how would you install a thermowell in a Rubbermaid cooler mash tun?

[twd000]

I will need a way to measure mash temperature while it is circulating in my mash tun. I thought I measuring at the outlet valve, but if I choose not to circulate, that temperature will deviate from that at the center of the cooler.

So has anyone found a good thermowell that will reach through the thick cooler wall and get the probe tip into the mash?

 

[audger]

if you are circulating, do it as you describe at the output.

if you are not recirculating, you can put a long probe (12+ inches) in thru a small hole in the top of the cooler. that way you dont really need to worry about it being absoloutely water tight.

 

[helibrewer]

I would not recirculate if you don't have a heat source (RIMs, HERMs, direct fire) because you loose heat through the pump and hoses. My STC-1000 probe is sealed so it can go directly in the mash...there are also high temp sealed Dallas probes. I think the long thermowell sold for ale pails will work unless you have a very big grain bill.

 

[Tinga]

ask and you shall receive
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-mashtun-thermowell-easy-cheap-156772/

 

[OMJ]

I think some just drill a tight hole in a rubber stopper

 

[OMJ]

Oops double post

 

[twd000]

if you are circulating, do it as you describe at the output.

if you are not recirculating, you can put a long probe (12+ inches) in thru a small hole in the top of the cooler. that way you dont really need to worry about it being absoloutely water tight.

Well I will recirculate back to the HLT exchanger to get it up to temperature, then let it sit awhile, then recirculate to set the grain bed. So since it will be sitting part of the time, I would like the probe in the cente rof the mash instead of the output.

I like the idea of putting it through the lid. That way I can stir the mash in with my paddle without bumping the probe. Do you know of a rigid 12" probe that can house either a thermocouple or RTD?

 

[twd000]

I would not recirculate if you don't have a heat source (RIMs, HERMs, direct fire) because you loose heat through the pump and hoses. My STC-1000 probe is sealed so it can go directly in the mash...there are also high temp sealed Dallas probes. I think the long thermowell sold for ale pails will work unless you have a very big grain bill.

yes, I do have a heat source, the HLT exchanger. The STC-1000 probes I have are slack not rigid; how would I ensure that the probe pushes into the center of the mash?

Do you have a link to the "long thermowell sold for ale pails"?

 

[Wayne1]

I use the 16" Thermowell sold by Brewers Hardware.

Very cleanly made.

I just drilled a hole in the center on my cooler lid and the thermowell fits in perfect. Easy to remove and clean.

16" Thermowell

 

[twd000]

I use the 16" Thermowell sold by Brewers Hardware.

Very cleanly made.

I just drilled a hole in the center on my cooler lid and the thermowell fits in perfect. Easy to remove and clean.

16" Thermowell

that looks perfect. so you didn't add any other fittings to attempt a seal, just drilled for a tight fit and hang it through the lid?

 

[Wayne1]

that looks perfect. so you didn't add any other fittings to attempt a seal, just drilled for a tight fit and hang it through the lid?

Correct. I use an inexpensive Chinese digital thermometer with K type input that is placed inside the thermowell. It takes a few minutes to come to temp.

I am able to maintain temps within 1 degree C over 90 minutes.

 

[helibrewer]

yes, I do have a heat source, the HLT exchanger. The STC-1000 probes I have are slack not rigid; how would I ensure that the probe pushes into the center of the mash?

Do you have a link to the "long thermowell sold for ale pails"?

I just put the probe in the thermowell, put the thermowell in the mash and set the lid on top....that way I can move the thermowell around if I wish to check temps in other areas of the mash.

I have since placed the STC probe in my recirc return manifold just paperclipping it into the manifold nozzle so I get the temp coming right out of the RIMs tube.