slots or holes for mash tun manifold?

[jrg42]

made a manifold out of cpvc and am debating what type of openings to cut in to it. Any difference or preference out there?

I guess it does not matter as long as it gets the job done, but wanted to check out some other opinions. Will be batch sparging if that makes a difference.

 

[GlenF]

I have slots on my cpvc manifold. I batch sparge and get 75 +/- 2 % efficiency. I've had only one partially stuck sparge after 2 years and ~30 batches. Go slots.

 

[camiller]

Yes, you should have slots or holes

 

[Dog House Brew]

I used a potra-band saw to cut my slits. I used 1/2" copper and cut my slits about 1/2" apart. I cut too many slits in the other one I have in my 100qt Extreme. If you cut too many slits you will have trouble clearing your wort. Started with a braid and moved to the manifold. I like it much better and have never even came close to a stuck sparge.

 

[jetmac]

Put that thing in the recycling bin and go get a braided hose. Then you don't have to contemplate holes or slots and you don't have to cut or drill.

Lustreking Brewing

 

[Homercidal]

I drilled holes in my copper manifold with the Bridgeport CNC Mill at work. Just programmed a line of holes and rotated the piece of copper after each pass.

it was a bit of work by the time I deburred the thing, but it's been very good so far.

 

[doodlebug]

I have a copper manifold with slots I made using a dremel. I'm very happy with the slots, I spaced them about 1/2" apart and also get 78% +/- 2% efficiency. Never had a stuck sparge or clarity issues.

 

[diS]

I just made my manifold from 1/2" copper. They are on ~0.4" interval, and going trough the middle of pipe:

 

[LordUlrich]

I beleve the choice to be more based on what you have the tools to do easier. Ie. Don't do holes with a hand drill, but if you have a drill press I would not use a hack saw to cut slots....

 

[Frenchy]

I drilled holes in my copper manifold with the Bridgeport CNC Mill at work. Just programmed a line of holes and rotated the piece of copper after each pass.

it was a bit of work by the time I deburred the thing, but it's been very good so far.

Do you recall what size drill bit you used for that?