Idea for sparging.

[user 19629]

I haven't done any all grain or even a mini mash yet but I've been thinking about it and had an idea. If you drilled a bunch of holes in the bottom of the cooler lid and then drilled a larger hole in the top to accept a hose. Kind of use the lid as a sprinkler head to sparge?

 

[wilserbrewer]

Sure it could work, but why. Trying something like this on your first AG sounds like an overcomplicated process. I'd advise batch sparging w/ a simple braid set up...by simple I mean valve optional.

 

[user 19629]

If I do try an all grain I probably will start with batch sparging.
I just thought it was a neat idea, that I hadn't seen anywhere.

 

[EvilTOJ]

I've never heard of that idea either. If the cooler lid was hollow and didn't have any foam insulation in it, that actually sounds like a good idea! My cooler has insulation everywhere so it wouldn't work for me, but I see what you're saying. That could work well for fly sparging, that's for sure.

 

[EdWort]

Batch Sparging is the way to go.

 

[RichBrewer]

You might be on to something but before you go drilling the lid be sure!

Oh, and fly sparging is the only way to go!

 

[EvilTOJ]

I dunno, I've tried both methods, and batch sparging is definitely the way to go.

 

[Professor Frink]

I batch sparge on the fly

 

[Nwcw2001]

If I am not mistaken ( which I often am!), I read somewhere that the Igloo Cube lids are indeed hallow. I saw someone replaced the lid with a piece of blue insulation board to increase R rating on the cube.


John

 

[Yuri_Rage]

Somewhere around here I've seen that idea put to practice. It seems like a great idea for a fly sparge setup. FYI, my Igloo lid is hollow.

 

[Hoosierbrewer]

Sounds like a good idea.

another idea. If you could get cheap shower head on the inside, connect to it on the outide, seal it well and you could sparge without opening up.

 

[RichBrewer]

Since fly sparging is far superior to batch sparging, I think you should give it a go!

 

[FSR402]

With the lid on how would you know if you are keeping enough water over the grain? I.E. draining to fast.

 

[Dustin_J]

One of the guys in my club does exactly what you're talking about. Here are some pics.

 

[user 19629]

I didn't think I could be the first person to think of this.

 

[Dustin_J]

FWIW, he's quite happy with the setup and how it works for him.

 

[conpewter]

but...but... batch sparging iz way kewler! j/k

Batch or fly, both produce beer, Cheers!

The problem with drilling your lid is probably going to be heat loss during your mash, you would either want to make an alternate lid for mashing (that is insulated) or have another way to fly sparge and use the original lid on the cooler, but perhaps drill a few holes to shoot in some spray-insulation.


(batch sparging is better)