Direct Fire MLT Insulation Project - Page 3

Birdgunner · 01-17-2010, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brewmonk

why not sandwich it?

Between metal or the tape? Or did you have something else in mind? An AL tape insulated blanket... I like it!

**beerthirty** · 01-18-2010, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdgunner

How does the HVAC/Al tape hold up to the occasional flame that may go up the side of a kettle?

I was thinking of using Isofrax but wanted a good way to make sure that the fibers were contained and I didn't have some potential carcinogen's floating around (yes I know Isofrax has no hazard classes currently associated with it, hence why it is my first choice but I bet in a couple years it will be reclassified as a type 2b like all the other ceramic insulations), this could be the ticket. Sounds like a good idea if it can handle a lil flame!

I dont have any flames that go up the side of my kettle. Yesterday during a wet run kladue was here with a k thermocouple and the reading at the out side of the skirt was over 500*. It has worked better than I thought it would though I have only done 2 wet runs and 5 brews since insulating.

jaginger · 01-18-2010, 03:24 AM

It triples the cost, but you can buy that insulation reinforced with wire mesh. Any idea what the R-value for a 1" thick sheet is?

Birdgunner · 01-18-2010, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaginger

It triples the cost, but you can buy that insulation reinforced with wire mesh. Any idea what the R-value for a 1" thick sheet is?

For the Isofrax they cite that for the 1" thick and 8pcf dense material the Hot face at 1202F, the cold face will be 343F, 2" will get you to 248F.

brewmonk · 01-18-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by brewmonk

why not sandwich it?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Birdgunner

Between metal or the tape? Or did you have something else in mind? An AL tape insulated blanket... I like it!

Well, I'm a woodworker, I have no idea what isofrax is, so I was thinking 2 sheets of aluminum- inner and outer- to surround the mineral wool-lookin stuff.

The 'outer' sheets ends would have to be "Z" crimped and (for example) popriveted to the flat sheet underneath, and allow for overlaps, and a clamping system.

When unclamped, the diameter would increase enough to allow it to be slid upwards and over the top, keeping the cylindrical shape, and not over-flexing the core.

Birdgunner · 01-18-2010, 10:17 PM

[/QUOTE]Well, I'm a woodworker, I have no idea what isofrax is, so I was thinking 2 sheets of aluminum- inner and outer- to surround the mineral wool-lookin stuff.

The 'outer' sheets ends would have to be "Z" crimped and (for example) popriveted to the flat sheet underneath, and allow for overlaps, and a clamping system.

When unclamped, the diameter would increase enough to allow it to be slid upwards and over the top, keeping the cylindrical shape, and not over-flexing the core.[/QUOTE]

Now that would be fancy. I propose Bobby_M or someone much more capable than I try this first and report to the rest of us

It would contain the fibers and handle heat extremely well. I wonder how much something like that would cost? I know the "non ceramic", ceramic type insulation would run between $40-$55 to cover a standard keggle, not sure about the AL

**Bobby_M** · 01-18-2010, 10:26 PM

I've been to all those wonderful places in my mind but when you get in the garage with the stuff, it's like F-it, wrap this around that and secure it with that. OK, maybe not that simple but I lack any sort of metal working skill and tools. I'm gonna have some decent pictures to share in about an hour.

**Bobby_M** · 01-19-2010, 12:46 AM

I made some progress.
Trimmed panel:

You can see it doesn't like to bend..

Some ratchet straps get things moving.

Spring latches attached with rivets.

**Bobby_M** · 01-19-2010, 12:46 AM

It turned out that the mineral wool will stick to the aluminum pretty well with both surfaces coated with 3M Super 88. I don't plan to remove this thing more than once or twice a year and only for serious MLT cleaning.

Birdgunner · 01-19-2010, 01:40 AM

Very Nice! Best part is, no carcinogens floating around! haha
Can't wait to hear how it holds heat for you.
I like it, great job...think I may be forced to copy you