I think I am ditching my sparge arm.....

[ILOVEBEER]

I have brewed 5 10gallon batches on my RIMS I built months ago and am starting to really get the hang of my machine. I brewed a few extract batches with a friend who has SABCO equipment prior to my RIMS consturction. The way that SABCO incorporates their MLT recirculation into their system is a simple 1/2" silicone hose laying on top of the grain...THAT'S IT!!! So simple it's stupid.

I think I tried to overthink the brewing process and taking too much bad advice. I bought a few more lengths of loc-line and a few different nozzles. My next beer I am going with the loc-line/nozzle combo and attempt to recreate the "whirlpool" that SABCO technology utilizes. Anyone think I am crazy for doing so?

 

[samc]

Hard to tell what is good vs bad advice unless you try things for yourself. My last brew I ditched the sparge ring on my MLT and tried out a piece of silicone tubing lying on top of the mash. I ran a slightly higher liquid to grain ratio and was happy with the results. No nozzles, just a straight flow.

Give it a shot and then you can judge for yourself.

 

[davebl]

Thats how I sparge and can get 90% eff easily.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

I guess I mispoke when I said bad advice...I should have just said different advice. I had a few feet of loc line which is 1/2" ID. I needed just a few more inches in order to create a nice uniform turn within the MLT. I bought another "kit" from McmasterCarr which had some nozzles, one of them being 1/2". I will try it for sure and let you guys know.

Without brewing software I will never know the efficiency of my change...arm or no arm. I can only "ASSUME" my machine is atleast in the mid to high 80's.

davebl,

I wanted to see your build off of your link...wouldnt let me says it s private.......I notice you have a KONA FIRE ROCK APA kegged....how's it taste?

Thanks for all the help

 

[davebl]

davebl,

I wanted to see your build off of your link...wouldnt let me says it s private.......I notice you have a KONA FIRE ROCK APA kegged....how's it taste?

Thanks for all the help

Try this: http://s804.photobucket.com/albums/yy325/weldlessfittings/RIMS Build/

And that beer is fantabulous.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

Very nice build buddy!!

Any chance you care to share the recipe for the Centennial IPA (just bought a pound) and the KONA APA?

Thanks
Joe

 

[davebl]

Kona

Centennial IPA

 

[ILOVEBEER]

I brewed today after I decided to ditch my sparge arm. I purchased another length of loc line and a 1/2" nozzle. What a difference! I was able to create a nice whirlpool just like on the SABCO video they have on the site. I was able to dial in my MASH temp and hold it while it recirculated much easier than through the sparge arm. BYE BYE copper sparge arm.....hello whirlpool !

 

[samc]

How about a picture of how you have it set up now?

 

[lehr]

Mine is like a sabco set up but are you talking about sparging or recirculating you wort while mashing.

Pat

 

[ILOVEBEER]

samc....sure I'll put one up

lehr....I recirculate my mash for the time needed then pump into BK....I open my HLT valve and gravity feed sparge water while the MLT is draining into the BK monitoring the levels while adding the appropriate temp sparge water....I don't change anything in regards to the loc line.......I hope I answered your question.

BTW lehr....your rig is f'ing NICE brother! Great job on the build.

 

[lehr]

Thanks ILOVEBEER We are on the same page now.
Nice clean design on your rig also.

Pat

 

[ILOVEBEER]

Thank you...I think if I ever build another frame I would do it a little different. As it stands now I use two 6' silicone hoses with SS QD's for all fluid transfer and one pump....I kinda like the design only wish I was 2' taller so I wouldn't need a ladder to look in the HLT

 

[lehr]

Thats why I built mine low so I could look in all the kettles without a ladder I run off using gravity so my boil kettle is the lowest one.

Pat

 

[mightynintendo]

I guess I mispoke when I said bad advice...I should have just said different advice. I had a few feet of loc line which is 1/2" ID. I needed just a few more inches in order to create a nice uniform turn within the MLT. I bought another "kit" from McmasterCarr which had some nozzles, one of them being 1/2". I will try it for sure and let you guys know.

Without brewing software I will never know the efficiency of my change...arm or no arm. I can only "ASSUME" my machine is atleast in the mid to high 80's.

davebl,

I wanted to see your build off of your link...wouldnt let me says it s private.......I notice you have a KONA FIRE ROCK APA kegged....how's it taste?

Thanks for all the help

Why do you need brewing software to know the change in efficiency? What about taking gravity readings and a pencil with paper?

 

[ILOVEBEER]

mightynintendo,

Couldn't tell you my friend.....I just do my best and brew good, drinkable beer.

 

[samc]

Pencil & paper, what the hell are those?

http://www.brewheads.com/efficiency.php

 

[mightynintendo]

Nice! I have an excel spreadsheet I made for all this good stuff, so really no pencil and paper for me either.