Keggle MLT Insulation

[gwood]

Any update on this build. I REALLY like this idea.

 

[bull8042]

Doesn't seem to be much in term of updates lately, but I have been keeping an eye on it too.
I think I have decided to get a roll of Reflectix from Lowe's and give my keggle MLT a couple of wraps and see how that does. A 16"x25' roll is only $20, so if it doesn't work so well, I won't be out a ton of money. 25' will give you somewhere between 5 and 6 wraps.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&No=0&Ntt=insulation&Ntk=i_products&pad=true

I can't remember who it was off hand, but someone on here used it then had their MLT Line-X'ed. It was freakin' awesome to look at, but I don't remember how it was in terms of heat loss. Sure did look cool though!

 

[TerapinChef]

I'm trying to figure out how I can work Durarock into my insulation plans so I won't have to remove my insulation for light temperature adjustments...

 

[ScubaSteve]

I've considered that too. I'd take a square of durarock and cut a circle in it with JUST enough diameter to fit the bottom of the keggle with no gap. Then, give yourself about 6" up from that, and the leaping flames and fumes should be dampened enough to protect your insulation.

I still think that if you keep the burner on low, (you should be anyway) the flames licking the side are irrelevant. The question is, is the heat from a burner on low enough to actually melt the reflectix? AND, if you move the lining up about 6-8 inches to prevent burning, do you really lose that much insulating effect (especially with the burner periodically adding back heat)?

Has anyone got any experience? FWIW, they make jackets for bullet type smokers that go right over the grill and actually touch very near where the coals sit.

 

[menschmaschine]

I have a keggle MLT insulated with 3 layers of reflectix. It get's "singed" and shows signs of slight melting from the burner, but it's lasted me a year and a half now and looks to last another year or so. The key is to tape the seems with the thick foil tape (comes in a roll, but has a peel-off backing). I also taped over the drain holes in the bottom keg skirt with the same tape, so no flames shoot up through them. It's held up well, but I am careful and conscious of trapping propane gas under the skirt.

 

[bull8042]

I am heating my MLT through recirculation, not direct-heat. So melting is not an issue, but menschmaschine has the right idea with the heavy duct tape. (the real foil stuff, not the fix-it-all 200MPH stuff)

 

[Couevas]

Sorry for the long time away. As far as updates go, I started a thread on the whole rig, as this thread was originally aimed at just the insulation. See link below:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/brewtality-65495/

Also, I have begun drawing up plans for going down to one tier with recirculation. I would like to brew without a ladder and control temps a little better with recirculation.

I will post on this build when I start.

-C