Braid filtered pick-up tube for sanke tun..
 

I had an idea for a pick-up tube for my sanke mash tun. I didn't want to use the typical set-up which uses a stainless braid with hose clamps. I wanted to make someting that used the braid as an interior type filter instead. Here are my photos;

Here are the pieces before soldering..
[IMG]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...20204-1112.jpg[/IMG]

This is after soldering..
[IMG]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...20204-1431.jpg[/IMG]

Inserting the braid-filter..
[IMG]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...20204-1449.jpg[/IMG]

This is the finished product..
[IMG]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...20204-1456.jpg[/IMG]

Doing a test run with water, and it works great! I'm going to brew an amber next weekend with this set-up to see if it works as well with grain in the tun..
[IMG]http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m...20204-1442.jpg[/IMG]

I don't direct fire since my insulation jacket holds my mash temp, so I'm hoping this set-up will work great. If I ever decide I want to start direct firing then I'll make a false bottom some day instead.

Very attractive design, I don't think I've ever seen this done before.

Thanks! I wanted to make something unique yet simple. There is no chance of colapse or dis-lodging the braid this way. The cap on the end isn't soldered, so I can remove the braid for cleaning and/or replacement.. I'm excited to try it out!

Very sexy! You gonna have to do the same with my kettle!

You got it brother! I'd be happy too! I'm going to make one for my kettle as well..

I'll be getting away from my grain bag with this set-up.. No more BIAB, and hopefully I'll finally get better efficiency with this!

Looks good, my compliments.

Thanks a bunch!

Sort of looks like this: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/sanke-mlt-stainless-braid-56183/

That isn't a whole lot of surface area. The bigger issue though is that if you were doing BIAB before, I'm assuming you are direct firing the tun. With the grain sitting right on the bottom, you will probably have scorching issues.

I saw your thread before Bobby and it actually inspired this idea, so thanks! I don't direct fire. I live in a very warm climate, and my mash holds it's temp great with insulation. As I mentioned on the original post, if I ever decide I need to direct fire I'll make a false bottom. I did consider the fact that it wasn't a lot of surface area, but I have a funny feeling it won't matter. It's basically an experiment and giving it a try is the only way I'll know if it really works. I'm thinking if I vourloff (sp?) well it just might do a good job. I'd like to incorporate a recirc pump with this set-up, but that is a whole other paycheck in the future..