[yso191]

There has to be a better and more accurate way to measure lactic Acid than what I have been doing.  I have a pipette and bulb, which work well for drawing the fluid out of the bottle, but the amounts I add are hard to discern on the pipettes that I have, and it is apparently beyond my ability to keep the bulb pressure steady so as to keep the right amount in the pipette once I think I have it.  The consequence is that I am sure my volumes of Lactic Acid are inaccurate and way too variable.

I have in mind that there must be a small vial-like thing that has the tenths of milliliter measurement marks (my last brew required .7 of a milliliter) on the side so I can use the pipette to draw and the vial to measure and deliver to the mash.  Is there such a thing?  What is it called and where can I get one?  maybe there is a better way - if so, what?

[james]

Graduated cylinder, smallest size is probably about 10ml but there would be marks for every .1 or .2.

Another option is to dilute it so you are using something like 7ml instead of .7

[Jimmy K]

A pipette pump and some 2mL pipettes makes this stuff super easy. You stick the pipette on the bottom and draw liquid in using the wheel which moves a plunger. The plunger stays put on its own.

http://www.amazon.com/SEOH-PIPETTE-PUMP-2ml-Blue/dp/B00191BW4C

http://www.amazon.com/SEOH-Mohr-Pipets-Class-2ml/dp/B00191LR4C/ref=pd_sim_indust_2

[yso191]

Awesome!  I just ordered a pipette pump and a 5 ml graduated cylinder.  I'll play with both and see which I like using more.  Thanks!

[denny]

I just use a syringe marked in ml.  Too easy?

[reverseapachemaster]

I'm a little too lazy to be that precise. I convert ml to tsp and use my measuring spoons to approximate. PH seems to be on target that way.

Denny's syringe idea seems like a better option. I'll see if any smack addicts in my neighborhood can lend me a syringe.

[denny]

I'm a little too lazy to be that precise. I convert ml to tsp and use my measuring spoons to approximate. PH seems to be on target that way.

Denny's syringe idea seems like a better option. I'll see if any smack addicts in my neighborhood can lend me a syringe.

Or just buy one in the pet section  of a grocery store....

[Jimmy K]

I just use a syringe marked in ml.  Too easy?

Oh yeah, I've done that too. Very pragmatic Denny.

[HoosierBrew]

88% Lactic acid weighs ~ 1.21g/ml so if you have a scale it's easy to convert the ml needed to grams.  I used to convert to tsp as reverseapachemaster mentioned and had good luck that way too.


<EDIT>    The only trick to using the scale is to pour slowly so you don't overshoot.  Works great though.

[dbarber]

I just use a syringe marked in ml.  Too easy?

+1, i use a 3 ml syringe that is marked every 0.1 ml.

[yso191]

I just use a syringe marked in ml.  Too easy?

Way too easy.  Now I'm off to buy one of those...

[yso191]

Whew!  Caught the order in time on Amazon to cancel the pump and the cylinder order.

I just love simple, cheap solutions!

[Alewyfe]

I just love simple, cheap solutions!

Me too, but bear in mind you're losing the "WOW" factor that increases the barter value of your homebrew.

[yso191]

3, 3 ml syringes for less then 50cents at the local medical supply store.  Thanks Denny!

[denny]

3, 3 ml syringes for less then 50cents at the local medical supply store.  Thanks Denny!

de nada