DIY CPVC Manifold for 5 Gallon Cylinder Cooler

[uberlad]

Hey all,

Attempted my first mash tun build this weekend in a 5 gallon cylinder cooler. Pretty satisfied with the valve so far -- next up is the manifold. I'm working with CPVC rather than braided hose. Does anyone have any example manifolds I can copy the design from? I'm looking for something square so it doesn't rattle around in the circular cooler.

Any help is appreciated!

 

[_JP_]

I made a circular one out of CPVC. No pictures available because I'm at work, but maybe I can take some this afternoon. Basically, I heated up a length of pipe until it was flexible and then put it in the bottom of the cooler so it would hold it's shape.

When cool, I cut off the ends of the circle and stuck them in a T, which had a (bent) pipe going to the spigot. I drilled 1/16" holes in the circle. I didn't glue anything.

I've made a square one too but I like the circular one better - there is more drainage area since there are no elbows. I find myself batch sparging more these days, but I've fly sparged in the past with this manifold and it worked fine. I got 88% on my best run.

If you're into batch sparging, you could get away with a single pipe coming from the spigot, bent so it lays on the bottom, and capped (or crimped) at the end. Drill holes or cut slits in it for drainage. I did this for a 48qt cooler, but I don't use it because the 5-gal works so good.

 

[mikeal]

If you fill the cpvc with salt before you put it in the oven, it will help avoid kinks.

 

[Imperial_Pint]

I would like to see a pic of those.