Enter the grain weight, target temperature, initial temperature, and heat capacity of water into the calculator to determine the strike water volume; this calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.
Strike Water Formula
The following formula is used to calculate the strike water volume for a brewing process:
SW = (G * (T2 - T1)) / (C)
Variables:
- SW is the strike water volume
- G is the grain weight
- T2 is the target temperature
- T1 is the initial temperature
- C is the heat capacity of water
To calculate the strike water volume, multiply the grain weight by the difference between the target temperature and the initial temperature. Divide the result by the heat capacity of water.
What is a Strike Water?
Strike water is a term used in the brewing process, specifically in the mashing stage, which refers to the initial volume of water added to the grains. The temperature of the strike water is crucial as it determines the temperature of the mash, which in turn affects the types and quantities of sugars that are extracted from the grains. This is important because these sugars are what the yeast will later ferment into alcohol. The term “strike” comes from the action of mixing the hot water with the grains.
The temperature of the strike water is typically higher than the desired mash temperature due to heat loss when the water is added to the cooler grains. The exact temperature of the strike water can be calculated based on the temperature and amount of the grains, the desired mash temperature, and the specific heat of the brewing system.
How to Calculate Strike Water?
The following steps outline how to calculate the Strike Water.
- First, determine the grain bill (lbs).
- Next, determine the desired mash thickness (qt/lb).
- Next, use the formula Strike Water = Grain Bill * Mash Thickness.
- Finally, calculate the Strike Water.
- After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Grain Bill (lbs) = 10
Desired Mash Thickness (qt/lb) = 1.5
