problem with mash tun

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rodneygullick
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problem with mash tun

Post by rodneygullick »

hi guys I've just done a brew I think I have a problem with my mash tun, I use a fermentation bin with felt based carpet wrapped around it on top of that I have another piece of carpet wrapped around that , I noticed that at the end of the mash the temperature at the center of the tun was spot on but at the side of the tun I was at least 6 degrees lower I was wondering if there was anything else I could use to wrap around the tun rather than the carpet, any ideas
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vacant
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by vacant »

Screwfix do a hot water cylinder jacket for £10. I don't know how often they do them on special offer - I got one from them for £5 some years back.

As they're covered in plastic they can be washed down if they get messy and any rips can be taped up.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/hot-water-cyl ... x-48/43483
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Taz Ales
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by Taz Ales »

If you can afford to spend a bit more money I'd suggest you ditch the fermenter and buy yourself an Igloo Cube for about £45. It has a bung at the bottom which you can unscrew and replace with your own tank connector.
http://r.ebay.com/kIWnkJ

Even better would be one of those 5 gallon water coolers that they have in the US, but they're very difficult to find here.
http://r.ebay.com/IDb71U
Taz... or Chris. It's up to you.
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rodneygullick
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by rodneygullick »

thanks Paul, thanks Taz ,I have ordered that igloo from eBay until it comes I am not quite sure what fittings to use , no doubt someone will suggest the type of fittings I will need
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I_used_to_brew
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by I_used_to_brew »

There are two versions of that Igloo coolbox. The older one (aimed at the US of A market) which had a bunghole and a drain that could be simply unscrewed (the yanks use ice in their coolboxes so need to be able to drain water). The newer version aimed at Europe does not have a pre-made hole (we use ice-gel blocks). However the area where you will fit the tap etc is solid and can be simply drilled through in one go - NB please check this as I've converted quite a few of these but not for 18 months or so.

As for the actual tap to fit? Well, I'd go the home made route with a drilled out tank connector and copper fittings and a ball valve and use a slotted copper manifold. If you want to purchase a tap solution then it's http://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/weldless-3 ... -p150.html and probably this false bottom http://www.brewbuilder.co.uk/12-domed-false-bottom.html but check it fits!
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rodneygullick
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by rodneygullick »

hi Roger the one I purchased was the second one Taz talked about 5 gallon water cooler it looks as if it has a tap on it
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I_used_to_brew
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by I_used_to_brew »

rodneygullick wrote:hi Roger the one I purchased was the second one Taz talked about 5 gallon water cooler it looks as if it has a tap on it

Oh, it's tiny. That false bottom from brew builder won't fit. You'll have to do a custom job from copper pipe. Make sure you use lead free fittings though.
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steve crawshaw
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by steve crawshaw »

I have a copper pipe manifold I can sell if you are interested
cheers
steve
I like to keep a bottle of stimulant handy in case I see a snake, which I also keep handy.
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I_used_to_brew
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by I_used_to_brew »

The 5 gallon cylindrical coolers are available in Bristol, a shop called IQRA opposite Lawrence Hill station has them in stock in a variety of colours.
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steve crawshaw
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Re: problem with mash tun

Post by steve crawshaw »

RogerP wrote:The 5 gallon cylindrical coolers are available in Bristol, a shop called IQRA opposite Lawrence Hill station has them in stock in a variety of colours.
The blue ones have the best thermal properties.
I like to keep a bottle of stimulant handy in case I see a snake, which I also keep handy.
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