Wort "pipe" in a rims system to increase volume

[garhof]

Most of you guys are going to ask why I just dont go with a larger mash tun.

I've got a square stainless insulated ice chest for free. It will hold 4.5 gal volumetrically. From what I can figure this should work out about right for most of my beers and desired batch size. My thought is to run a full 2 in rims tube and tubbing off the bottom and recirculate back up to increase my water/wort volume. so a 18 in drop to a chugger pump, then back up about 24-30 in and over to the center of the mash tun. I'm going to have less sparge water at the end as well to get my target. How stupid of an idea is is this?

Or do I just go with smaller 1/2 to 3/4 stainless tri clamps and have to go with a smaller batch size.

Thanks!

 

[BrunDog]

Its not a good idea because you want your wort to move through the RIMS tube and over/through the element with decent velocity. This will reduce local heating/burning/boiling.

 

[garhof]

Thanks!

I'm also guessing that with my smaller volume batches that I should probably go with a 1.5 inch rims tube?

 

[BrunDog]

The volume around the element should be as small as possible.