Wahoo
Well-Known Member
I'm in the process of designing/building a 2-tier brew rig, to replace my current system based on step stools and turkey burners.
I'd like to keep it to 1 pump, which I already have, which means a 2-tier system seems the logical choice. My idea, which is based on what I do today, is to have the HLT (keggle) and the MLT (70 quart cooler) on one, higher level, and have the BK (20g stainless pot with a return port) on a lower level.
This is contrary to most designs I've seen, which have the HLT alone at the higher level, and the mash tun and the boil kettle both on the lower level.
My thought, when designing this way is that I'd rather not pump the unboiled wort right out of the MLT.
One potentional issue with having the MLT and BK on the same level is suction, which could be solved by a grant. But, my design doesn't need one.
Another issue is that I'd rather not have unboiled wort in my lines prior to running the boiling wort through the recirc process. Recirculating while still boiling should sanitize these lines, so it isn't a deal breaker, but I'd rather not have to worry about that at all.
The only downside I can think of is that having the MLT at the higher level might make for a more difficult time mashing in since it will be elevated. But I don't think it's going to be so high as to be clumsy. It should be about 36" which is the same height as kitchen countertops, and plenty of people including myself mash in with our MLT on a kitchen counter.
Is there anything else I should be thinking about with respect to this?
Thanks
I'd like to keep it to 1 pump, which I already have, which means a 2-tier system seems the logical choice. My idea, which is based on what I do today, is to have the HLT (keggle) and the MLT (70 quart cooler) on one, higher level, and have the BK (20g stainless pot with a return port) on a lower level.
This is contrary to most designs I've seen, which have the HLT alone at the higher level, and the mash tun and the boil kettle both on the lower level.
My thought, when designing this way is that I'd rather not pump the unboiled wort right out of the MLT.
One potentional issue with having the MLT and BK on the same level is suction, which could be solved by a grant. But, my design doesn't need one.
Another issue is that I'd rather not have unboiled wort in my lines prior to running the boiling wort through the recirc process. Recirculating while still boiling should sanitize these lines, so it isn't a deal breaker, but I'd rather not have to worry about that at all.
The only downside I can think of is that having the MLT at the higher level might make for a more difficult time mashing in since it will be elevated. But I don't think it's going to be so high as to be clumsy. It should be about 36" which is the same height as kitchen countertops, and plenty of people including myself mash in with our MLT on a kitchen counter.
Is there anything else I should be thinking about with respect to this?
Thanks