Rubber insulated keg MLT questions

**Lil' Sparky** · 07-17-2007, 10:00 PM

I just picked up one of those rubber insulated kegs like the one in this pic. I'm wondering if anyone has converted one of these into a MLT. I'm hoping to still direct fire the MLT for heating strike water and doing temp steps. Anyone got experience about the best way to go about exposing the SS bottom? Also, it doesn't seem like the curtain on the bottom that the keg rests on has any metal in it. I'm worried it'll melt or catch fire if it's not removed.

I've sent an email to the link on this guy's page. Hopefully he'll have some insight for me, too. I'll pass on any information I get.

**Lil' Sparky** · 07-18-2007, 04:16 AM

Well, I got the following response from the owner of the brewery in the pic. He's made a lot of changes since that pic was taken. Anyway, here's his response.

Quote:

It does appear that I fire the MLT, but I dont. I had the system made for 3 regular kegs and I used it when I first started up. Now I dont use it. I have the HERMS system to maintain the heat in it now. I love the plastic lined keg because it insulates very well. Once HERMS gets to the temp, it rarely has to run to keep temp. The plastic is almost 1/2" think in places, and about 1/4" on top. It does not look like it, but it is pretty thick. I had to cut through the top plastic with an air cutter, then I plasmad the top out. I get alot of questions about this, and it is probably the most efficient MLT I have ever used. Let me know if I can help you out some more.

**Lil' Sparky** · 07-18-2007, 04:22 AM

I'd still like to get some feedback. Anyone got any experience with trying to modify one of these to direct fire?

I'm going to purchase a pump soon, but didn't really plan on going the HERMS route. I really like being able to fire the MLT. Is it worth it to abandon that, convert to HERMS, and try to make this work?

Should I risk ruining the keg by trying to remove all the rubber off the bottom, possibly including the bottom rim, so that I can still direct fire it?

**Lil' Sparky** · 07-19-2007, 03:43 PM

Well, I heard again from the guy who owns the brewery in the pic. He said he didn't think it was possible to modify the keg to heat it with a burner.

So, I guess my options are stick with what I've got, or modify my setup with HERMS. Right now I'm leaning on sticking with what I've got. Is it worth the change?

C'mon guys, I need some feedback here!