First all-grain batch, channeling, and the fix?

[DeathSausage]

2 weeks ago I purchased a cooler mash tun and keggle from a guy who was getting rid of all his equipment. Last week, I decided to try my very first all-grain brew now that I had the stuff to do it... It was a cream ale that is doing very well in fermentation and looks like it's going to be great.

https://picasaweb.google.com/bretweaver4/Desktop?authkey=Gv1sRgCJHjvbfszY7RpwE#5619634054935831106

The problem was, my first mashing experience was far from flawless. I made about all of the mistakes I probably could have. Opened the valve full to take my first runnings and resulted in a stuck mash. After stirring and waiting another 15 minutes for the grains to settle, I was able to get my runnings to come through but developed some serious channeling after I batch sparged. I believe this was due to the screen setup inside the tun itself.

https://picasaweb.google.com/bretweaver4/Desktop?authkey=Gv1sRgCJHjvbfszY7RpwE#5619633604767614098

So, naturally, I decided that I should build a copper manifold to rectify the issue. I think this should work pretty well based on what I've seen but, due to the dimensions of the cooler itself I'm a little concerned about how small it is. I couldn't make it any bigger and still have the same distance from the cooler wall to the manifold all the way around (constrained by how far the pipe fitting comes into the cooler). My thinking is it will be at least as good as the screen I had before but would love some thoughts.

]https://picasaweb.google.com/bretweaver4/Desktop?authkey=Gv1sRgCJHjvbfszY7RpwE#5619633557477529538

 

[curlyfat]

I would say that looks like a stellar setup. You should be good to go!

 

[mrk305]

Don't worry about channeling if you are batch sparging. You just need to stir a lot when you add the water and then let is settle.

 

[PT Ray]

It looks like I have the same cooler. I did fabricate a larger manifold. I want to say I spaced the cuts out more the closer it gets to the spigot. My thinking was it would help the manifold pull from it's furthest points.

If you're batch sparging all that doesn't matter which is why I'm a little confused about your concern with channeling. With batch sparging you just need a clean, strong flow.

Whether you batch or fly sparge I would say that manifold should serve well.

 

[CrazedArmadillo]

Yeah, with batch sparging channeling is not a concern...as long as you stir well with each water addition everything will be fine.

Also, I do believe it's best to have the slots face down...otherwise you'll never be able to collect the bottom 1/4" or so of wort.

 

[Bubba]

Looks good I might just turn the manifold upside down so the slits are on the bottom that would help with stuck sparge's.

 

[Dgonza9]

If yours comes apart you could put the connection piece in the middle. This way all of your draining wort has the same distance to travel. Right now, wort draining near the front of your manifold has a quick route out. Wort draining at the back has farther to travel. So, the grains near the front will be rinsed more than the back.

It probably doesn't matter much, but since you asked... I put my connection in the middle and used a piece of high temp silicone hose on a SS camlock to connect it.

 

[DeathSausage]

The whole thing does come apart... Figured if it's supposed to collect liquid why seal it? Great idea about putting the collection point in the middle and I'll give it a shot turning the slots face down. Thanks guys for the advice and the warm welcome!

 

[pearlbeer]

turn the manifold upside down and you should be good to go.

 

[weirdboy]

turn the manifold upside down and you should be good to go.

++

The slots should be on the bottom, not the top.