Mash tun woes

[Stu H]

Okay so a few months ago I "upgraded" from doing dunk-sparge BIAB to using a "proper" mash tun and batch sparging. It has been less than successful to say the least. For one, my efficiency has plummetted, and not only that, it's really unpredictable, and occasionally I have diabolical stuck sparges. I opened up the gap on my mill to compensate, but I'm still ocassionally getting these awful stuck sparges. Last weekend I had to take the mash out of the vessel, and push it through my old voile bag. GARRR!!!

Another problem is my brew software seems to not be able to predict the volumes I'll collect from the sparges, though it was fine with BIAB... Probably doesn't help I'm using crappy old bits of dowel with notches marked in it for my volume measurements.

As far as I can tell, the only real advantage so far about traditional mashing over BIAB is being able to varlauf, meaning clear wort, and less trub in the kettle. However at this stage I'd probably prefer consistency over a trubby kettle.

I'm considering going back to BIAB until I can afford a decent s/s mash tun with a false bottom (probably from Chris Banks).

However I was wondering if you guys had any ideas with what is wrong with my process/equipment before I chuck the baby out of the bathwater, and go back to BIAB, or spend a fortune on stainless? Any help is appreciated!

Here's my mash tun:

[warra48]

I think the problems may be:

1. The braid collapses from the weight of grain. Solutions discussed in earlier posts. Also, try stretching or twisting the braid somewhat to open up the very fine gaps in the weave.

2. You are not doing a mashout? Doing a mashout addition will raise the temperature of the mash, and make the wort flow easier.

3. Slow down your run-off. Particularly important at the start of the run-off and sparge.

4. If you see a solid layer of floury concrete on top of the mash, you can cut it with a knife to allow it to drain properly.

 

I also believe a manifiold is less likely to get stuck than braid. I use a manifold in my mashtun, built on the principles shown in Palmer's How to Brew. My mill gap is set at 1.1mm, so it's not that fine, but I hand crank my mill. My mash efficiency is always over 90%.

You will solve your problems, it's not really rocket science. You have lots of good advice in all your responses.

 

[Stu H]

Cheers Warra!