What size extension for blichmann autosparge

[Jtvann]

Looking for the best arm extension length to get for a blichmann autosparge to use in a 20 gallon Ssbrewtech infussion mash tun.

 

[apache_brew]

Any reason you think you need an extension?

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, I am using the 9" float arm rod in a 20 gallon Blichmann G1. I tried the original 6" and the optional 12" and imo 9" is the optimal length...

Cheers!

[edit] This is from today's brew, showing the relative geometries of kettle, sparge arm and tubing. You would not want the float any closer to the opposite side of the kettle...

 

[eric19312]

you just need to put some more grain in your mash tun! then the 6" arm will do fine

 

[Jtvann]

fwiw, I am using the 9" float arm rod in a 20 gallon Blichmann G1. I tried the original 6" and the optional 12" and imo 9" is the optimal length...

Cheers!

[edit] This is from today's brew, showing the relative geometries of kettle, sparge arm and tubing. You would not want the float any closer to the opposite side of the kettle...
View attachment 718401

I think the 9 is what I’m going to want in the end.

I had thought about setting mine up with camlock adapters to be able to install and remove it easily. I think I’d rather vorlauf outside of the autosparge. I’m wanting to recirculation through my mash manifold instead of the floating line on top.

So when you say you wouldn’t want the ball and closer to the side wall, why is that? As it floats up will it make contact?

 

[apache_brew]

you just need to put some more grain in your mash tun! then the 6" arm will do fine

Lol. That’s honestly where my head was at. I guess it makes sense for smaller batches. I installed an autosparge in a keggle and I couldn’t install it high enough and had to get a bigger mash tun for my batch size.

 

[day_trippr]

So when you say you wouldn’t want the ball and closer to the side wall, why is that? As it floats up will it make contact?

Not actual contact, but in this kettle (ID is 17-5/8") and with my mounting method, another 3" of reach would put the float ball close to if not against the discharge tube (which, fwiw, I lengthened from the original by roughly another third, to get it to ride better).

Also, there's a pretty good current out there when recirculating (I spin the mash between 2 and 3 gpm) and if you've ever watched an autosparge oscillate it's probably not going to be the optimal location to bob quietly

Cheers!

 

[Jtvann]

Got ya. I have seen those videos. I just recently spent money on Ssbrewtechs big recirculation manifold. I want to try to keep using it. I even used it during the sparge process as well.

I just bought an autosparge of the forums that has a 12 inch arm. I’ll give it a shot and buy the 9 inch if I have to.

 

[day_trippr]

Worth a try, might work out.
fwiw, I bought the 9" (& 12") from @Bobby_M at brewhardware.com...

Cheers!