Thoughts on my braided mash screens

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by psnydez86, Aug 19, 2012.

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  1. psnydez86

    psnydez86 Initiate (0) Jan 4, 2012 Pennsylvania

    So i decided to finally convert my 48 qt. cooler into a mash tun today, and it was quite the challenge rounding up the right rubber gaskets to get the dang thing to seal up but thats neither here nor there. I bough a foot long stainless steel plumbing braided hose with the adapters on both sides as i was planning on making about a 7 or 8 inch mash screen. After getting the inner rubber part out the 8 inch screen got slightly kinked near the side that it screws into the brass nipple. I decided to get the rubber hose out of the other section also which is only about 4 inches long but the stainless steel braid ended up in better shape than the original longer screen. Is the short pristine screen gonna work as good or better than the one with the slightly kinked one?? They both seem to get the same flow with some water test runs but i was wondering if their was a benefit to just having a screen thats longer rather than shorter to avoid stuck sparges?? I'd post a picture if BA would let me copy and paste one.... :-(
     
    #1 psnydez86, Aug 19, 2012
  2. cmac1705

    cmac1705 Zealot (517) Apr 30, 2010 Florida

    Having never done testing myself, my instinct tells me you're better off with the longer screen, providing that the kink is not severe. I assume you've tried to un-kink it?
     
    #2 cmac1705, Aug 19, 2012
  3. utahbeerdude

    utahbeerdude Maven (1,374) May 2, 2006 Utah

    If your plan is to batch sparge, then I do not think that it will make any difference either way. If you wish to fly sparge, then it is my understanding that, in general, it is better to have a larger manifold in order to be able to collect the wort across as much area as possible at the bottom of the tun. As you are the one with both braids, you are in the best position to try both and see if it makes any difference.
     
    #3 utahbeerdude, Aug 19, 2012
  4. ScrewyBrewer

    ScrewyBrewer Initiate (0) Jul 20, 2010 New Jersey

    #4 ScrewyBrewer, Aug 19, 2012
  5. kjyost

    kjyost Initiate (0) May 4, 2008 Canada (MB)

    Good overview of the process... I am just surprised youtlay sparge with a braided hose, normally this would lead to channeling and lower efficiencies. That said, I have a gorgeous copper manifold and I batch sparge. I will be changing over to a braided hose soon (bought the hose, just need to find the time) as my manifold dislodges easily.
     
    #5 kjyost, Aug 19, 2012
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