Measuring PBW

[BigBadBrad]

i do the same but i use far less. i find 2 gal of pbw solution goes a long way. i also only make 2 gal of sanitizer.

Based on that message from Jim Jennings, I may start using less as well. I have to say that after the Brew Strong cleaning show, I actually measured the PBW that I put in my boil kettle with my immersion chiller. It was a much stronger concentration than I normally use and it got both my kettle and my IC very nice and shiny with no elbow grease. As far as kegs are concerned, 2-3 ounces looks like it will work just fine. For sanitizing, I normally fill the keg with water first then add the StarSan in so there is no foaming issues. I usually try to time it so I can use the sanitizer in a fermenter or during my brew day so I don't waste anything. If nothing else, I can just keep the sanitizer in the last keg in the cleaning line until I need it.

[Jim5*]

Hey guys!

Someone quoted my post back to me and called me to task on the details. I had been relying upon data provided by others so I went and checked these myself and must now post a correction.

Using the aforementioned postal, electronic scale, and a set of kitchen measuring spoons (not silverware) I find that six (6) level, measured Teaspoons of PBW weighs one ounce. Two level, measured Tablespoons weighed 1.1 ounce, which accounts for variance in powders weighed due to settling and moisture.

So, I apologize for having been off in the earlier data and hereby correct it to say that SIX level measured Teaspoons or TWO level measured TABLESPOONs of PBW are equal to approximately one ounce by weight. And to reiterate, all Five Star dosing instructions related to powders are referring to weight, not volume.

Dosing for PBW ranges from 2-Oz (by weight) per 5 gallons for a soaking solution for the homebrewer up to 1- to 2-oz (by weight) per gallon for manual cleaning and professional CIP depending upon water profile and soil load.

Jim Jennings
Five Star Chemicals & Supply, Inc.
jim@fivestarchemicals.com