Insulation for crash cooler

[Tomp]

I'm in the process of building a secondary bin / crash cooling unit with a Maxi 310 and a SS Brewtech Brewbucket. Heating is already solved with a tube heater and an ink bird.

I intend to wrap silicone tubing around the bucket and tape it in place and use the recirc pump to drop the temperature down by running cold water round the outside as a 'jacket'.

Aim is to get the beer down to around 3 to 4 c. It will sit in an insulated wooden box.

What insulation have others used to keep the heat out? I was think of this or similar?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/ybs-airtec-r ... GQodYJwEJA

[Heron1952]

The air bubbles in the wrap will provide some insulation. But to work like 50mm polystyrene then both shiny surfaces must be facing an enclosed air space, I.e. Not in contact much with anything and not so much airspace to allow air movement or convection currents. If you are putting things in a box like a fermentation fridge, then I'd use polystyrene, preferably kingspan or celotex as that is closed cell and won't absorb water. But remember some types can be flammable!!!

[sonicated]

For my fermentation chamber in the garage I used 50mm celotex from Wickes which can be bought in sheets that will fit in a car.

It does a decent job of keeping the FC at 20C whether it's -5C in the garage with a 1ft greenhouse tube heater and 30C using a little semiconductor refridgerator:

[Tomp]

Thanks. Should have said the chamber is already lined with foam - but this isn't reflective. Should have gone for reflective but I had lots of insulation kicking around.

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

Armaflex is best. Not cheap though, and you will want to use insulation on the cooling lines also

[Tomp]

Armaflex is best. Not cheap though, and you will want to use insulation on the cooling lines also

Thanks.

[Haydnexport]

I don't think you will get much thermal transfer using silicone hose tbo.