25 Gallon Mega Pot - False Bottom Question

[RockerDlicious]

Just got myself a 25 gallon mega pot from Northern Brewer that I will be using as a mash tun. I ordered the appropriate false bottom and it's about 1" smaller all the way around in diameter and sits off of the bottom of the kettle by about 2". I'm wondering about the grain falling off the edges down to the bottom of the kettle and burning or just going through the valve and clogging it or getting into the boil kettle when run off or sparge is occuring.

Does anyone have any experience with this specific equipment and know what I'm talking about? Any advice or direction is much appreciated.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Just guessing, but sounds to me as if you have a mis-match of parts. The FB and kettle should fit together pretty well without gaps to pass grain. Just another guess, I think you have a FB for the 15 gal pot...it measures 19" as opposed to the 21" pot that you have....call em up.

 

[RockerDlicious]

It's suppose to fit the 20 and the 25. It says it's correct.

 

[wilserbrewer]

The FB should not be 1" smaller than the kettle diameter...It should be the same size and fit snug in the kettle....I think you have the wrong FB! It's too small!

 

[Catt22]

That's it! They definitely sent you the wrong FB. They will make it right and it should not cost you a penny. Hit them up for a freebie of some kind to compensate you for the inconvenience. Say a small bottle of StarSan to help calm your nerves. Be sure to tell them how sad you are that this has delayed your brew day and all.

 

[Montanaandy]

Agreed. My Polar FB is snug against the side of the kettle on both my 10 & 15 gal. Sounds liken they sent you the wrong FB. Montanaandy

 

[ruffdeezy]

They sent you the 15 gallon megapot false bottom. The 20 and 25 have a diameter of 21" and the 15 has one of 19" - so you have one inch of space all around.

 

[Northcalais40]

I made my own FB for a cooler. I custom ground it so it is basically a friction fit (the cooler was out of round). I have alot of small holes, 5/64", and still had a ton of junk getting through. My next brew I added a short braid on the pick up under the FB, Problem solved. With a gap you could throw a cat through, you'll have problems though.