Concentrated Phosphoric Acid for Brewing
Phosphoric Acid 85% is a highly concentrated brewing-water treatment used to lower mash and sparge-water pH accurately without adding the distinctive flavour sometimes associated with larger additions of other brewing acids.
Supplied in a convenient 500ml split-chamber measuring bottle, it can also be used as a low-foaming sanitiser when correctly diluted and for passivating compatible stainless steel brewing equipment.
Why You’ll Love It
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Concentrated 85% phosphoric acid
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Accurately lowers mash and sparge-water pH
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Useful for all-grain brewing water adjustment
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Generally flavour-neutral at normal brewing rates
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Can be used as a low-foaming sanitiser when correctly diluted
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Suitable for stainless steel passivation when used correctly
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Split-chamber bottle assists with measuring
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Highly concentrated and economical
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Suitable for home and commercial brewing applications
Brewing Water and Mash pH Adjustment
Phosphoric acid can be used to reduce the pH of brewing liquor, mash water and sparge water.
The quantity required will vary according to:
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Water alkalinity
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Grain bill and malt acidity
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Brewing-water volume
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Mineral additions
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Starting pH
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Target mash or sparge-water pH
Calculate the approximate addition using brewing-water software, then confirm the result with a correctly calibrated pH meter.
Because this product is highly concentrated, additions should be made gradually. Pre-dilute the measured acid in water before mixing it thoroughly through the brewing liquor.
Suggested Brewing pH Targets
Common room-temperature brewing targets include:
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Mash pH: approximately 5.2–5.6
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Sparge water: generally adjusted below pH 6.0 where required
The ideal target depends on the recipe, malt bill, water chemistry and brewing process.
Always measure pH using a calibrated meter rather than relying only on a calculated addition.
Using Phosphoric Acid as a Sanitiser
When diluted according to the manufacturer’s directions, phosphoric acid may be used as a non-foaming, no-rinse sanitising solution.
The stated dilution is:
1ml of Phosphoric Acid 85% per 2 litres of water.
Measure carefully, mix thoroughly and follow all directions provided on the product label.
Clean equipment before sanitising. Sanitiser cannot reliably reach surfaces covered by yeast, protein, oils or other brewing residue.
Stainless Steel Passivation
Phosphoric acid may also be used when passivating suitable stainless steel brewing equipment.
Passivation concentration, contact time and temperature depend on the equipment and procedure being followed. Always use the instructions supplied by the equipment manufacturer and rinse or neutralise as directed.
Do not use on incompatible materials.
Important Safety Information
This product contains concentrated 85% phosphoric acid and can cause severe burns and eye damage.
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Wear suitable chemical-resistant gloves and eye protection
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Use protective clothing when measuring or mixing
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Work in a well-ventilated area
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Avoid breathing mist or spray
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Never ingest the product
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Always add acid to water—never add water to concentrated acid
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Avoid splashing when measuring or mixing
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Keep away from children and animals
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Store upright with the cap securely closed
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Keep in a cool location away from incompatible chemicals
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Consult the product label and Safety Data Sheet before use
Dangerous-goods transport restrictions and additional freight conditions may apply.
Is Phosphoric Acid the Same as StellarSan?
No. Phosphoric Acid 85% is a concentrated acid with several brewing applications, including water adjustment, correctly diluted low-foam sanitising and stainless steel passivation.
StellarSan is a purpose-formulated brewing sanitiser containing additional ingredients designed to improve surface coverage and sanitising performance. StellarSan is generally the more convenient option when a dedicated everyday equipment sanitiser is required.
Why Buy from Border Brewing Supplies?
Border Brewing Supplies stocks brewing-water treatments, pH meters, cleaners and sanitisers from our Tweed Heads South home brew shop.
We supply brewers throughout Tweed Heads, the Gold Coast, Northern Rivers, Brisbane and the wider Queensland–New South Wales border region, with dangerous-goods delivery available where permitted.
Visit our store or order online for practical advice on mash pH, brewing-water adjustment and equipment care.
Recommended Products
For accurate pH adjustment and safe handling, consider adding:
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Digital brewing pH meter
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pH 4.00 and pH 7.00 calibration solutions
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Chemical-resistant gloves
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Safety glasses
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Measuring syringe or pipette
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Acidulated malt
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StellarSan brewing sanitiser
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StellarClean PBW brewery cleaner
