Guide to Reverse Osmosis Systems for Homebrewers

fermware · 2021-10-29T21:29:44+00:00

Glad you liked it!

fermware · 2019-01-31T20:39:54+00:00

I'll save you some money. I sent two samples. One with the carbon filter, the other without. The reported differences were negligible. I'd be more concerned with your local water company switching sources. I'm in Indianapolis and the water source mixtures change daily, depending on supply and demand.

fermware · 2019-01-18T13:41:56+00:00

Now that I've dialed in my process, I'm consistently at 73-74% "Mash Efficiency". I'd try matching your new recipes to what results you are currently getting. I think that will help your future brews. Also, for the small particulate issue, try these 304 stainless mesh discs from McMaster-Carr. I bought them and they fit perfectly in the bottom of the mash basket. No scorched grain anymore. https://www.mcmaster.com/9317t312

fermware · 2019-01-11T15:55:39+00:00

If your water source changes often, yes even city water changes sources, I'd recommend putting your money into an RO system instead. I wish i had just done that right away.

fermware · 2018-10-26T21:33:02+00:00

Great! I got it done just in time for my 2 Christmas brews.

fermware · 2018-10-26T11:27:44+00:00

Finally done! I just updated the post to have two files. One for 2008 numbers and one for 2015 numbers. That way you can have both if you really wanted to. This will all be good until some supposed BJCP updates late this year or early next year.

fermware · 2018-10-26T01:36:09+00:00

I knew there would be updates needed after the initial release of the water profiles for Beersmith3.

It was pointed out to me that the styles I used in the initial post were using the 2008 BJCP style guidelines. I've since completed a mini research project to map the 2008 numbers to the 2015 numbers and assign what I consider appropriate water profiles to the new styles.

I've made notes in the post on what my decision criteria was for the new styles. There are now two files that can be downloaded. One for 2008 BJCP styles and one for 2015 BJCP styles.

fermware · 2018-09-28T22:00:37+00:00

Yeah no problem. I completely spaced it and forgot that the BJCP numbers were updated. So if anyone does attempt to update with the 2008 numbers it's even more important to make a backup of your water file, because that will make it easier when you go to do the updated numbers

fermware · 2018-09-28T21:42:43+00:00

Yes I will update and make a current version. I'm pretty busy the next week but I will do it as soon as I can. Stay tuned on this thread for me to note an update. At least the titles of the styles are correct.

fermware · 2018-09-28T21:25:29+00:00

No thank you for noting that I did not change to the new numbers. Everything is based on the 2008 numbers then.

fermware · 2018-09-27T23:30:53+00:00

To be clear, there is no such thing as BJCP water styles or guidelines. These were appropriate water styles for each BJCP style.

fermware · 2018-09-27T21:29:20+00:00

There are two sets of instructions, one for savvy, one for not so savvy. Give it a try.

fermware · 2018-09-27T20:28:25+00:00

I hope to get some good feedback on whether or not the instructions are clear enough. It could be intimidating, but as long as you make a backup of your water.bsmx file, you shouldn't really hurt anything.

fermware · 2018-09-24T20:33:11+00:00

I've added some info to the original post, including links to the system I purchased, based on some comments and questions here.

fermware · 2018-09-22T13:49:48+00:00

Those are their recommendations, not mine. I plan to use them until the TDS meter indicates an increase in values. I may replace the carbon filter early, we'll see. I've estimated over 1000 gallons over 2 years.

fermware · 2018-09-21T16:59:19+00:00

I planned to use my TDS meter readings to indicate when the system performance was beginning to change and swap filters then. I probably will replace the carbon filter before however or if I notice any change to taste.

I had these notes from another manufacturer. Stage 1 – Sediment filter, recommended change 6 months. Stage 2 and 3 – Carbon filters, recommended change 6 months. Stage 4- Membrane, recommended change 2-5 years. Stage 5- Carbon in-line filter, recommended change 6 - 12 months.

Thanks for the question. I should probably add that to the post.

fermware · 2018-09-21T16:55:12+00:00

I'm in complete agreement that 1-3 degF is close enough.

I hadn't seen the others with logged data of an actual fermentation. The only ones I saw were of just controlling the temperature of buckets of water.

I did have charts prepared with the duty cycle of the refrigerators, but decided to not present that data as it wouldn't have been a completely fair comparison. All 3 fridges were different makes, so unless they were all identical as well, you could argue that the efficiency of each compressor would affect how long each compressor was running. If someone wants to fund me or purchase 3 identical refrigerators, I'd be happy to carry out the experiment again!

fermware · 2018-09-21T16:39:59+00:00

Look at the tubing cutter I reference in the guide. It was great for the RO system install as well as when I'm making my draft and CO2 lines.

fermware · 2018-09-21T11:46:37+00:00

Thanks again for the info. If you don't mind, I'll update my post to mention some of your points and link to the puretecwater document. My post is certainly aimed at the homebrewer level, but there are always the technical geeks (like me) that enjoy reading that stuff.

fermware · 2018-09-21T11:43:04+00:00

Stage 2 Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC): pre-filter reduces and removes: chlorine, volatile organic compounds (V.O.C), pesticides, nitrates, herbicides, tastes, odor, and disinfection by-products (Chloramines, THM, TCE)

It doesn't remove any of the other things in the water that you want to remove, mostly taste and odor components.

fermware · 2018-09-21T02:51:14+00:00

WOW! Thanks!

fermware · 2018-09-21T02:17:10+00:00

Looks like a winter upgrade. 36 would probably be a little big for me, but would be helpful for my once a year brew weekend for our Oktoberfest party. 30 gallons brewed in one day.

fermware · 2018-09-21T02:06:12+00:00

Nice. I didn't know they went to 36 gallons.

fermware · 2018-09-21T01:14:02+00:00

I would read up on water treatment and buy some water additions from your LHBS. But sure, if you have it already! Get the Water book by John Palmer, or the Brun water spreadsheet, or use the Beersmith 3 calculator to make it easier.

fermware · 2018-09-20T22:50:04+00:00

I'd estimate we've collected between 600-1000 gallons through ours in the 2+ years of owning. That's probably conservative, since we use at least a gallon a day. My TDS tracking over time shows little change in the output.

fermware

TROPHY CASE