Lesson 5 - Wort and Beer Analysis SAQ
This lesson enables you to test yourself on the material covered in the Beer and Wort Analysis lesson, and determine the level to which you have met the learning outcomes.
Suggested Response - Q4
**Select your SG measurement method of choice for the following list of situations, giving reasons for your choice.
Response:
a) Microbrewery that can afford only one method
The most affordable method for measuring SG is the hydrometer. It costs a similar amount to buy as a pycnometer but with the pycnometer you need to buy the expensive weighing scales. Calibrated hydrometers are accepted by most countries for measurements used to calculate ABV and samples measured do not require extensive processing before measurement can be undertaken.
b) Satellite lab in packaging department of a large brewery
A U tube densitometer would be ideal for a satellite lab. They are more costly than a hydrometer but can analyse a number of samples rapidly and accurately. They occupy less space than is required for hydrometers and, being in a lab, the equipment to clarify and degas the sample will be close at hand.
c) National standards laboratory
For a national standards laboratory the pycnometer could be used. The pycnometer’s measurement will be determined from density. The measurement of density can be traced back to reference masses and volumes allowing for high, traceable accuracy.
d) Main brewery lab in a large regional brewery
In the main lab of the brewery, the most likely method would be a U tube densitometer. A pycnometer could be used to verify results or check calibration of the densitometer. The densitometer is likely to be equipped with NIR so that ABV, OG, apparent extract, and real extract can be calculated.