missing link
Well-Known Member
Great information guys.
I just finished a test run of something similar. I'm not sure what you call the type of system I built but it goes like this.
MLT drains through a manifold via gravity into a 1 gallon cooler. The 1 gallon cooler has a 1500W heating element in it. When the 1 gallon cooler is full, it overflows via gravity into my pump, the pump then runs back up to my sparge manifold. The 1 gallon cooler seals up easily and doesn't leak. I am assuming this is similar to your set-ups.
During my test today, I filled my 12 gallon mash tun as full as I could, closed the lid and fired everything up. I get a 1 degree per minute temp rise or maybe 1.5 minutes per degree. At first it didn't seem to be heating but after about 5 minutes I started to get consistent temp rises on the digital thermometer that is at the exit of the MLT.
My test consisted of just plugging things into an extension cord, I am now in the process of building a control panel with switches and lights to see what is on. At some point I will wire in a Ranco for the heating elements.
I'm pretty excited about trying this thing with grain next week.
I just finished a test run of something similar. I'm not sure what you call the type of system I built but it goes like this.
MLT drains through a manifold via gravity into a 1 gallon cooler. The 1 gallon cooler has a 1500W heating element in it. When the 1 gallon cooler is full, it overflows via gravity into my pump, the pump then runs back up to my sparge manifold. The 1 gallon cooler seals up easily and doesn't leak. I am assuming this is similar to your set-ups.
During my test today, I filled my 12 gallon mash tun as full as I could, closed the lid and fired everything up. I get a 1 degree per minute temp rise or maybe 1.5 minutes per degree. At first it didn't seem to be heating but after about 5 minutes I started to get consistent temp rises on the digital thermometer that is at the exit of the MLT.
My test consisted of just plugging things into an extension cord, I am now in the process of building a control panel with switches and lights to see what is on. At some point I will wire in a Ranco for the heating elements.
I'm pretty excited about trying this thing with grain next week.