Insulated bubble wrap

**Brewer3401** · 11-01-2009, 05:29 PM

Does the house insulation that is bubble wrap sandwiched between thin aluminum foil type material have a maximum temperature range ?

I made my mash tun insulation with two layers of double bubble wrap, and at first, worked great.

Now I'm losing temp pretty quickly.

The Pol · 11-01-2009, 05:51 PM

Well, melting would be an issue at some point...

As long as the bubbles and foil are intact, it should work the same.

**Brewer3401** · 11-01-2009, 05:53 PM

I don't have fire to my mash tun.

The Pol · 11-01-2009, 05:55 PM

The insulating cabability is only based on the reflectivity and the insulating power of the bubbles (air). If that has not been compromised, it isnt the fault of the wrap.

lazybean · 11-01-2009, 06:00 PM

McMaster Carr list its temp rating as -60 - +180 F.

**Brewer3401** · 11-01-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazybean

McMaster Carr list its temp rating as -60 - +180 F.

Thanks to all for the info.

I'm going to make another insulation - some reason, when I push on mine, they don't "pop" like a new piece does.

Guess I just wore it out.

Only thing different, will put a heavy cloth barrier between mash tun and bubble wrap

Will do 3 layers of double-bubble.

Thanks again.

Catt22 · 11-01-2009, 07:18 PM

It helps to make a circular cap for the lid. A lot of heat is lost through the top. Usually, the reflectix bubble foil insulation is fairly durable. It's not real easy to "pop" the bubbles unless they get punctured somehow which would be rather unusual. Your noticeably increased heat loss could simply be due to the lower ambient temperatures this time of year.

The Pol · 11-01-2009, 07:22 PM

Doesnt get too chilly in SE Lousiana... whew... I was there a week ago and it was 90!

**Brewer3401** · 11-01-2009, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Pol

Doesnt get too chilly in SE Lousiana... whew... I was there a week ago and it was 90!

Cold front to us means high temps of 70 F

I envy you guys/girls from the north.

Brewing in the summer, I can get my wort down to 100 F with tap water, then I'm running ice water through a pond pump to get down to 58 F

Aside from the base malt, the ice is my most expensive brew ingredient.

The Pol · 11-01-2009, 07:37 PM

Love Lousiana though, hot and humid.
Enjoy the layovers there.