Alcohol dilution calculation

[Eckardt M]

Good day everyone, hope you all are well.

I have a problem diluting alcohol down to a specific ABV. I found a formula on the net https://homedistiller.org/calcs/dilute" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow. The problem I have with the formulas is if I dilute the alcohol from 80% down to 43%, it doesn't end up at 43%. It end up higher, usually 46%.

I tried using different formulas but get to the same results. Will it be temperature that can affect the dilution? I don't know why this is happening. You advise will be appreciated.

Regards
Eckardt

[NZChris]

Have you checked the alcometer?

Do you adjust for temperature?

[Eckardt M]

I do use the alcohol meter, this is how I noticed the difference. How do I adjust for temperature?

[ShineonCrazyDiamond]

There's more going on.

1 liter 80% and 1 liter 0% will never equal 2 liters, therefore never be 40%.

I can not explain the science, but I have read alot. Basically, alcohol molecules and water molecules sort of "fit together " with less volume than alone. Like a zipper, I suppose.

Anyways, in the above example you might get 44% @ 1.89 liters. Or such numbers.

Regardless, we all experience it. Just be glad it does not under proof. You'll eventually throw a little extra water in and sneak up on the number.

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!

[NZChris]

https://homedistiller.org/calcs/husker_temp_convert.php

[Getsmokin]

It seems like I remember a podcast where the commercial guys proof by weight with load cells, as it was more accurate. There was also something to measuring the dilution, it took a bit of time for everything to equalize, to get a correct reading.

[HDNB]

rads cals are very accurate too. the temp shift when mixing is pretty big, so you could just wait for it to cool back to alcometer calibrated temp and do the reading.
my meter measures in Kg/M3 and i have a chart for temp variations. the chart doesn't help without the right meter tho...i use rads calcs for the ballpark and usually its within drips of being dead on.


does anyone have a formula or process for figuring obfuscated liquors? (like Bailey's for example)

[NZChris]

The calculator is flawed. The starting volume has to be added to its addition volume to give you the total volume to aim for.

[Craddosk]

Easiest fix for this is to proof everything by weight. I'll make a post later this week about doing that, but the TTB has tables for it, as does the Canadian Excise Tables.

[HDNB]

i find the biggest problem with proof by weight is having a known volume. without accurate lab measurement containers it's all but impossible to get an accurate volume/temp.
most lab equipment is pretty small units to. if you are trying to proof a couple gallons, that's a lot of measuring.

in absence of a great thermometer and kg/m3 hydrometers, your best bet is just use a decent alcometer...after all you don't have to answer to the TTB

[Saltbush Bill]

Regardless, we all experience it. Just be glad it does not under proof. You'll eventually throw a little extra water in and sneak up on the number.

Same thing happens to me , always need to add more water to correct the ABV, even after temp correction.

[jonnys_spirit]

Here’s a cool calc tool for wine. Works well for spirits also and I use it for diluting 16-20 fractions jars down to 10ml 40%abv samples for determining cuts.

Lately I’ve been aging at about 130proof and simply cut 1/3 water to 2/3 spirits for my bottle strength. Works out fine for cocktails

Good luck!
-jonny

[hefezelle]

Have a look over here: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=70913

In the (as of now) latest post i uploaded a tool that does the correct calculation on how much water is needed for dilution.

[Benredbeard]

Does anyone have an android app they like for dilution/other distillation tools?

[still_stirrin]

Does anyone have an android app they like for dilution/other distillation tools?

I gotta' iPhone, but these should work OK:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... lute&hl=en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... x&hl=en_US" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
https://play.google.com/store/apps/deta ... c&hl=en_US" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

How accurate for the compression/expansion of the mixture and various dilutions is undetermined, but the intensity of it is overwhelming, ie - "it's close enough for government work"...or, don't fret the small stuff. You'll get close enough to get a buzz on regardless.
ss

[Benredbeard]

Cheers Still! Yeah I enjoy details but won't be submitting samples for four decimal point analysis...

[NZChris]

Use any calculator you've got.

Multiply the volume you have by it's abv% to work out how much alcohol you have.
Divide that volume by the abv% you are aiming for to work out what volume to make it up to.

[Copperhead road]

Regardless, we all experience it. Just be glad it does not under proof. You'll eventually throw a little extra water in and sneak up on the number.

Same thing happens to me , always need to add more water to correct the ABV, even after temp correction.

Copperhead road has experienced this phenomena, not such a bad thing though because at least it’s overproof rather than underproof.....just saying

BTW I think the HD dilution calculator is the bomb now I know where to find it, I have just bookmarked this thread for convenience for next time I am proofing down to 65% for the barrel,