Mash tun insulation

[Mike1981]

What is the best way to insulate a mash tun? I have just fitted a tap to a cool box i was given, put around 18 litres of water in (60 degrees c ) then checked the temp after 90 mins, i had lost 8 degrees. Ive insulated the lid with two layers of foam camping mat and tin foil. I re tested and am losing approx 4 degrees over 90 mins. Is it a fair test with just water?

:wha:

Mike

 

[Mark1964]

No you wont lose as much when the grains inside you could wrap your mash tun in bubble wrap or sleeping bag tank jacket etc there are ways to keep it warm we used radiator reflective foam and bubble wrap.

 

[Mike1981]

Good idea, cheers mark ive got a load of bubble wrap in the garage. I was unsure if with the grain inside id loose as much but didnt want to risk it and loose a brew. The sides and lid all feel pretty cold so dont think im letting too much heat through them.

 

[Mark1964]

try it out and if your temp drops just add a kettle of hot water and give it a good stir

 

[hairybiker]

Also remember to check the temp of the water after about 1 min in the box. by then it will have stabilised the box temp with the water, so you should find the temp difference after 90 min is about 1deg max then. (Usually <1deg with grain in my Thermos cool box, filled to within 2" of the top)

 

[commsbiff]

Also remember to check the temp of the water after about 1 min in the box. by then it will have stabilised the box temp with the water, so you should find the temp difference after 90 min is about 1deg max then. (Usually <1deg with grain in my Thermos cool box, filled to within 2" of the top)

I think this is correct. You'll probably find that you lost 7 degress in the first couple of minutes and 1 degree over the remaining time.

 

[Mike1981]

Ill try it again and check the temp after a few minutes....Sound advice from here, as always :thumb:

 

[conspiccus]

would it be a stupid idea to cut out a circular piece of radiator reflective foam and put it directly on top of my mash inside the vessel (using BIAB)?