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SS Brewtech MT Flow Restriction

 
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Uke73




Joined: 18 Feb 2021
Posts: 2
Location: TrueNorth


PostLink    Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 2:36 am    Post subject: SS Brewtech MT Flow Restriction Reply with quote


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I have about 20 brews days on my Kal clone, I used a 15 gallon SS Brewtech MT but the rest of my system is very similar.

I recently read on the forum here where someone mentioned MT flow rates that seemed quite a bit higher than what I was getting. I also have a couple degree difference between my HLT and MT. Not a big deal but it is annoying.

So I started looking a little closer and was surprise at the restriction in the SS Brewtech false bottom, the fitting on the false bottom (elbow) has an internal diameter of <3/16 of inch in diameter. In an all-water test today (with HLT coil in the loop), I measured 36s/gallon without the false bottom and 62s/gallon with the false bottom.

Again, not the end of the world, but it does seem silly to have installed 1/2” inch coil in the HLT and 1/2” valves to end up with less then a quarter inch restriction on the suction side of the pump.

I’ve ordered a Spike brewing center tube that is 5/8”, and new bulkhead fittings. Figured I would share if anyone else is curious.

Cheers
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2021 3:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi and welcome to the forum!

I can't help with the false bottom flow issues (though sounds like you found a solution), but I figured I'd point out that having a HLT to MLT temperature lag is a very common issue. While it won't affect anything (just set the HLT higher to compensate), some people want to get rid of the difference.

Using parts that are different from the ones I recommend in our build instructions can cause this. To minimize the difference, make sure to:

- Calibrate both the MLT and HLT temp probes per the instructions here: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel-setup
Unless both are calibrated with a known accurate thermometer at the mash temp, you don’t know if what you are seeing is accurate.
- Make sure to set up the PIDs per the instructions here: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel-setup
- Use the thicker walled hoses I recommend here: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/hoses
Thicker hoses will lose less heat. Try to minimize distances as well.
- Set your mill gap crush per the recommendations here (0.045 to 0.050"): http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/grain-mill
You want to mill looser for good flow, not tighter.
- Use the pumps I recommend here to ensure adequate flow: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/pumps
- Run both pumps at 100% open when mashing. To get good flow without any channeling use the kettles I recommend here: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/kettles-overview

For example, users have reported on our forum and by email how they were seeing a temperature differential between the MLT and HLT and were able to make it go away by swapped out their hoses and pumps for what's recommended in the build instructions. A quote from one of them:

"I had originally tested the HERMS with the thinner 1/2 ID silicone and had my pumps setup with the inline heads (long story). I was landing about 1-2 degrees cooler in the mash kettle. I swapped out the pump heads for the front inlet and swapped out the silicone with what you recommend and I now hit the same temp!" - Todd W.

Other things that are sometimes done differently that can cause a differential:

- Make sure the heating elements are wired correctly and being fed 240V and not 120V. Running heating elements at 120V will result in 1/4 the power you expect. You can check this by looking at the amp meter. A 4500W element will draw 18.8 amps while a 5500W element will draw 22.9 amps.
- Brewing in a very cold location may cause the MLT temp to drop slightly by the time it reaches the MLT temp probe.

This question gets asked a lot on the forum too. These threads may provide further hints:

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25474
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26408
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28283
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=25474
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30387
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26722
http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=30603

Good luck!

Kal

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Uke73




Joined: 18 Feb 2021
Posts: 2
Location: TrueNorth


PostLink    Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2021 6:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Spike Brewing 10gal center dip tube fit perfectly in my 15 Gal SS Brewtech false bottom.

This doubled my flow rate, much less temp gradient now.

Cheers



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