Mash/lauter tun question

[timbowden]

My mash tun is made from 2 tapered plastic 23L fermenation bins which are stacked one inside the other. The inner one has holes drilled in the bottom and the outer one has a tap. My question is that when i fill it with the required amount of liquor for a mash the mash seems to be a bit dry! There is a space between the bottom of the inner and outer vessel. It takes 4L of liquor to cover the bottom of the inner vessel. Is it ok to add 4L to the required liquor volume for the mash without affecting efficiency etc but giving enough liquor to fully soak the grains?

tim

 

[evanvine]

My personal view is that as long as your "doughing in" ends up as a fluid porage, the amount of water is secondary to the mash temp!

 

[Aleman]

AS a tip, why not cut the bottom inch off of the inner bucket (The bit with all the holes in . . . you will find it can be persuaded to sit much closer to the bottom of the outer bucket

It reduces the dead space considerably . . . and yes you would have to ignore the dead space. so if you need 12L of mash liquor you should add 16

 

[MEB]

The amount of liquor in your MT effects the enzymes so don't go over 3L per kg of grains. :thumb:

 

[timbowden]

The bucket sits as low as it can go because it rests on top of the back of the tap and i need the bit with the holes to hold back the grains!
I think i'll try the next batch with an extra 4L to see if i get a more porridge like consistency!
As 4L of liquid sits underneath the grains that should not be taken into account when looking at not having more than 3L per kilo?right? :wha:

 

[Joe]

Could you not make a manifold, like in the coolbox mash tuns out of slotted copper pipe that fits into your tap

 

[MEB]

The bucket sits as low as it can go because it rests on top of the back of the tap and i need the bit with the holes to hold back the grains!
I think i'll try the next batch with an extra 4L to see if i get a more porridge like consistency!
As 4L of liquid sits underneath the grains that should not be taken into account when looking at not having more than 3L per kilo?right? :wha:

If that liquid is in contact with the liquid that is in contact with the grains it does count i'm afraid. But I wouldn't overly worry about it. :thumb:

 

[timbowden]

as always, thanks for all the feedback!
I think i will either make a manifold for the existing mash tun or get a coolbox/manifold combination!
tim

 

[MEB]

as always, thanks for all the feedback!
I think i will either make a manifold for the existing mash tun or get a coolbox/manifold combination!
tim

The coolbox & copper manifold works a treat, is easy to make, and lasts well. Just don't use 15mm pipe-it's too small to flow properly. Also you want to use a coolbox that matches your system size. That way it will be almost full when your mashing and the temp will hold a lot better with minimun headspace. :thumb:

 

[tubby_shaw]

Keep your Bucket as a mash tun :thumb:
Just make a false bottom like this

made from a drilled plastic plate.
It is a rip off of one of these
Phils Phalse Bottom
I have a gate valve fitted to my tun but any tap will work

 

[MEB]

If only they made round 50L coolboxes

Nice MT TubbyS :thumb:

 

[tubby_shaw]

Nice MT TubbyS :thumb:

Thanks MEB
It has evolved since those pics were taken in December 2006, it looks like this now

and it gets even more insulation like this

To be honest it's a little small now and I am planning a new build

 

[timbowden]

Thanks TS that looks like a plan to me! :thumb:

 

[borischarlton]

If only they made round 50L coolboxes

Nice MT TubbyS :thumb:

They do:-

http://bigflysports.com/Igloo-10-Gallon ... EDH6WQ.htm

Designed for the job, just swap the tap for a ball valve and make a manifold.

Rob