Brew Day From Hell

[tangent]

Good question Warren.

At first I was losing suction because the original white washers were squeezing out past the metal washers.
I just added some big new black rubber washers, but it looks like the metal washers aren't big enough and have partially pulled the hole out of shape and pulled the metal washer into the hole, causing another leak.
The inside connecting bits still look tip top surprisingly.
I am getting very suss about a set up that needs wort to flow upside down out of the FB before it gets to the tap though. I'm thinking about making a stand for the tun and drilling a hole in the base under the FB.

 

[warrenlw63]

Good question Warren.
View attachment 12712
At first I was losing suction because the original white washers were squeezing out past the metal washers.
I just added some big new black rubber washers, but it looks like the metal washers aren't big enough and have partially pulled the hole out of shape and pulled the metal washer into the hole, causing another leak.
The inside connecting bits still look tip top surprisingly.
I am getting very suss about a set up that needs wort to flow upside down out of the FB before it gets to the tap though. I'm thinking about making a stand for the tun and drilling a hole in the base under the FB.

Tangent

There's plenty who have bottom drain mashtuns. Thing being they're probably still open to blockage problems because the grain bits can still creep under or fall down into the plumbing.

I'd be looking at your current setup in the sense that the FB can lift up and down due to the plastic hose connecting the FB to the tap. When you mash in your paddle can hit the FB causing it to move.

I'd still look at getting some compression fittings and a straight copper pipe. If you tighten the whole thing up your FB should sit on the bottom of the tun undisturbed.

Strangely enough I've had less problems with crud coming through and protracted recirculation times since I've switched to a 9 inch FB (my 12 inch is now in the kettle). The smaller FB sits in a snugger fashion on the keg floor and the grain can't creep under the undulations in the keg.

Warren -

 

[tangent]

i hear you Warren, but the FB does hold down flat on the bottom of the tun. It's like the plastic tube is like a spring that holds the FB down, if you get my drift.

 

[warrenlw63]

Probably not so springy when it's hit with 70 degree + strike water though.

Warren -

 

[tangent]

that's a good point

i'm pretty sure it's a leak that's stopping the syphon at the moment. Going to buy some larger washers and try with water first. If that fails i might try impact testing the tun around the yard with an assortment of garden tools.

 

[warrenlw63]

Leak will only stop the siphon when the liquid level drops below the point of the ball valve. Should drain from the top to the tap before then. :beerbang:

When did yours stick ???

Warren -

 

[tangent]

it either flows like a fury or nothing
i couldn't even get a dribble out of it and it was brim full after mashout.

 

[stoutdrinker]

Hi John,

Geez I hope I didnt contribute to your probs yesterday. At least the stout I left should give you something to chew on while you sort out what changes you'll be making to your tun.

I know I shouldnt rub it in but boy that wort did smell delicious too! Bugga!

Cheers.

Stout.

 

[SJW]

A case of Hammer n Tongs is only $25!

 

[winkle]

Maybe the weight and heat of the mash is compressing the plastic tubing and stopping your flow? I'd replace it with copper.

 

[tommy cooper]

hi there tanget have pm,d you mate

 

[tangent]

"by Jove.... i think I've got it"

 

[tangent]

look how close the inlet would be to the base of the tun.

edit - and that domed FB isn't that high at the apex.

 

[tangent]

I had the CSI people in dark rooms for hours to modify this image


see the marks where the FB and paddle have wiped off some of the crud (in red) then i noticed a really strong mark in the middle (in yellow).
The base of the tun has deformed and has a bit of a mound a bit off centre (don't we all)
it looks like that has taken whatever clearance from the FB intake and the plastic pipe tends to hold it firmly against it. i think one piece of crud could stop that ******* all together.

I've also noticed a crease merk on the hose, so i've slipped a piece of beer line inside it to stop it collapsing altogether and see if that'll be a temporary solution.

I've also called in the experts. I'm hoping an engineer will be here in a few hours :beer:

 

[warrenlw63]

That's not bad Tangent. Mine actually has a bit of thread coming through the nut and still drains. That said a keg bottom is slightly domed, giving you a little more room.

Easy way to check is to maybe half fill your tun with water and drain to a bucket (with racking hose on the valve). See how much liquid is left at the bottom and the end of the drain and just make sure it drains without any obstructions.

The way I checked mine before installation was to press the FB against some glass (with the elbow nut attached), you can see how far it is from touching then.

Warren -

 

[tangent]

i'm thinking of putting her back together and filling 1/2 full with 80C water
so i can see if the hose is collapsing with the heat and weight.
i suppose i did have it brim full and chockers with malt as well.

maybe i could split a piece of pvc tube and pop rivet it to the FB like a hovercraft skirt, raise it a bit and add some flexibility.

 

[warrenlw63]

Might even be as simple as going to Bunnings and getting a thinner hex nut too. Might give you the valuable couple of mm's you need. :unsure:

Warren -

 

[tangent]

:lol:

i just went to another fastener joint down the road to get some washers. $10 minimum purchase, even with cash!! :blink:
I'm not huge on Bunnings but I might go the extra 500 metres this time.

 

[tommy cooper]

take your ebow and nut off and push the fb into a wok nice and easy to get the dome a bit higher i would say by the picture it has copressed abit mine is more or less like a sattellight dish
try and press the parabolic curve back into it .

save you pop riveting bits to it .

tc

 

[bugwan]

Could you screw some stays onto the underside of the FB to act as standoffs Tangent?
Maybe three or four screwed into the FB itself would provide enough support to create the height needed to maintain flow...?

Maybe small versions of these, with a screw through the FB to hold them in place...
http://www.vernk.com/images/Angelfire/Cons...doffs_LoRes.jpg