Sparge Assembly

[jawilson20]

I posed the following questing on my build thread in the DIY forum. I have not gotten any responses there so I am giving it a shot here in the Equipment forum where it may be better suited.

In my initial brew I used at rotating sparge arm I picked up from Midwest. It is the model seen here (http://www.midwestsupplies.com/10-gallon-polarware-kettle-sparge-arm-add-on.html). I cannot say that I really liked how I had to balance it on top of my keggle.

In looking for an option that can be more contained in my MLT I see this option from Norcal (http://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/product419.html). I really like the feature that this can be installed inside my MLT and allow for me to connect to it via a cam lock for my hoses. Has anyone else used this guy?

In my initial brew I also only returned liquid to my MLT and HLT by running the hose into the top of the keg. I think I would also like to incoropate bulkhead returns at the tops of my keggles to do this. Could I get away with recirculating through my sparge assembly at full speed during my mash? Or do I need to recir faster?

 

[Bobby_M]

I don't see any benefit to building or buying complex contraptions to spread water around. A proper fly sparge has an adequate water depth that how it is delivered doesn't matter. It just needs to be put into the water layer without disturbing the grain. I have a much more inexpensive option on my website called the "mashtube" which is just a weldless locline assembly that is easily height adjustable.

 

[wailingguitar]

Heck, I just pour mine over a spoon and get it all in as quickly as possible. 5-10 minutes, all sparge water in.. gravity does it's thing...

 

[jawilson20]

I don't see any benefit to building or buying complex contraptions to spread water around. A proper fly sparge has an adequate water depth that how it is delivered doesn't matter. It just needs to be put into the water layer without disturbing the grain. I have a much more inexpensive option on my website called the "mashtube" which is just a weldless locline assembly that is easily height adjustable.

If I choose your option or another, would a sparge assembly be able to pump my mash fast enough during the recirc, or would I need to consider another method?

 

[wailingguitar]

If I choose your option or another, would a sparge assembly be able to pump my mash fast enough during the recirc, or would I need to consider another method?

You don't want to run your vorlauf through a sparge assembly. Grain bits will get stuck in there and block it up. If you do a sparge assembly, it should be a separate return from your vorlauf.

If you want to pump your vorlauf, you can arrange to feed your pump directly from the runoff or from a grant. Return to the MLT either with typcal hose or a hard piped assembly. Just make sure that it directs against the inside surface of the vessel to minimize splashing. Pretty much any pump that is going to be used for wort transfer will be enough for vorlauf... ideally you would be running your vorlauf at the same speed as your eventual runoff, or perhaps a bit slower.

 

[mpcluever]

The LocLine that Bobby_M is referring to is a full 1/2" ID so no grain would get stuck in that. I bought the part from Bobby for my new brewery, but haven't used it yet. I can't imagine it would be a problem for vorlauf.

 

[forcabrew]

Is anybody using this with a herms setup? I have waiting to be installed and I was planning on recirculating back through the sparse assembly

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

I just keep an inch of wort above the mash and lay a silicone hose in it. Best thing I've seen is Bobby's.

 

[wailingguitar]

The LocLine that Bobby_M is referring to is a full 1/2" ID so no grain would get stuck in that. I bought the part from Bobby for my new brewery, but haven't used it yet. I can't imagine it would be a problem for vorlauf.

I see the piece you refer to now, I agree it shouldn't be a problem at all. Nice

 

[dfess1]

I use a siphon sprayer coming out of my lid. Haven't had any issues with that (and only $2).