Fly Sparge/Mash Tun Conumdrum/Dilemma

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by GreenKrusty101, Feb 10, 2015.

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  1. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    I think I know how I am going to build a fly sparge/direct fire mash tun (keggle), but not quite sure on the finishing touches.

    1. mash tun is a keggle with 11" false bottom made for keggle to which I've attached a cam-lock male and female barbed connection connected to the ball valve and a piece of 3/8" I/D Hi-temp Silicone tubing to the false bottom.

    2. I know from experience that 1/2 inch tubing would be better with pumps as the larger the suction I/D the better : )
    but the I/S diameter on the Camlocks looks like 3/8" so what's the point?

    3. I fabricated a fly sparge clusterfuck out of a hop spider, an old 9" flat false bottom, and a SS float and tubing that I bought from Morebeer (I think)

    4. I don't upload pixs, so hopefully you can visualize this "Jethro Bodine Special"

    5. What if you had to work with essentially only those parts? All reasonable solutions considered ...no smart asses, please : )

    6. Cheers
     
    #1 GreenKrusty101, Feb 10, 2015
  2. PortLargo

    PortLargo Pooh-Bah (1,831) Oct 19, 2012 Florida
    Pooh-Bah

    1. & 2: If I'm visualizing this correctly you have a cam-lock (quick disconnect) inside your keggle that connects the silicon tubing from the false bottom pick-up to your ball valve? This really isn't required, I use a 1/2" male threaded/1/2" barb to connect the silicon hose from the false bottom pick-up to the ball valve. This connection isn't required to be water tight. If it leaks it just goes back into the keggle (where it's picked up again). I only make mine finger tight as it's removed after each use for cleaning. This is easier/cheaper and keeps a 1/2" opening. If I have mis-visualized, then never-mind.

    3. I fly sparge and find it to be much easier than everyone lets on. My technique is a simple 1/2" silicon hose draped over the side of the mash tun (essentially nothing). The sparge water comes in slowly enough it doesn't disturb the grain bed and I often just direct the flow of water on the sides of the tun (zero grain disturbance). I really want to watch someone else fly sparge sometime to see what the big deal is.

    4. I understand (and appreciate) the reference to Jethro Bodine . . . but suspect many readers will not know how someone with so little talent achieved such great stardom.

    5. I know brewhardware.com has a complete line of fitting to keep 1/2" or better IDs throughout their connections . . . prices are decent.

    6. Cheers back at you.
     
    #2 PortLargo, Feb 10, 2015
    Last edited: Feb 10, 2015
    GreenKrusty101 likes this.
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