Recirculation?

[SoInBrew]

Up front, I apologize if this is a stupid, newby question, but I want to understand the details.

I am in the process of trying to spec out an eBIAB system which will likely include a custom kettle. After reading various posts and articles regarding "re-circulation", I am still not clear on the implementation. I have seen spray arms and locline plumbed through lids for use during mashing. I have seen diptube-like installations in kettles that form a whirlpool action. I have seen kettles with both. Is there a specific design implementation for, or definition of, re-circulation?

My purpose is not to open up an argument on whether re-circulation is needed or not. I know there are positions both pro and con. Since I am planning a temp controller with PID, I like the convenience argument for having it. My question is more related to the physical implementation.

My thought was to either drill the lid or add another port near the top of the kettle for liquid pumped from the bottom of the kettle. Do I need more or something completely different?

Thanks

 

[JDXX1971]

Yep, out the bottom and back in to the top of the grain bed. I use a locline spray loop fed through the lid myself, I keep the re circulation loop just below the surface of the mash. You are also going to need some kind of false bottom if you plan to recirculate.

 

[SoInBrew]

Do I still need a false bottom if I use a metal basket with the bag?

 

[JDXX1971]

No, the basket is your "false bottom".

 

[whovous]

I use LocLine from the lid as well. If I was doing it over, I'd go high on the side of the pot instead. Easier to avoid accidental spillage that way.

You do not need a false bottom with a metal basket, but I've had much better circulation by ditching the basket, keeping the bag, and getting a very free-flowing false bottom instead.

 

[mattmauriello]

i do e-BIAB, and i actually custom made my metal basket. I used solid stainless sheet to make the side wall, and perforated stainless to make the bottom, so all the work flows down, rather than out. Also, since the holes are small, removes the need for a bag. for Recirc, I have a simple pickup tube near the bottom of the kettle, and pump it to a fitting that goes through my lid. I adjust the flow so that it keeps about an inch of water above the top of the grain bed, and just let the wort fall a few a few inches from the fitting int he lid down to the water. never noticed a problem with HSA (hot side aeration) as a result. not the most fancy recirc setup, but its simple and seems to work well for me.