Fase bottom for a rectangular mash tun?

Possible? - Yes
Better efficiency? - With the right sparge arms (probably need 2) yes
Thoughts on how to make one? - Perforated stainless steel somehow suspended above the bottom, maybe just a piece slightly wider than the bottom of the cooler bent into a convex shape?
Would be looking at a 10gallon cooler. - ok

 

I wonder if you could use HDPE. How about cutting out and removing the inner wall from the coolers lid and drilling a matrix of 1/16" holes (plus one larger hole for a dip tube.) It would be convex and the correct shape and size. I don't know; It might be too light though. Just a thought.

 

have you tried using a bazooka? i'll probably be getting a rectangular mash tun once i come home from school and the few people i've talked to swear by them.

 

I use a rectangular mash tun and have been trying to get better efficiency out of mine as well. I found a website a while back that sells the false bottom for it, but I remember it being very pricey ($150). I'm sure you could probably find a cheaper alternative.

 

What's the point? Why not make a manifold out of cpvc? That's what I have at the bottom of my 50qt Igloo ice cube and I'm getting 75-80% efficency every brew. If a manifold is eaiser/cheaper/gets the same or better yield as a false bottom....just make a manifold.

 

http://www.beerbelly.com.au/mashequip.html
not that i use one they are quite popular

 

Although CPVC is inexpensive, and easy to work with, there is a potential for contamination. Although CPVC has higher working temps than PVC, the CHARLOTTE PVC pipe company, has literature that states that it's intended use is for industrial purposes, not potable water. On the bright side, plastics used in packaging bottled water are suspect of leaching plasticizers (phthalates) into the water itself. Heat increases chemical reactions. In time, I'm sure HDPE will prove unhealthy. My point is, that perhaps health hazards are a moot point in that we use plastics for food packaging, cooking, and dinnerware everyday. Studies show that most of us already have these chemicals within us. I just thought I'd share the info from Charlotte manufacturing.

 

I think from your other post, you plan to batch sparge, right? If so, a manifold or false bottom aren't going to improve efficiency over a bazooka or braid.