False bottom and slotted manifold

[Bru]

Im in the process of building a RIMS. I currently use a cooler with a slotted manifold. Will the slotted manifold work with the RIMS for circulation or do I need to install a false bottom instead ?
Also - if a false bottom is needed do I need to remove the slotted manifold or can I install the FB above the manifold ?

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

Here is my false bottom in my Keggle MT:

Works really well... I recirculate constantly and also have a stir motor attached to keep the grain moving... This keeps the temperature consistent

 

[Bru]

Thanks for the pics bowtie.
Can anyone tell me whether I can circulate using a slotted manifold ?
I plan on upgrading my MLT at some point so I don't want to make a FB for the current one if I don't have to.

 

[ChuckO]

I've have a round cooler with a CPVC slotted manifold that works very well with my RIMS heater. I start the pump with low output at first and ramp it up to about twice the flow that I sparge with. That puts enough flow over the heating element in the RIMS tube without sticking grains in the manifold. I set a stirring arm down to about 1-2 inches above the manifold during the mash.

When it comes time to sparge I stop the stirring and direct the manifold output to the boil kettle and run my sparge water through the RIMS. As a side benefit, the RIMS gets automatically cleaned that way.

The only time I had a stuck sparge was when I forgot to close the pump output before I turned it on. It started full speed and plugged the manifold. Blew air back through it and then restarted properly.

 

[Bru]

Thanks.
What sort of return are you using while mashing and sparging ?

 

[ChuckO]

Thanks.
What sort of return are you using while mashing and sparging ?

I have an elbow mounted through the cooler wall near the top that has a silicone hose attached. The hose has a float made from closed cell foam and just lays on the surface of the wort a couple of inches above the grain bed.