Cooler MLT Manifold

[tomy2]

Started to put together my manifold for my cooler MLT. Installed the bulkhead and valve without issue and no leaks. When starting to construct the cpvc manifold I noticed that the the inside of the bulkhead fitting angles up. I did mess around with bending (heating) the cpvs to try and compensate for this. Look at the links I provided to 2 pics I took. Is there going to be an issue with draining the MLT because it is at this upward angle? I plan on cutting slits in the bottom of all the cpvs also. Thanks for any help you can provide!

http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo311/tomy2_bucket/IMAGE_012.jpg

http://i387.photobucket.com/albums/oo311/tomy2_bucket/IMAGE_011.jpg

 

[Ichthy]

Should be no issue with the angle. I just built a manifold and had to do something similar. As long as your drain hose is lower than the MLT you shouldn't have any problems. Also, you don't want the manifold that close to the cooler wall or you can get some channeling on the sides and possibly inefficient extraction. Consult Palmer's "how to brew"

What did you use to bend the cpvc? It looks nice and I would like to try it out as I've a similar issue.

 

[Wade E]

Im pretty sure that you are supposed to stay in from all the edges a certain amount. I read that when I was building my manifold but dont remember the reason why now.

 

[klyph]

You need to shorten all the sides a few inches to pull it away from the sides. You're going to lose some efficiency since the grains in the center won't get sparged as well as the grains around the edge. You could also add some cross members through the middle.

Not a huge deal, but every little bit helps.

 

[tomy2]

I will be batch sparging...does it still need to be in from the sides? As far as the cross members I do plan on that, theis was just a cpl pics of the front of the cooler. But I do have at least 3 cross members.

 

[Ichthy]

The idea is that if put the manifold to close to the cooler walls all of the wort will drain down the cooler wall b/c there is less resistance to flow. Therefore, you will be pulling very little wort through the grain bed. This will lead to ineffiecent lautering.

Also, what did you use as a heat source to bend the tubing?

 

[JesseRC]

you'll be fine for batch sparging

 

[TowsonTiger22]

With most pvc, you can cap it full of boiling water and bend it easily. Less damage than using a torch.

 

[jmo88]

I did this with a torch held about three
feet away. This is the piece that connects the bulkhead to the 90* elbow. The manifold sits flush after doing this.

http://mozymac.com/uploads/1350a69243263fb.jpg

 

[Ichthy]

Nice jmo! That's exactly the bend i need. I'll give this a try.