Wort flow out of mash tun - question about barbed fitting sizes

[auhsojjones]

Hey everybody, this is my first post, so please let me know if I'm in the wrong spot.

I've decided to move into all-grain. I just recently finished putting together a mash tun out of a plastic cooler/false bottom (FB)/weldless stainless steel ball valve (SS BV)/etc. While doing a leak check for the SS BV (no leaks), I realized that the flow of liquid out of the ball valve was relatively slow (I would estimate it took maybe 10 or more minutes to empty out about 2 gallons of water). I don't think my estimates on that are off... all I know is, I felt like it would be ideal for the flow to be heavier when the valve is opened all the way. I realized that for purposes of settling the grain bed while mashing I wouldn't want a fast flow anyways, but I'm concerned about mash thickness impeding the flow even further, especially if I ever try to attempt a higher gravity beer, and I don't know what kind of problems that could cause related to over-mashing (if that's even a thing).

I'll also mention that I'm using SS tubing clamps (the kind you tighten with a flathead) on the tubing going between the FB and the BV, so I don't think its a problem with a leak. They're kind of overkill, really, because the silicone tubing is ID 5/16", so they're pretty tight anyways.

I'm using a domed FB with a barbed elbow fitting that comes out the top (OD 3/8") and the fitting on the inside of the SS BV is also 3/8". Should I try to find parts with a larger OD or does this sound normal? I'm looking around, but can't find any barbed elbows with anything larger (e.g. OD 1/2"). Thanks!

 

[djonesax]

You said your barb is 3/8" OD? What is the ID?

I'm no expert in fluid dynamics but I read something online that the fluid flow for 3/8" ID (not OD) pipe is approx 1.3GPM so 2 gallons should take around 2 minutes fully open if I understand properly. So if its smaller than that it will take longer for sure. The water also has to push though the false bottom which will also add resistance although I have never thought to see how much. I would not worry about this hurting your mash, it just may be a slow drainer.


David

 

[Bobby_M]

I really hate the typical elbow connectors that come with the domed false bottoms. It was a horrible decision made by the first company in China to make such hardware. For some reason it stuck and it's repeated over and over. The ID of that barb is nearly 1/4" and it's at a spot most likely to have stray grain trying to flow through.

 

[auhsojjones]

You said your barb is 3/8" OD? What is the ID?

I'm no expert in fluid dynamics but I read something online that the fluid flow for 3/8" ID (not OD) pipe is approx 1.3GPM so 2 gallons should take around 2 minutes fully open if I understand properly. So if its smaller than that it will take longer for sure. The water also has to push though the false bottom which will also add resistance although I have never thought to see how much. I would not worry about this hurting your mash, it just may be a slow drainer.


David

Without actually measuring I'd guess the ID is slightly less, so prob about 5/16". I'm thinking the obvious route to go would be to just buy new, larger fittings... It just sucks that it didn't come stock with the FB.

 

[jafo28]

I just got this one, https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/fbelbow.htm It will be getting it's first try tomorrow.

 

[auhsojjones]

I just got this one, https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/fbelbow.htm It will be getting it's first try tomorrow.

Awesome, this is what I was looking for. Did you have a lot problems with the normal 3/8" fittings? Or was it just slow?

 

[jafo28]

Awesome, this is what I was looking for. Did you have a lot problems with the normal 3/8" fittings? Or was it just slow?

I didn't even try it with the smaller fitting. From the start I wanted something to match the 1/2 inch ball valve. I found that one just looking around on Bobby's site, used it for the first time on Friday and it worked great.