different scale, etc.

https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/cal2-25.htm

So as my main reasoning for the sightglass is for sparge addition accuracy. Would I be best to apply the markings at somewhere between mash out temp and boil?

I mash out at 76C, lift the grain basket, bang both elements on and ramp to a boil. Takes about 20 minutes or so.

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi!
The expansion of the volume of water in relation to heat is not linear, so if you want accurate sparge volumes, add your scale when the water is at sparge temperature.
You may need a dual scale, the second for boil volume.
I bet you thought this was going to be simple

 

[Ghillie]

Hi!
The expansion of the volume of water in relation to heat is not linear, so if you want accurate sparge volumes, add your scale when the water is at sparge temperature.
You may need a dual scale, the second for boil volume.
I bet you thought this was going to be simple

Will go with the former then Colin, I'm a creature of simplicity!

Gauge will be starting at ~10L, so looks like I'll probably heat 10L to 76C and mark it, add 2L (weighed out) wait till 76C is reached again and mark it. Same for 12L, 14L, etc?

 

[Bigcol49]

Hi @Ghillie
Alternatively, start with, say, 20 litres, heat to 76°C, mark off and then drew off 2 litres, mark off, etc etc.

 

[alsacebrew]

I used these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000XJSKXC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[simon12]

Hi!
The expansion of the volume of water in relation to heat is not linear, so if you want accurate sparge volumes, add your scale when the water is at sparge temperature.
You may need a dual scale, the second for boil volume.
I bet you thought this was going to be simple

Surely your volumes work on the volume going into the fermenter at room temp. So cold measuring would be better, o an I missing something?

 

[Bigcol49]

Surely your volumes work on the volume going into the fermenter at room temp. So cold measuring would be better, o an I missing something?

Hi!
@Ghillie wanted an accurate measure for sparge volume. If he has a reading of the volume at 76°C, even if it's more than he needs, he can easily calculate how much water to "run off" for the sparge. He will obviously fill the sparge water heater with more than he needs.

 

[Ghillie]

I used these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000XJSKXC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

They look good!

 

[Ghillie]

Surely your volumes work on the volume going into the fermenter at room temp. So cold measuring would be better, o an I missing something?

Hi Simon,

It's sparging that is the main reason for the sight glass as @Bigcol49 has said.

With my Robobrew I'm literally sparging blind which is quite annoying. I'm trying to dial my numbers in a bit tighter as well and I think I may be over sparging/a little. It's hard to tell with the way the malt pipe sits over the kettle.

And in all honesty, I just love buying stuff for the hobby