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janzik · 04-27-2009, 03:41 PM

Loop shaped copper manifold with downward facing slots in a 70qt Coleman Xtreme. Barley Crusher set to factory, consistently over 80%, generally over 85-90%

**HenryHill** · 04-27-2009, 03:44 PM

I bought a 5' stainless wahser hose and cut it in half. I clamped it to my dip tubes in both the MLT and BK. I closed of the ends with 1/2" copper, folded over on one end, and clamped onto that. It stays down under the mash grain.

Because the braid is long, I've never had any problem with sparges sticking, even using oats and rye in a huge stout. Some people use the braids but use short lengths; ordinarily this works fine, but having the extra length is not a drawback, and still works with large grain bills of sticky ingredients.

I have (2) 15" pieces of stainless perf metal that I bought to use as FB's, but haven't set them up because I like the braid.

Do whatever you want.

Beavdowg · 04-27-2009, 08:27 PM

Nobody responded to the concern about plastics and near-boiling liquids, i.e. the cooler mash tun.

Any thoughts on that?

thanks again!

**wilserbrewer** · 04-27-2009, 08:33 PM

Well perhaps nobody has any concerns...I don't.

Clonefarmer · 04-27-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beavdowg

Nobody responded to the concern about plastics and near-boiling liquids, i.e. the cooler mash tun.

Any thoughts on that?

thanks again!

The temp of strike and sparge water doesn't seem to effect the cooler at all.

the_Roqk · 04-28-2009, 12:05 AM

I have a 10 gallon igloo cooler I use for my MLT with an 8" SS Braid for the filter. I have probably a dozen plus or so batches through that setup. However, I started experiencing semi-stuck sparges even without using adjuncts or mostly wheat. I found that the problem was stirring too much to try and reduce the dough balls in the mash was causing the braid to crimp near the outlet. Since then I've been working on making a copper mainfold to go inside to replace the braid. Either way, by "upgrading" to the mainfold you won't and can't go wrong. It may cost a little more to begin but it might save you some headache and cost in the future.

That's my .02's worth

BTW are you worried about the "High" temps of sparge water inside the plastic MLT causing some sort of health problems?

**mysteryberto** · 04-28-2009, 12:17 AM

I use a hose and have never tried a manifold.

The hose works great except for one time I had a friend over and we were brewing. He was stirring the mash and was doing it quite vigorously. Well when it came time to drain the tun it was stuck hard. No amount of stirring or blowing back into the tun worked.

I was pissed and my friend was very apologetic. I took the round filter I use in my funnel and strained the mash through it getting the most of the wort I could out. I was concerned about the clarity and gravity but it was not an issue. A few weeks later it was very clear and one of my favorite beers!

Denny · 04-28-2009, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beavdowg

Nobody responded to the concern about plastics and near-boiling liquids, i.e. the cooler mash tun.

Any thoughts on that?

thanks again!

Coolers are made of HDPE, so it's not a concern...

the_Roqk · 04-28-2009, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denny

Coolers are made of HDPE, so it's not a concern...

I agree! It's the same properties as items that are used to hold beverages. Unless, someone else has something to add.

But to clear your conscience, why not try and contact someone that is affliated with the "cooler" that you own and see if what they hafta say about the health issues using a "cooler" at elevated temps, ie; 170 + F.

zanemoseley · 04-28-2009, 02:04 AM

I did my first AG this weekend with a FB from MW supply and it was awesome. I did a Wit recipe that had a lot of wheat and oats and with 1/2lb rice hulls I couldn't believe how easy the running were to drain. At this point I'm super happy with my decision however it was a hard one to get to.