Sulphur dioxide tests

[tonyhibbett]

Having had a number of infected batches of wine in recent times, I decided to get serious about sulphur dioxide. My tub of sodium metabisulphite had a bb date of 2012 so I ordered a refill so I can top up my casks with so2. However, I need to know how much to add. After a long search I finally came across Harris so2 test strips. Has anyone used these?

 

[tonyhibbett]

Just used one. They work well, even with red wine. I got a reading of 25ppm, where 40 is the recommended level for red wine, so I added 3 g of fresh sulphite to the 10 gallons.

 

[ScottE75]

I use sulphite solution to sterilise my equipment before using...religiously. I haven't had an infection yet, luckily. I only use campden tabs in the actual wine because I wouldn't know where to start with powder.

 

[tonyhibbett]

The powder is more convenient and economical for large quantities (in this case 10 gallons of wine), but you need scales which can accurately weigh small amounts.