mashing on a 1550.

[zee]

i'm a fairly new 1550 owner, have done a handful of batches on it, and i'm still apparently way within the learning curve for this piece of equipment.

my last two brews went terribly. both of them the mash tun recirc system clogged so i had to go to extraordinary measures to get the mash done. the latest brew it clogged three times in a row before i put the recirc system aside and did a direct fired / stir like mad mash. [arms. like. noodles . . .]

needless to say, i have a few questions about it:

1. what is the maximum amount of grain that one can throw at this system. the latest brew i did was a baltic porter and called for 42 lb of grain - way too much for this system.

2. is there a way to ensure not clogging? my method [which doesn't work at all] is that i heat up my strike water to about 5 degrees above my first rest temp. i add the grain, stirring like mad to get rid of dough balls. i try not to smash the mash paddle into the screen at the bottom so as not to force grain through it. at this point my temperature is usually too low, so i start up the recirc system. i have found that despite the recirc system being automated, i still need to stir the mash often, otherwise i'll get 50% efficiency. [i think due to the temperature differential between the middle and the sides, since it is not insulated. [i also live in mass, so these days when i brew it is well below freezing.] it is usually very shortly after the recirc starts that it clogs, and i end up with a 12 hour brew day.

3. i have heard that some people drill out the polysulphone quick disconnects to get rid of the x. i am a little concerned on doing this as i don't see a way to do that and keep the inside smooth of scratches that could harbor bacteria. [this is more of a concern for the post boil when i am draining the kettle.] the latest beer also clogged that as well as a standard siphon. i ended up having to pick up the kettle and dump the wort into the fermenter via a funnel. my system believe it or not has both a diverter plate and a hop screen in the kettle. i almost always use pellet hops.

any help would be appreciated. i feel like i was pretty much a pro on my old 5 gallon cooler system, and moving to the 1550 has proved to be a little more frustrating than i thought that it would be. hopefully it is just my method, and soon i'll be brewing strong on it too!

[Mylo]

I have the CPC quick disconnects. I used a dremel tool to remove the X's. If you go slow, you can get all of the cross pieces out. Hell, you could even use a small buffing wheel to smooth out the inside, if it concerns you that much.

It sounds like the X's are what is causing your stuck recirculation. I don't have a 1550, so I can't help you on your mash capacity. Good luck.


Mylo

[rlsmith621]

First, I'd get rid of the QCs and go with straight hose w/clamps. You don't want any obstructions in any of the flow paths. You say the recir is automated? You should be able to valve down the flow rate so you don't set the grain bed too hard. Start with a slow rate until temp rises to strike range.
I've BSed with Regan (B3's equipment maker in Calif) at length; over one of their S.S. 1550's. At the time, it was not automated. I didn't see any problems with liquid flow paths, at that time. Personally, I don't like the design but that's just me. IMO, the tippy tun is too gimiky. A simple grain bag simplifies clean up.
There is no way in prevent clogging, absolutely. Too many variables in the process. 42 lbs of grain are not your problem, as long as the bed is not too hard. I know this is not much help, as we can't 'see' what you're doing. Keep at it and good luck.

[Mylo]

First, I'd get rid of the QCs and go with straight hose w/clamps. You don't want any obstructions in any of the flow paths.

Blasphemy! Once you get quick disconnects (in any form - brass, stainless, CPC), you are not getting rid of them. They are too convenient. I think the CPC ones are fine, as long as you get rid of the X's in the middle. They are full port - as much as any barb connection.


Mylo

[SacoDeToro]

+1 with Mylo.

Don't ditch the CPCs - they're awesome. The first thing I did when I took delivery of my B3-2000 was Dremel out the crosshairs. I then used a small buffing wheel to smooth things out. I've never had any issues with the fittings getting clogged.

[zee]

drill it, buff it. got it.

its times like this that brewers code, specifically the handicap of not being able to make a great 'your mom' joke get in my way. reallly the code should say, welcome 'your mom' jokes, but its against the code to take offense . . .

[Gucci Pilot]

Zee, let's see your recipe. First, do you have enough strike water for the recirc? In promash, I use 1.3 lbs to gal ratio. I have never had a recirc problem in 246 batches on my 1550. Second, do NOT get rid of the QD's. IMHO, they're there to save your ass from clogging your March pump and costing you more $$$. Third, what kind of crush do you have on your grain? 50% efficiency isn't from the 1550. Hell, you could do better by just having some fat chick roll around in your grain. Fourth, I lived in Jersey for a few (thank allah) years and I found that if I insulated my mash tun with insulation that you would use on your hot water heater, I would have better efficiency results. If you need a hand, I pass through Westover AFB every so often. Fifth, Mylo likes 8 year old Thai boys.

Yes, I posted this while I was drunk.

[zee]

gucci, are you suggesting that i do not drill out the qds?

would be awesome to brew with you sometime if we can hook that up. as i said, i feel like i was great on my old system, had it under control, consistent, etc, and now i seem to be an amateur again . . .

there are also a few peeps in the area who are part of the bn army. we could make a party of it . . .