New Fly-Sparge Invention!

[pearlbeer]

I posted the new method I developed for a Fly Sparge rig. It is working very well.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

http://shoalcreekbrewing.blogspot.com/2010/06/fly-sparging-new-invention.html

 

[elCreed]

Looks pretty simple and sounds like it was effective. I am currently building my AG system and haven't figured out how I am going to sparge as of yet. I am going to buy a 5 gal rubbermaid and give it a go!

 

[thezepster]

batch sparge... way easier

 

[shanecb]

That's rather ingenious, I wouldn't have thought of that.

 

[Gregscsu]

I posted the new method I developed for a Fly Sparge rig. It is working very well.

I'd appreciate any feedback.

http://shoalcreekbrewing.blogspot.com/2010/06/fly-sparging-new-invention.html

Great idea.

However I would be worried that by drilling through the lid, you are allowing water into the foam insulation, in turn possibly leeching checmicles into the wort, and that the least providing great habit for bacteria and mold to grow.

 

[Donner]

Great idea.

However I would be worried that by drilling through the lid, you are allowing water into the foam insulation, in turn possibly leeching checmicles into the wort, and that the least providing great habit for bacteria and mold to grow.

i didn't think the lids had insulation. Mine doesn't seem to be. Did you add it?

I admit, i'm curious to cut into one to see.

 

[Gregscsu]

I believe most of them have isulation in the lid and if they don't they should.

 

[rico567]

I believe most of them have isulation in the lid and if they don't they should.

"Should" does not apply to my Rubbermaid 10g. Bought at HD, I found that it lost temperature during an hour mash. The reason is that the lid was completely hollow, although the wall of the cooler is insulated. Since this device is a "cooler," it doesn't matter much for its intended purpose, since cold doesn't rise a whole lot. I remedied the situation by drilling four holes in the lower rim of the lid, and injecting it with the "Great Stuff" spray foam product bought in ærosol cans wherever fine insulation is sold. Now loses no more than 1 degree F in an hour mash at 152F.

 

[Beerrific]

He mentions in the blog that there is no insulation. Very cool, such a simple solution.

 

[pearlbeer]

Great idea.

However I would be worried that by drilling through the lid, you are allowing water into the foam insulation, in turn possibly leeching checmicles into the wort, and that the least providing great habit for bacteria and mold to grow.

There is actually no insulation in the lid - just two layers of plastic.

 

[elCreed]

"Should" does not apply to my Rubbermaid 10g. Bought at HD, I found that it lost temperature during an hour mash. The reason is that the lid was completely hollow, although the wall of the cooler is insulated. Since this device is a "cooler," it doesn't matter much for its intended purpose, since cold doesn't rise a whole lot. I remedied the situation by drilling four holes in the lower rim of the lid, and injecting it with the "Great Stuff" spray foam product bought in ærosol cans wherever fine insulation is sold. Now loses no more than 1 degree F in an hour mash at 152F.

Thanks for the info - I just bought that cooler for both my hot liquor tank and mash lauter tun on my first all grain system. Looks like I have to insulate the lids before my first batch...

 

[jason.mundy]

Great idea.

However I would be worried that by drilling through the lid, you are allowing water into the foam insulation, in turn possibly leeching checmicles into the wort, and that the least providing great habitat for bacteria and mold to grow.

About the mold... I worry about this too. I've put my mash tun away clean with the lid on only to find mold the next time I opened it up. I expect something would start growing inside the lid.

I would use a dremel tool to open up the bottom of the lid. This would allow the lid to air dry after its use.

 

[Gregscsu]

I would use a dremel tool to open up the bottom of the lid. This would allow the lid to air dry after its use.

+1 Sounds like a good idea.

 

[jldc]

About the mold... I worry about this too. I've put my mash tun away clean with the lid on only to find mold the next time I opened it up. I expect something would start growing inside the lid.

I would use a dremel tool to open up the bottom of the lid. This would allow the lid to air dry after its use.

The lid is hollow. I drilled holes only on the top (outside) of the lid. Even if mold could grow in the lid, the bottom is an intact barrier between the cavity and the wort.

 

[dstar26t]

Why 12min/gal? You can go 3X as fast at 1 qt/min and get similar results.
It's a great idea, just be careful about stuck sparges and having the MLT overflow.

 

[pearlbeer]

The lid is hollow. I drilled holes only on the top (outside) of the lid. Even if mold could grow in the lid, the bottom is an intact barrier between the cavity and the wort.

There is a 'lid vent' molded in on the side, I believe. Additionally, before and after the sparge, I hit the lid with a little star san solution.

Plus, the only thing that comes in contact with the lid is 185deg sparge water. Mold don't like that.