Rims retun manifold

[indianaroller]

I am using a sanke keg to mash in currently and my return manifold is setup similar to this.

I dont like how the manifold runs through the lid beacuse I cannot check the mash with out having to mess with the manifold. Is anyones set up differently?

 

[Catt22]

I use this manifold for continuous recirculation, fly sparging and even for whirlpool chilling. The cross bar allows you to observe the flow rate and such. It's vertically adjustable for different mash volumes. Cheap and effective accessory.

 

[kladue]

How about this method Picasa Web Albums - Kevin - Sparge Ring, self supporting ring that is out of the way.

 

[Catt22]

How about this method Picasa Web Albums - Kevin - Sparge Ring, self supporting ring that is out of the way.

That design would not work for my RIMS. I think the small holes would plug up almost immediately. It doesn't appear to be vertically adjustable. Sprinkling the water through the air could lose a lot of heat. When recirculating wort, it might lead to hot side aeration/oxidation problems.

I only very rarely find the need to stir the mash after the recirc is underway, but if I do need access it is a simple matter to lift the cross bar and manifold and set it over a bucket I have nearby. It's not at all heavy or cumbersome to move if need be. The tilted elbows on the ends gently swirl the wort or water for even distribution.

 

[kladue]

In nearly 6 years of use it has never plugged up during the recirc because the holes in the manifold are larger than the screen wire openings. The new system Picasa Web Albums - Kevin - Wet test prog... manifold directs the flow against the outside to eliminate the splash. With ring manifold design there is nothing to get in the way during the dough in stirring or when you put the lid on.

 

[Lil' Sparky]

Here's mine. It doesn't sprinkle, the return just swirls around the top. Works fine, and it's a nice, clean design out of the way of everything.

 

[Catt22]

In nearly 6 years of use it has never plugged up during the recirc because the holes in the manifold are larger than the screen wire openings. The new system Picasa Web Albums - Kevin - Wet test prog... manifold directs the flow against the outside to eliminate the splash. With ring manifold design there is nothing to get in the way during the dough in stirring or when you put the lid on.

Nothing in the way? Seems to me that motorized stiring aparatus might get in the way some. I would also be concerned about directing the flow against the kettle wall like that. Might make it susceptible to channeling down the sides. Then again, maybe not.

I dough in before starting the recirc so there's nothing at all in the way at that point. I never use a lid on the MT as I see no need for it.

 

[kladue]

The second setup is an old picture of the mash tun from the completely automated phase 2 SIRIMS system, pour grain into hopper, put hop bags in clips over boil kettle, connect carboy to outlet, press autorun icon on touch screen Picasa Web Albums - Kevin - Phase 2 Brewe..., and go do something else while the equipment does the work.

 

[Lil' Sparky]

I would also be concerned about directing the flow against the kettle wall like that. Might make it susceptible to channeling down the sides. Then again, maybe not.

It's hard to tell if you're talking about mine or Kladue's setup. I really don't think there's any problem w/ channeling. I'm not worried about the HSA myth, either.

 

[Catt22]

It's hard to tell if you're talking about mine or Kladue's setup. I really don't think there's any problem w/ channeling. I'm not worried about the HSA myth, either.

Pardon the confusion. I was referring to Kladue's setup. I like your configuration better as it appears to gently swirl the water/wort. I don't really worry about the HSA issue, but I do try to minimize splashing anyway just as a precaution. I've never experienced channeling problems either, or at least I am not aware of it if it does happen. IMO, it really doesn't much matter how you get the sparge water onto the grain bed so long as it is at least somewhat gentle. I initially built my manifold for the wort return on my RIMS setup. I had been using a store bought rotating sparge arm, but then realized I could use the same manifold for the sparge water with maybe a little less heat loss by avoiding sprinkling the water through the air. Then along came Jamil's whirlpool techique and I adapted the same manifold to use as the return from the CFC for essentially the same effect. I now have a rotating sparge arm to give away if anyone wants it.

 

[indianaroller]

Here's mine. It doesn't sprinkle, the return just swirls around the top. Works fine, and it's a nice, clean design out of the way of everything.

I really like that! Thank you for sharing.

 

[jtrainer]

Here's mine. It doesn't sprinkle, the return just swirls around the top. Works fine, and it's a nice, clean design out of the way of everything.

Spanky, How do you handle the occasional 5 Gal batch with this setup?

 

[indianaroller]

Spanky, How do you handle the occasional 5 Gal batch with this setup?

I have my mash tun set up that way now and have only done 5 gallon batches since and I really like it. I'm drinking a blonde ale that I brewed 3 months ago that is free of oxidation, so don't fear the HSA.

 

[Bobby_M]

That arm can rotate down to a lower level. If it has to go way down low, you can pop a 90 degree elbow on the end so it's not drilling into the grainbed.

 

[Lil' Sparky]

Rotating it down seems to work fine for 5 gal batches. I've also seen people attach a hose on the inside and let it lay on the top of the grain bed, which works well for any size batch.