Bentonite

[Tuco]

Hey, couple of questions if you could help out

1) Will 3 tsp of Bentonite be sufficient for 5 gallons? Theres no directions on my tub. How much for 1 gallon, will 1 tsp be enough?

2) What do you find is the best way to mix bentonite , I've added boiling water, mixing it a bit at a time, but theres always some undissolved bits left, I was thinking maybe a small whisk might help?

3) On some batches bentonite has settled into compact sediment at the bottom, on a couple occasions it's just hung around at the bottom and looks 'milky', i've tried stirring it up a few times, but it doesn't settle compact the same, any ideas why?

[Ian]

The tub I've got says a teaspoon for a gallon.

And, no matter how I try and dissolve it, there's always a bit left. Using a small whisk was no help - just more difficult to clean.

[Tuco]

So 5 teaspoons for 5 gallon

[NorthernWiner]

For 5 gallons, 3-5 teaspoons should do the job.

You have to make a slurry with bentonite and then allow it to hydrate. For 5 gallons, add your bentonite to about a cup of very hot water and put it in a blender. Let it run for a good couple of minutes. Put it in a covered container and let it sit overnight. In the morning, whiz it again in the blender and then stir it into your wine.

If you've done everything right, it will have the consistency of thick pea soup.

[Tuco]

For 5 gallons, 3-5 teaspoons should do the job.

You have to make a slurry with bentonite and then allow it to hydrate. For 5 gallons, add your bentonite to about a cup of very hot water and put it in a blender. Let it run for a good couple of minutes. Put it in a covered container and let it sit overnight. In the morning, whiz it again in the blender and then stir it into your wine.

If you've done everything right, it will have the consistency of thick pea soup.

Thanks NorthernWiner

Does the slurry need to be heated up again after 24 hours? Reason I ask, a video I watched on youtube said it hot bentonite added to cold liquid will work best

[NorthernWiner]

Does the slurry need to be heated up again after 24 hours?

You can, but I don't think it's necessary. I've always added it cold (or room temp) and it works just fine.

[Tuco]

ok thanks dude, i'll try that

[plonky]

The tub I've got says a teaspoon for a gallon.

And, no matter how I try and dissolve it, there's always a bit left. Using a small whisk was no help - just more difficult to clean.

Try this experiment slowly sprinkle some bentonite like a teaspoon into warm not hot water in a screw top jar an old jam jar will suffice leave it alone to hydrate for around fifteen minutes put the top on and shake it say every 15 mins until you have an emulsion (no big parts dropping the out!).You need to allow the bentonite (clay) time and warmth to absorb the moisture it probably hasn't seen any for a few thousand years.

[Ian]

Try this experiment slowly sprinkle some bentonite like a teaspoon into warm not hot water in a screw top jar an old jam jar will suffice leave it alone to hydrate for around fifteen minutes put the top on and shake it say every 15 mins until you have an emulsion (no big parts dropping the out!).You need to allow the bentonite (clay) time and warmth to absorb the moisture it probably hasn't seen any for a few thousand years.

Success!! Thanks for that.

[fatbloke]

I'm wondering if Bentonite is the same as "Fullers Earth" ?????

Because I've got a couple of bottles of that from when I was with the RN - it was used for NBC decontamination......

regards

JtFB