Bottom-drain MLT question

[fuzzybee]

I'm in the process of cutting 3 kegs as bottom-drain. For those of you that have this type of MLT, how do you get your spent grain out?

 

[cod3ck]

I'm in the process of doing the exact same thing.

Only options I've thought of are maybe flipping the heavy keg into a trash can, using a keg brew bag (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QJ76I2W/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20) or scooping the grain out by hand until it's light enough to flip into a trash can...

So far the brew bag seems to be the winner as long as it doesn't bust a hole after a handful of brews.

 

[iijakii]

I hear shopvax works great. Personally on my last setup I just scooped out.

 

[fuzzybee]

Thanks - On my old cooler system, I could pick it up and dump it, but I'm concerned about picking up the bottom-drain without damaging the drain piping.

 

[dmcman73]

I built one as well (see my thread here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=528153).

I just use a large plastic scoop to scoop out the spent grain and then use a shop vac for an remainder I can't get. Once I pull the false bottom out, I open the drain valve all the way and blast with hot water to clean, everything gets flushed out and I never move the MLT.

 

[fuzzybee]

Thanks! That's probably what I'll end up doing as well.

 

[cod3ck]

Dumb question -- does this need to be a dedicated shop vac? Or can I get away with my basic garage multi purpose shop vac as long as I run the hose after the grain is all sucked out (and I'm not adding any additional 'ingredients')?

 

[BrunDog]

I do same as dmcman. You can use any shop vac but the you need to clean it after.

 

[The_Bishop]

You could pick up one of those 'bucket top' shop vacs. Should be easier to clean.

 

[BrunDog]

At $22 each you almost dont need to clean it - just use it a few times then throw it out!

 

[cod3ck]

That's a great idea!

 

[Jaybird]

Tippy dump. Been tippy dumping since I built my system and LOVE it! Mash, drain, tip and toss! SO easy.

Cheers
Jay

 

[cod3ck]

Tippy dump. Been tippy dumping since I built my system and LOVE it! Mash, drain, tip and toss! SO easy.

Cheers
Jay

Any easy way to build this out without a full brew stand and knowing a good welder?

 

[Jaybird]

Any easy way to build this out without a full brew stand and knowing a good welder?

The welder doesn't need to be any good. Just able..Just kidding

You can always just get a big tote like I dump mine into and do the flop. But obviously a stand is going to be the best bet. You can also bolt something together. Doesn't really "need" to be welded.

Cheers
Jay