Cooler Mash Tun - Mega Size, what size manifold

[homebrewdude76]

I got one of those large colman white coolers they use on charter fishing boats. It's a big boy.

I normally make my cooler manifolds out of 1/2" CPVC.

Anyone make manifolds from 3/4" size???

 

[Bobby_M]

The main reason to upsize is the added rigidity that will better resist getting damaged with a paddle. You'd still want to keep your slots relatively small.

 

[Dog House Brew]

My tun is 120qt, I used 1/2” and have never had an issue. Slots are 3/8” apart if I remember correctly. I used my portable band saw and worked great. First one was copper and moved to thin wall stainless. Added a Wilser bag and have moved to FVBIAB. Works awesome and cleanup is a breeze.

 

[apache_brew]

My tun is 120qt, I used 1/2” and have never had an issue. Slots are 3/8” apart if I remember correctly. I used my portable band saw and worked great. First one was copper and moved to thin wall stainless. Added a Wilser bag and have moved to FVBIAB. Works awesome and cleanup is a breeze.

Same setup except I went with 3/4" cpvc with a bunch of holes on the bottom side then a Wilser bag on top. Love it. I'm assuming I went with 3/4" because of increased rigidity. Also doing full volume single infusion mashing draining directly into the boil kettle.

 

[homebrewdude76]

Same setup except I went with 3/4" cpvc with a bunch of holes on the bottom side then a Wilser bag on top. Love it. I'm assuming I went with 3/4" because of increased rigidity. Also doing full volume single infusion mashing draining directly into the boil kettle.

View attachment 845227View attachment 845228

Never seen anyone use a bag before. I have been brewing for 20+years with these pvc manifold coolers.

Looks like 3/4 is the way to go for rigidity

 

[apache_brew]

Never seen anyone use a bag before. I have been brewing for 20+years with these pvc manifold coolers.

Looks like 3/4 is the way to go for rigidity

2 vessel brew in a bag. I only built the cpvc manifold to get even drainage under the bag, but i've heard of others only using a bag with success. Anyhow, the bag lets me get a real fine crush and the manifold allows for quick drainage when I open the valve and fill the boil kettle. It works for me.

 

[Dog House Brew]

2 vessel brew in a bag. I only built the cpvc manifold to get even drainage under the bag, but i've heard of others only using a bag with success. Anyhow, the bag lets me get a real fine crush and the manifold allows for quick drainage when I open the valve and fill the boil kettle. It works for me.

Agree 100% plus easy cleanup

 

[redrocker652002]

Where did you find a bag that would fit? I have a Coleman 10 gallon cooler that is rectangle and did not think I would be able to find a bag.

 

[day_trippr]

In the past many folks got "Wilser Bags" but I don't know if the principal is still in business.
Alternatively, there's this site:

https://www.brewinabag.com/products/copy-of-the-brew-bag-a-mash-tun-filter-for-coolers-rectangular

Cheers!

 

[apache_brew]

Where did you find a bag that would fit? I have a Coleman 10 gallon cooler that is rectangle and did not think I would be able to find a bag.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/is-wilser-bags-out-of-business.729021/

@wilserbrewer should be able to help you out if he’s still making them.

 

[Yesfan]

Bobby M sells the wilserbags, so I'm assuming @wilserbrewer is still making them. I have both the Wilser Bag and the Brew Bag. I prefer the Brew Bag due to the straps that I can loop to my hoist, but I like them both.

 

[Dog House Brew]

Last I heard he’s still banging them out. Contact him and give him the measurements.

 

[jma99]

Why not just use a stainless steel braid? I have one in my large cooler and regularly brew 10 gallon batches with 28 to 30 pounds of grain.