Mash tun question.

[Likebull]

So I searched around a bit and could not find a good answer...
Basically I was wondering if anybody tried putting there copper manifold inside a mesh bag to prevent a stuck sparge?
I feel like I would also be able to get higher efficiency considering I can stir throughout since there would be no need for a grain bed.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Yes some have tried this approach.

Why can't you stir with your manifold?

I don't see how putting your manifold inside a bag will solve or help efficiency?

I would be more inclined to place a bag in your mash tun, lining the entire vessel with the manifold outside the bag, with the grain inside the bag, then stir all you want

 

[1MadScientist]

I use to do that when I used a beverage cooler mash tun. I zip tied it to make a seal.

12/11/2010 by Mad Scientist Brewhaus, on Flickr

 

[Likebull]

I would love to line the entire vessel with a bag but I currently do not have a bag that large. Plus I felt like it just would be an easy, cheap way to prevent a stuck sparge.

But the large bag does sound like really easy cleanup!

 

[lawrenjl]

People who use a bag inside a mash tun usually do not have a manifold, false bottom, or bazooka screen. One can do the same thing in their kettle if they mashed at 1.25 qts per gallon and sparged after pulling the bag to meet their pre boil volume.

 

[Likebull]

I use to do that when I used a beverage cooler mash tun. I zip tied it to make a seal.

12/11/2010 by Mad Scientist Brewhaus, on Flickr

How did this work for You?

 

[1MadScientist]

I used this before I knew about BIAB, I got the idea from a member here called, BierMuncher. I never used wheat or rye, maybe some oats. It worked very well with no need to vorlauf, just opened the valve full open.

This is a good option as a type of BIAB, as there is no need to lift a heavy bag, no pulleys / skyhooks, etc.. As it is draining you can compress the grain as a substitute for squeezing.

 

[Likebull]

Thanks for the info. I'm definitely going to order a large bag to fit over the mash tun.
But I think I do the bag over the manifold this weekend.
To impatient to wait for the bag. Haha

 

[kh54s10]

I would love to line the entire vessel with a bag but I currently do not have a bag that large. Plus I felt like it just would be an easy, cheap way to prevent a stuck sparge.

But the large bag does sound like really easy cleanup!

Thanks for the info. I'm definitely going to order a large bag to fit over the mash tun.
But I think I do the bag over the manifold this weekend.
To impatient to wait for the bag. Haha

Just dumping the tun without a bag, IMO, is so much easier than cleaning the husks off the bag. Dump the tun, rinse out with a hose. Maybe 2 minutes. Pull the bag, dump it out, turn it inside out, shake more grain off. Rinse with a hose, shake it, rinse more, turn it right side out, rinse some more. 5-10 minutes. THEN you still have to rinse out the tun.

The bag over the manifold will not necessarily reduce the risk of a stuck sparge. If the grain bed is sticky it will get stuck whether there is a bag or not.

It may keep a little of the tiny debris out of the fermenter but certainly not worth the effort.

The use of a bag will also have no effect on your efficiency.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Just dumping the tun without a bag, IMO, is so much easier than cleaning the husks off the bag. Dump the tun, rinse out with a hose. Maybe 2 minutes. Pull the bag, dump it out, turn it inside out, shake more grain off. Rinse with a hose, shake it, rinse more, turn it right side out, rinse some more. 5-10 min.

I believe it's personal preference, some love using a bag inside a MT, others don't.

Using a bag can be valuable as it eliminates the stuck mash as the bag can just be lifted to restore flow. A bag assures particulate free run off that can foul pumps as well, another issue some need to avoid.

Lastly, if husks are stuck on the bag, IMO you're using a bag that is too course. Poly voile is a very fine weave and rinses clean easily, no shaking to free husks required.

Thanks

 

[kh54s10]

I believe it's personal preference, some love using a bag inside a MT, others don't.

Using a bag can be valuable as it eliminates the stuck mash as the bag can just be lifted to restore flow. A bag assures particulate free run off that can foul pumps as well, another issue some need to avoid.

Lastly, if husks are stuck on the bag, IMO you're using a bag that is too course. Poly voile is a very fine weave and rinses clean easily, no shaking to free husks required.

Thanks

Being able to lift a bag to free a stuck sparge is an advantage. One the OP would not get by wrapping the manifold. I have never had to deal with a stuck sparge so....

I have only done small batch BIAB so I have only use paint strainer bags. It is not just the husks, but also foam that has solidified that is difficult to get off.

To each his own. Right now I prefer my 3 vessel gravity system. I may go to BIAB or BIAMB (brew in a mesh basket) when and if I go electric.