reeeeeeally slow sparge runoff

Thor the Mighty · 05-17-2009, 01:22 AM

so the last 4 batches ive done were all grain, and ive been doing batch sparges out of a converted igloo cooler with an ss braid/weldless ttb kit, coming out of a 1/2 inch ss ball valve. trying to get my first runnings is a pain! when i circulate, the flow is constant and quick, but about the 8th circulation, its a meer trickle out of the valve and it takes a good long time to collect my runnings. i fall short on the runnings as well. then i add the other portion of strike water to get my second runnings, and its the same thing, ill circulate the grain bed, and clear up the runnings, and by that time its slow as **** again. is this a grain bed problem? lhbs crush problem?

thanks.

**Yooper** · 05-17-2009, 01:35 AM

What do you mean "by the 8th circulation"? Are you needed to recirculate more than a couple of quarts?

COLObrewer · 05-17-2009, 02:10 PM

You might try something in the braid to keep it from colapsing, some people report they put a copper pipe inside with perforations in it. I use a copper manifold so can't say for sure but if I were going to do that I would just convert to copper manifold, I've never had a problem with it being slow or getting stuck.

Thor the Mighty · 05-17-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

What do you mean "by the 8th circulation"? Are you needed to recirculate more than a couple of quarts?

i do, just to make sure there is virtually no particles floating around in my brewski.

**ChshreCat** · 05-17-2009, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thor the Mighty

i do, just to make sure there is virtually no particles floating around in my brewski.

How much are you draining and recirculating each time?

**rico567** · 05-17-2009, 09:17 PM

Yes- definitely more info needed in this case. How long to get the runnings? It's easy to assume that everything has been checked in the system, but has it? I just participated in a brew with an MLT as described, with a pretty beat-up braid, and no problems.

Thor the Mighty · 05-18-2009, 02:01 AM

draining about 30oz or so, and it comes fast, then its a meer trickle for the rest of the sparge.

skeeordye11 · 05-18-2009, 02:30 AM

First thing is don't open the valve up all the way. Open just enough to get it running and then slowly increase after it gets started. Opening it too fast can cause the grain bed to suck to the braid and not allow the liquid to get through.
The other thing is if you are pouring the runings back over the top, you are probably disturbing the grain bed and undoing what you are attempting to do. Get one of those disposable pie tins and put some holes in it to slow the flow and not disturb the bed. That should help.