What should the hydrometer

They are one of the first pieces of equipment you learn how to use as a homebrewer. Very easy to use, hydrometers are a handy tool for any brewer from beginner to professional. Hydrometers float in liquid — for brewers that means wort or beer — to measure its density. Usually made from glass, hydrometers have an unmistakable shape. A long skinny tube connects to a thicker, heavy base.

Along the tube is a graduated marking with a density scale useful in the range for brewing. Across the brewing, wine-making, and distilling worlds, there are several common units of measure:.

Measuring the specific gravity of your beer provides useful information about the brewing process. Brewhouse and fermentation efficiency, stability, and alcohol percentage are all important to know for brewers.

This is called the original gravity OG. The OG of your wort tells you the potential for alcohol production. For beer, OGs can range from about 1. The final gravity FG of your beer will let you calculate the alcohol percentage. When the gravity is constant over a few days, your beer is done fermenting. The FG of beer ranges between 1. The lower the FG, the drier the beer.

A dry beer will generally have a thinner mouthfeel where a higher FG beer will be sweeter and fuller. Some brewers like to dry hop at specific gravities during fermentation.

For brewers who naturally carbonate in the fermenter, they need to know how much sugar is left to ferment. Hydrometers use the principle of buoyancy to produce readings of liquid density. Brewers use specifically calibrated hydrometers that measure the density of wort and beer. To get the best reading out of your hydrometer, use an adequately sized hydrometer jar. Some larger hydrometers might need larger test jars. It should be made of clear glass or plastic.

Looking from eye level, observe where the liquid crosses the graduated tube. Due to surface tension, the liquid will curve upward. Take the reading from the low point of the curve — called the meniscus. All hydrometers should come calibrated to measure water at the temperature written on the side of the tool. You can also buy a battery-operated thermohydrometer that has temperature correction built in.

At sea level, water should read an SG of 1. To calibrate your hydrometer, check the gravity of distilled water at the rated temperature. Most hydrometers are rated at 60F or 68F. If it reads 1. If it reads low, like 0. The baseline is water which is assigned a base number of 1.

The concentration of sulfuric acid to water in a new golf car battery is 1. A fully charged battery will test at 1. Do not perform a battery hydrometer test on a battery that has just been watered. The battery must go through at least one charge and discharge cycle in order to permit the water to adequately mix with the electrolyte.

It is important to recognize that the electrolyte temperature is significantly different from the ambient temperature if the vehicle has been operated. Hydrometer Testing Procedure: Warning! Eye Protection. Rubber Gloves. If you consult the chart, at the desired level of 1. Now do the arithmetic. At the desired original gravity OG of 1. It is not necessary but still not a bad idea , to dissolve the sugar in some boiling water before mixing into the must. Note that this is for 5-gallon recipes.

Most hydrometers are calibrated at 60 degrees F, and sample temperatures higher or lower than this need to be corrected. Consult the accompanying correction chart to determine the amount of the adjustment. For example: if your sample reads 1. Learn More ». The Hydrometer The hydrometer has been specifically designed for the wine and beer maker.

Determining Alcohol Content Hydrometers have many uses, but the most common use by wine, beer, and mead makers is determining the alcohol content of a homemade beverage. Step 1:Take Reading Prior to Fermentation It is impossible to accurately determine the alcohol content of a fermented beverage without this initial reading. Step 2: After Fermentation Is Complete, Take Another Reading Subtract the potential alcohol reading at this point from the potential alcohol reading prior to fermentation.

Uses For Wine Makers The hydrometer can be used to determine the natural sugar content of the must. Hydrometer Procedure For Wine Makers Step 1: After sanitizing a wine thief or gravy baster, remove a sample of the must and place it in the test stand. Step 2: To determine how much additional sugar is necessary to bring the must to the desired SG let's say 1.