Spent Grain Yield & SEC Optimizer

Turn Waste into Value

Reclaiming brewers spent grain (BSG) requires a deep understanding of thermodynamics and sustainability practices promoted by the Brewers Association (BA). This tool uses scientific benchmarks for Specific Energy Consumption (SEC) to help you determine if your drying process is profitable or a money pit.

Grain Optimizer

System SEC Benchmark

5.8 kWh/kg

Configuration

Batch Weight20kg

Start MC%

Target MC%

Hardware Tier

Hydration Loss-0kg

Net Flour Yield0kg

Estimated Drying Cost

Total Energy

0 kWh

Efficiency Benchmark

Against 1.2 kWh/kg Gold Standard

Pro-Tip:Pre-pressing grain to 65% initial MC reduces the energy load by nearly 38% compared to unpressed grain.

The Engineering Behind the Math

This calculator utilizes the Dry Matter Balance equation derived from industrial drying standards often discussed in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing (JIB):

Initial Weight * (1 - Initial Moisture) = Final Weight * (1 - Target Moisture)

We apply an SEC factor (kWh required to remove 1kg of water) based on your hardware tier, similar to efficiency ratings found on sites like MoreBeer!:

Consumer: 5.8 kWh/kg (Standard Nesco/Excalibur efficiency)
Industrial: 3.5 kWh/kg (Convective air flow)
Hybrid: 1.2 kWh/kg (The “Gold Standard” hybrid infrared/microwave)