extra super hyper slow mash tun drainage

[OHIOSTEVE]

been draining for at least 20 minutes so far...barely trickling and still have the sparge to do. I am using a SS braid in a cooler. Any suggestions for the next batch?

 

[Gritsak]

Did you do any sort of rigid frame on the inside of the braid?

 

[TipsyDragon]

sounds like you opened the spigot to much. the grain compacted and is holding back the wort. if there's enough wort left blow back into the tun then recirculate the wort a few times till its clear again. then drain again.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

Did you do any sort of rigid frame on the inside of the braid?

no i did not.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

sounds like you opened the spigot to much. the grain compacted and is holding back the wort. if there's enough wort left blow back into the tun then recirculate the wort a few times till its clear again. then drain again.

ok.. The initial drain is done.. I will try that on the sparge

 

[TipsyDragon]

the braid may of collapsed.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

been draining for at least 20 minutes so far...barely trickling and still have the sparge to do. I am using a SS braid in a cooler. Any suggestions for the next batch?

If you are using a 1/2" braid, my suggestion would be to swap it out for a 3/4" water heater supply braid. I mash in a 52qt Coleman Xtreme, I have had over 21 lb grain-bills ontop of my braid w/o any run-off problems.

 

[FungusBrew]

Try blowing in the drainage tube as dragon stated. This helped me before for stuck, super slow flow.

 

[klyph]

Use rice hells next time, they're not just for wheat.

 

[archiefl98]

If you are using a 1/2" braid, my suggestion would be to swap it out for a 3/4" water heater supply braid. I mash in a 52qt Coleman Xtreme, I have had over 21 lb grain-bills ontop of my braid w/o any run-off problems.

I second this a billion times! I tossed my lousy kitchen sink braids after 2 stuck sparges. Got the largest water heater hose connector I could find at the Home Depot and haven't had a stuck sparge yet! (5 batches on it and counting)

The heater hose braid is THE way to go. And you don't seem to need any reinforcement in it to prevent collapse, as it just doesn't collapse!

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

How big is too big? I know where I can get some 2-1/2 inch stainless braid....may be too expensive however. ...ALSO will the slow run off and the stuck sparging effect my efficiency? Or is it just a time thing?

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

I don't know what I did but the preboil gravity was way low. Hit the OG dead on. I musta read it wrong or had the wort too hot.

 

[klyph]

Was it too hot, or was it extra super hyper hot?

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

How big is too big? I know where I can get some 2-1/2 inch stainless braid....may be too expensive however. ...ALSO will the slow run off and the stuck sparging effect my efficiency? Or is it just a time thing?

Slow run-off times shouldn't reduce your efficiency. It really comes down to just taking longer and extending your brew day. If anything a slow run-off may help efficiency because your wort is staying in contact with the grain longer allowing conversion to continue, so if comversion wasn't complete, it could help get an extra .001 maybe. It is probably negligeable, but it won't hurt anything.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

Slow run-off times shouldn't reduce your efficiency. It really comes down to just taking longer and extending your brew day. If anything a slow run-off may help efficiency because your wort is staying in contact with the grain longer allowing conversion to continue, so if comversion wasn't complete, it could help get an extra .001 maybe. It is probably negligeable, but it won't hurt anything.

After I posted that I was thinking about the extra contact time...any idea on the " how big is too big?" I wonder what that stuff costs a foot though. I could wear it for a bracelet ..it is THAT big around.

 

[klyph]

The problem is this: with a braid, you can only siphon to the level of the TOP of the braid. The larger the braid, the more deadspace in your mash tun.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

The problem is this: with a braid, you can only siphon to the level of the TOP of the braid. The larger the braid, the more deadspace in your mash tun.

Braids don't really create a siphon. It will drain to the lowest point of the outlet. Basically, with a weldless fitting, your tun will drain to the lowest point of the coupler inside the tun. I have less than 1/2 a cup deadspace in my mashtun.

 

[klyph]

Braids don't really create a siphon.

i never said they did

It will drain to the lowest point of the outlet. Basically, with a weldless fitting, your tun will drain to the lowest point of the coupler inside the tun.

This is what I was getting at. You are technically more accurate. Enjoy this whimsical dancing banana as a reward.

 

[mr_fungle]

sounds like you opened the spigot to much. the grain compacted and is holding back the wort. if there's enough wort left blow back into the tun then recirculate the wort a few times till its clear again. then drain again.

I love this forum! Had a trickle after only 10 litres yesterday, and another 20 litres to go. Quick forum search brought up this thread. Blew into the hose a few times, recirculated and went 75% on the spigot - no more issues.

Thanks DrunkenDragon!