Hey Jay. Got an interesting one for ya. I'm looking for a MLT agitator/rake that I can mount to a 4" TC connection in the center of my MLT lid (lid is clamped securely to the MLT). MLT is 15.5" dia and 24.5" ht from the lip of the MLT to the bottom (not including 4" TC connection).
I've found something similar to what I'm looking for (
HERE), but it isn't quite what I need. I don't want to remove the lid to attach the agitator, meaning the paddles will need to fold in some manner so they can be inserted through the 4" TC flange into the MLT.
I had thought maybe something like one of your brewing paddles with the shaft passing through a sealed bearing in a TC cap. It will need to be able to withstand some pressure without leaking, say about 10 psig max, because my MLT will be sealed and pressurized with CO2. My plan is to use a MakerMotor (
LINK) to turn it, but I still need to think of a solution for mounting the motor. If push comes to shove, I could probably rig something up using silver soldering.
I don't need the rakes to have a particular pitch or design, as long as they reach as much of the MLT as is feasible and move the mash around enough to break up dough balls. Spitballing ideas here. What about a shaft outfitted with four rakes, oriented at 90 degrees apart, spaced at 4" starting at the bottom. The individual rakes would be similar to your paddles (false bottom material welded to a rod), with dimensions of 2" wide x 6" long. Pins or bolts would hold the rakes loosely to the main rotating shaft, allowing for the rakes to fold up to be inserted into the MLT. Stops would be welded to the shaft to keep the rakes horizontal.
Obviously to remove the agitator I would need to remove the lid and fold the rakes back into the upright position. But that's fine with me because the mash will be done at that point.
I've attached a picture that should help explain what's in my head. Let me know what you think. Doable, crazy, cost prohibitive?