Mash tun manifold question

If you are batch sparging (which you must be since using a braid), I don't see how a copper manifold or PVC one will increase your efficiency much if at all. Those types of manifold designs were really designed for fly sparging to eliminate channeling (although they certainly can be used for batch sparging).

 

Nowadays, CPVC is probably a lot cheaper than copper...I made mine as a rectangle with two additional verticals along with the out tube. Don't glue (all) the joints so you can take it apart for cleaning...drill a hole or cut a slit every 1/2 inch or so. I think geometry isn't a big issue if you are batch sparging...

 

i fly sparge at times so pretty sure I build my copper manifold based on Palmer's design:
http://www.howtobrew.com/appendices/appendixD-1.html
As pegli said, cpvc is cheaper and easier to work with...but I had plenty of copper tubing handy and I for some reason like having it copper.

 

I agree with Cracker. Changing from a braid to a manifold will not increase your batch sparge efficiency.

 

I batch sparge, and use a steel braid. With my setup, If I don't pay close attention while my mash tun is draining, I notice that my grain bed gets compacted in areas along the braid, and then leaves major dead spots along the periphery. I've often wondered too if I were to swap out the braid for a manifold type if that would help this situation.

 

That has happened to me. Especially since I have a 70 qt rectangular cooler. If I open the valve all the way and let it rip I'll likely get a compacted bed where the back end of the tun still has a lot of liquid. Instead of having it drain out in a few minutes I open the valve halfway and it take 5 to 10 mins and I don't have that problem. I too thought a manifold would fix it and it probably would but i don't mind waiting a few more minutes.

 

I'll try that out, thanks.

 

I have always use a CPVC manifold, works great. I batch sparge, it's easy to clean and build. (cheap too)