Mash Tun

[jmc]

Thanks for all the advice.

I recently changed the mash tun tap and HLT tap so had a test boil lunchtime to test for leaks.
All OK and after I transferred about 10L from HLT into mash tun I noticed that there was some steam coming out of the closed mash tun lid which disappeared once I strapped it down, so maybe rachet strap will help. We'll see Saturday.

I know the main problem is that the coolbox is too big for std 1040 OG 5 gal brews, but I'm not keen on putting anything on top of the mash except maybe some alluminium foil.
With new tap arrangement I could underlet if I wanted, and I like the idea of a thinner mash to give it more thermal mass.

I'm concerned that a thin mash may affect mashing efficiency and/or flavour.
What ratio could I go to (water:grain) and not be worried about it changing the mash?
If its thinner do I need to mash for a longer period?

EDIT -
As ever, I should have looked for an answer here before asking.
Seems that thin mash not a problem. I'll try 5:1 ratio which will leave much less air space and will fill up tun more.
Ref: Mashing...Wheeler v. Palmer
TIA John

[jmc]

Thanks again for suggestions to improve mash tun insulation.

Definite improvement in mash tun heat retention by
a) Strapping down lid to ensure no vapour escapes
b) Thin mash. I used 5:1 to leave less air space and increase thermal mass.
This didn't affect efficiency of Saturday's American IPA brew (Lovely Simcoe, Amarillo & Cascade - Thanks Rob)

I think underletting helped too as liquor transferred via pipe from HLT to mashtun via tap.
This was quicker and mixed malt very well without much stirring / doughing-in.

Mash tun temp change loads better than it used to be.
Start:
67.4C
After 90 mins
66C in centre of tun, 65C at edge.

I used central heating tank insulation as before and some silver 'emergency' thin plastic blanket as well as tun insulation.

ATB John

[Bopper]

Myself, i think building equipment takes more thinking about than doing!!! Nice job!! One thing i would have done to help with heat loss, is use kitchen foil and make some sort of sandwich in your insulation....Here is a tip for you all, who use picnic coolers, dismantle and cover both sides of the polystyrene with kitchen foil, you be surprised what difference it makes!! Richard.......

[jmc]

Hi

I thought my mashtun cooling loses could be reduced by adding some more insulation.

The method I used below was a bit unusual, but the result, if not pretty, is certainly an improvement.

Mashtun as purchased (Igloo Marine)
This is the 52 (american) qt coolbox, with drain. About 49 litres.:


Heat loss through lid & sides was more than I was happy with. I wanted to do away with the need for covering in cylinder jackets etc each time I mashed.

I decided that it might help to use more expanding foam and layers of (emergency blanket) foil to improve insulation. Pics of progress below:









Instead of foam I used layers of camping mat on the lid, between foil layers. (I ran out of foam)
All covered with shiny silver-plastic-coated camping mat so it can be kept clean.

I added a window stay so I could tighten up lid properly. Odd but it works.

There is a bit of heat loss around the lid edge, so it could probably do with a cowl, but it is loads better.
Last mash set at 65.5C. After 90 mins 65 in centre & 64 by side of tun, so it has improved things

[Kev888]

Seems like very reasonable performance - good stuff! Very smart too - looks like a big jeweled casket.

Cheers
Kev

[leedsbrew]

Awesome! Looks like the MJ of mash tuns!

[WishboneBrewery]

shit!! you made something from 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'! Or is it an Alien Coffin?

[far9410]

that looks great mate, makes my cool box look sh**e, whats that spaniel been drinking?

[far9410]

i think this reply ended up on wrong thread, but awesome mash tun!

[jmc]

whats that spaniel been drinking?

Hi far 9410

I was definitely confused by your post

Had another mash Friday night and it lost 1C centre and 2C at sides in2 hours.
More loss probably because I forgot to insulate ball-valve/tap
ATB John

[Gricey]

Need to wear a King Tut mask on your next brew... Papyrus Pale?

[jmc]

Need to wear a King Tut mask on your next brew... Papyrus Pale?

OK it does look odd
but it does the job.

Those Egyptians liked their beer too.
see Ancient Egyptian Beer


ATB John