Insulating a Stainless Steel Mash Tun

[Quin]

Look for something called Armaflex. Can be had in various sizes. It's supposed to be waterproof. I've never used it myself, but have seen it on several brew systems.

+1 on Armaflex. Here is a site where it was used. http://texanbrew.com/index.php?topic=mt

[RLinNH]

Look for something called Armaflex. Can be had in various sizes. It's supposed to be waterproof. I've never used it myself, but have seen it on several brew systems.

I have been looking for the Armaflex insulation, but I CAN NOT find it anywhere locally. I even tried the internet, but no dice.

[Brandt]

Someone in the BN army has to have a good idea for this.... I am about to go to a sanke mash tun. I will have probes that will prevent me from removing the insulation. Stink is bad.... I want no part of that. Whatever it is, it should be somewhat rigid, and waterproof... What if you made a form, 2-4 inches bigger than your MT (in diameter), and then sprayed a bunch of expanding foam in there? Then maybe you could spray it with an epoxy paint?

Or maybe you can put a bunch of wooden staves on it, and wrap it with some metal bands?


Mylo

I second this request. I have the same requirements. I don't want to have to take mine off to clean it, yet it should be able to withstand direct fire if the need arises. By the way, wood is a terrible insulator. Look at a thermal image of a stick frame construction budilding and there are cold spots where all the wall studs are.

What if the outer shell were sheet metal of sufficient gauge as to act as a heat sink, thereby not getting hot enough to melt the foam insulation? You could then solder the joints to make it water tight...

[ggltd]

I have had the same problem trying to locate Armaflex. I contacted the manufacture and was told to look in Home Depot. My closest store is a no go. I was also given the name of a local contractor. I sent an email but I must be small fish as I did not get an answer. If there is any on line supplier please post. This stuff looks like the real deal. I have tried other solutions and have not been very impressed yet.

[huskerbrew]

http://www.under-the-ice.com/product_in ... ucts_id=74

This was just the first place I looked, I'm sure there's others. If that doesn't work, I may be able to locate some from a plumber friend and ship it, but I don't know for sure. 48"X36" should be just right I think.

[Mylo]

http://www.under-the-ice.com/product_info.php?products_id=74

This was just the first place I looked, I'm sure there's others. If that doesn't work, I may be able to locate some from a plumber friend and ship it, but I don't know for sure. 48"X36" should be just right I think.

Nope... just measured my keg. 49" in circumference would be the minimum in circumference. We only need 18" or so (not including the chines). If we can't find any other source, then maybe we can stretch it with some weights and some heat. I'd be willing to split a piece with someone. $47 is a bit pricey for one...


Mylo

[Brandt]

I found a commercial insulation company here that uses it. I'll call and see if they can supply me. If not, I'll split a piece with you Mylo. I'm making an electric keggle, but I wanted to direct fire it with flame if need be. Even the high temp stuff is only rated to 300f. Maybe I'll figure out a heat shield, or just have the stuff be removable if I need to fire the kettle.

[Otterbrew]

I used insulation for air ducting, which can be purchased in rolls at Home Depot. The material is foil backed, and has adhesive on the other side. It is just shy of .25" thick. It comes in a roll, and is as easy as applying thick tape around the keg. As for the flame issue, there are some minor areas where it has scourced, but it hasn't been an issue. And since it is a "closed cell" foam, water doesn't get absorbed into it. I do use a RIMS type of system, but thought anything I could do to help keep in the heat would be helpful.
Take care,
-Greg