Igloo 70-Quart Ice Cube Roller for Mash Tun

[Oceantendency]

Anyone else use one of these: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-70-...aa93cfa9bea9&bucket_id=000&findingMethod=p13n

I bought one used already set up with SS braid to 1/4" valve. I've noticed probably more due to the 1/4" versus the usual 3/8" or 1/2" that it drains really slow, sticks on occasion, and I have to really tilt to get as much of the wort out as possible. I've had minor complaints about it, but it holds way more volume than what's necessary (not complaining about that part). It holds heat great, but during my last brew session, it would constantly get stuck unstuck, stuck then unstuck and doing the same thing pretty consistantly on my last batch, which is some really aggrevating crap.

So the question is my setup, Do you think I should upgrade the valve, make a ring SS braid, or maybe upgrade to a copper manifold? The bottom of the cooler is flat, but then is raised up by the wheels where the plug is. Each batch has gotten considerably aggrevatingly harder to lauter. Anyone who uses a similar TUN, please help. My temps are on the money, crush is the same, I've improved my batch sparging skills, but the only improvement is my lautering, my first couple batches with this setup gave me no lautering problems, so this is why I'm thinking it's gotta be the braid needs an upgrade or slightly bigger valve. Thanks in advance. I can post pics if that would help later this evening.

 

[jigtwins]

Personally, I would opt for a manifold. The braid has never been too forgiving for me. They are easy to build, and relatively cheap too.

 

[msa8967]

What problems did you have in lautering? Can you provide any more details?

 

[Oceantendency]

What problems did you have in lautering? Can you provide any more details?

See above details: I bought one used already set up with SS braid to 1/4" valve. I've noticed probably more due to the 1/4" versus the usual 3/8" or 1/2" that it drains really slow, sticks on occasion, and I have to really tilt to get as much of the wort out as possible. I've had minor complaints about it, but it holds way more volume than what's necessary (not complaining about that part). It holds heat great, but during my last brew session, it would constantly get stuck I had to open lid and use a spoon stirring it vigorously to get unstuck, stuck then unstuck and doing the same thing pretty consistantly on my last batch

 

[Oceantendency]

Personally, I would opt for a manifold. The braid has never been too forgiving for me. They are easy to build, and relatively cheap too.

Thanks, yeah I think it's gonna be a copper pipe manifold upgrade and while I'm at it, going to do a manifold for a fly sparge too.

 

[Oceantendency]

So it turns out after pulling apart everything, it looks like the SS braid was definitely in need of replacement. Thinking of making a hybrid SS braid and copper manifold, got a couple different designs. Hopefully I'll have time to build and test today along with my fly sparge build.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Thinking of making a hybrid SS braid and copper manifold, got a couple different designs.

If you are thinking of covering a manifold with a stainless braid, I wouldn't. Too much filtration will sooner cause a stuck sparge.

IME the best thing to put inside a braid, besides wort is nothing.

 

[Oceantendency]

Ok so onstead of doing part copper then part braid, made a circular braid connected with a straight braid piece, tested and improved my current status

 

[wilserbrewer]

View attachment 156658

I would try a solid piece of tubing down to the braid, I believe this set up will stop flowing once the wort level is below the bulkhead, with a solid tube down to the braid ring, you will collect the bottom 4" of wort in the cooler.

 

[Oceantendency]

I would try a solid piece of tubing down to the braid, I believe this set up will stop flowing once the wort level is below the bulkhead, with a solid tube down to the braid ring, you will collect the bottom 4" of wort in the cooler.

It works, but you just have to tilt the cooler at the end