underletting for a batch sparge

[Gurgeh]

Thinking about plans for my RG550 pumped brewery...

one thing I'm considering is underletting when mashing in, and then underletting again for the batch sparge process.

to my mind, no stirring will be required.

anyone have any thoughts on this?

[steve_flack]

I underlet my mash tun. I do give it a bit of a stir but not much.

[Gurgeh]

I underlet my mash tun. I do give it a bit of a stir but not much.

as if i could hold myself back anyway!

do you batch sparge as well, using underletting?

[steve_flack]

Yes, I batch sparge.

I load my grain in dry then pump in the liquor through the bottom manifold. It wells up through the grain, a quick stir...sorted.

For the sparge I drain the tun then pump the second batch sparge liquor in through the manifold again.

[Gurgeh]

sounds like a plan then! Cheers Steve

[DavidW]

Steve,
What are the benifits of underletting rather than pouring the water in at the top of the mash tun, and could i use gravity fed water to do this.?

Thanks in advance
David

[Seveneer]

I underlet to make sure the manifold is clear at the start of the mash. It's also a good way of clearing a set mash.

Gravity is fine if you have enough height.

/Phil.

[steve_flack]

Steve,
What are the benifits of underletting rather than pouring the water in at the top of the mash tun, and could i use gravity fed water to do this.?

Thanks in advance
David

I get very little balling of the mash and only really stir the mash a tiny little bit because my mash tun has corners and I sometimes get dry bits in there.