Norcal Sparge Diffusion Plate

[AF1HomeBrew]

I've used a Norcal Sparge Diffusion Plate in my Spike 20 Gal. Mashtun for the last 3 brew sessions. I can't get over how well it has helped during recirculating during mashing and sparging, compared to using a tube that floats in the kettle. Depending on how much grain is in my mashtun I can raise/lower the diffusion plate to the level it needs to be by changing the size of the tubing.

 

[day_trippr]

[shrug] I've been using a length of 3/8" ID silicone hose from my autosparge, supported by an SS float ball, for at least 6 years now. Never have any problems recirculating or fly sparging, and prefer not to aerate the wort or sparge liquor...

Cheers!

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

The diffusion plate is positioned within the top portion of the liquid, so no spraying or aerating happens during mashing or sparging.

 

[day_trippr]

Good deal. Pretty much every sparge arm I've ever seen was intentionally designed and positioned to spray or drop the wort or liquor from well above the wort surface...

Cheers!

 

[Konadog]

I did the same thing with my 10gallon round cooler lid, I can adjust it up/down to keep it just under the wort.

 

[6Tap]

[shrug] I've been using a length of 3/8" ID silicone hose from my autosparge, supported by an SS float ball, for at least 6 years now. Never have any problems recirculating or fly sparging, and prefer not to aerate the wort or sparge liquor...

Cheers!

@day_trippr you know what they say,
No pics, it never happened! [emoji12]

 

[day_trippr]

Really? Ok, here's an example - not mine, I never thought to take a picture of the autosparge in action...

I will say I use a longer length of tubing than that supplied by Blichmann such that the end of the tube is roughly 180° around the kettle wall from the valve.

When set up properly, the end of the tube is just barely submerged, there's a gentle circulation around the mash surface, and zero scouring of the grain bed...

Cheers!

 

[6Tap]

Thanks for sharing the pic.
My sparge method needs to be modified and improved after viewing this thread.
It just drops out of a tube 1” from the tank wall down to the mash.

 

[AF1HomeBrew]

Really? Ok, here's an example - not mine, I never thought to take a picture of the autosparge in action...

I will say I use a longer length of tubing than that supplied by Blichmann such that the end of the tube is roughly 180° around the kettle wall from the valve.

When set up properly, the end of the tube is just barely submerged, there's a gentle circulation around the mash surface, and zero scouring of the grain bed...

Cheers!

I used to own Blichmann kettles and one those autosparges, but got rid of them when Spike came out with their v2 kettles. The boilermakers always leaked.

There is a big difference between the side and center of the mashtun, especially if you use a RIMS.

 

[day_trippr]

Never heard of leaking Blichmann kettles. I have five of them, some 16 years old.
For home-scale tuns I don't think center drop verses perimeter makes any difference as long as there's no carving into the grain bed...

Cheers!

 

[Jaybird]

I know this is an old post but I have been away for a bit.

Ohh man you guys are going to LOVE the new line up of these!

Maybe..... I'll post a picture a little later. They are all getting listed on the site tomorrow.

Cheers
Jay

 

[Konadog]

I love my original, can't imagine what you could change.