Keggle MLT Insulation Idea - Will This Work??

[Stankonia]

Hey,

I'm trying to figure out the best way to insulate a keggle MLT. I've read several ideas on here, and some I thought about trying, but I came up with an idea using materials I already have on hand.

But before I go through the work of doing the whole keg I just used a couple scrap pieces to illustrate my idea and check with all the genius experts on here to see if it has any fundamental flaws. So the pics below are just to show my idea! Obviously if I were to do the whole keg I would use one piece and find a better way to attach it (straps maybe)

Anyway, here is what I am thinking. I cut slots (very un-evenly in the pics) into a piece of 1/2" thick insulation board just far enough that I could shape it around the keg and it remain intact as 1 piece. Then cover that with refletix.

Would the foam board hold up to the heat from the keg?

Would I need to figure out a way to cover the exposed top of the foam board to protect it from water?

Right now, I don't plan on direct-firing with this for a couple reasons. I live in Florida and for the next 4-5 months it's going to be 100+* outside anytime I brew. Also I don't want to spend money on a floor burner as I'm unsure of how soon I can start building a brew-stand.

I know insulating the bottom and top are important issues, but I have other ideas for those. Also, I know I can just get a cooler which I'm still considering, but for now I'm exploring ideas for a keggle MLT.

You guys see any flaws or should I give it a shot?

 

[runs4beer]

If you make it out of fiber glass insulation it will definitely take the heat from the keg and make it easy to take on and off once you get to temp just wrap the keg and if you need boost the temp remove fire and rewrap. If you want to use blue board just check the spects on how much heat it can take.

 

[aekdbbop]

I have found that the reflectix alone with a good lid has been effective enough for me.. Losing >2f over 60min.

 

[Nohup]

That foam board is combustible. What you have looks like it'll hold heat, but don't get it anywhere near an open flame.

It looks like you have some reflectix there, I had good luck just making a jacket out of 5-6 layers of that. Towel on top, and towel on the bottom, wrap it up in a blanket. Holds heat like a champ.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Blane]

If you're not going to direct fire, I've had good luck with wrapping my keggle in 1/2" buna rubber from McMaster Carr then taking it down to the guy that did my truck bed liner and have him spray it with LineX spray.

I recirculate through a semi HERMS unit but during the summer if I hit my strike temp I generally don't have to recirculate all that much.

 

[JohnTheBrewist]

As long as you're not direct firing this idea will work fine. If it were mine, I'd put a layer of reflectix on both sides of the foam. On one of the layers of reflectix leave enough overlap top and bottom so that you can fold it over the top and bottom to seal in the foam. Then you won't have to worry about it getting wet.