Braid not cutting it, need False Bottom help

magnj · 10-11-2011, 10:58 PM

All, I've got a 17.25" diameter 40qt MLT. I tried a few braid combinations, single large diameter braid, a long braid with a T and looped around, and so on. Braid is not going to work for me.

Unfortunately our kettle is not standard, so we are looking at a DIY or custom FB. Any suggestions on a source, or a cheaper alternative to a $100+ piece? If not, where is my money best spent?

We are running a RIMS and fly sparging for the record. I'm guessing the surface area was just not enough, I have to assume that 230+ sq/in will be enough.

**jeffd10** · 10-11-2011, 11:19 PM

I think Jays False Bottoms will do custom sizes

Soulrebel · 10-11-2011, 11:22 PM

Jaybird will do custom! (530)243-BEER excellent product and fast shipping.

**Golddiggie** · 10-11-2011, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffd10

I think Jays False Bottoms will do custom sizes

They have one that's really close already (17-5/8") so it shouldn't be too much to make it fit/work.

I have one of his false bottoms (and dip tube) in my keggle mash tun and love it. IMO, worth every penny.

**Primevci** · 10-11-2011, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by magnj

All, I've got a 17.25" diameter 40qt MLT. I tried a few braid combinations, single large diameter braid, a long braid with a T and looped around, and so on. Braid is not going to work for me.

Unfortunately our kettle is not standard, so we are looking at a DIY or custom FB. Any suggestions on a source, or a cheaper alternative to a $100+ piece? If not, where is my money best spent?

We are running a RIMS and fly sparging for the record. I'm guessing the surface area was just not enough, I have to assume that 230+ sq/in will be enough.

Whats going with the braid

magnj · 10-11-2011, 11:40 PM

Thanks guys, I actually did shoot Jay an email already because his name kept coming up, glad to hear you're happy with what he built.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golddiggie

They have one that's really close already (17-5/8") so it shouldn't be too much to make it fit/work.

I have one of his false bottoms (and dip tube) in my keggle mash tun and love it. IMO, worth every penny.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soulrebel

Jaybird will do custom! (530)243-BEER excellent product and fast shipping.

magnj · 10-11-2011, 11:46 PM

Just not flowing. Did a brew 2 weeks a go with single digit % wheat and we had issues towards the end but survived it. This week 25lbs of grain for a stout went into compost because we couldn't even get the recirc started and our temps dropped way down by the time we figured how to ghetto a solution.

we did some tests with water and un-crushed grain and we could see the grain stick right to the braid and stop flow. I had springs in it so I know it wasn't crushed.

I knew it might be a temporary solution so I'm not too upset but I just want to get it right this time and focus on the beer instead of hardware.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Primevci

Whats going with the braid

magnj · 10-11-2011, 11:49 PM

gratuitous rig pictures:

**wilserbrewer** · 10-11-2011, 11:55 PM

Is that a stainless sheathing hose cover? Where did you get that braid? What product is it exactly? McMaster stainless hose cover? A stainless braid should be stout enough to not need anything inside! While I appreciate the effort you invested, I think you used the wrong braid material. Also, IMHO, making a loop with a braid is pointless as the wort will want to take the path of least resistance and enter the braid within a few inches of the bulkhead. A short 6-8 inch stub of proper braid material will lauter well IME.

Remove the tee and put a big ass $10 water heater braid on there and you will lauter a storm!

magnj · 10-11-2011, 11:58 PM

This was the first attempt, also had problems with it. I just don't think a braid is going to work terribly well for someone using a RIMS. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

As much as I like tinkering, I did more than my share to get this setup to where it is, and now I just want it to work. every time.