Justin, Daniela (07/23/06 show)

[Lars]

dont foprget with batch sparging you need to vorloff each time after each batch, thats where it can get time consuming

Really? It usually only takes me about 2 liters for my wort to clear up.

[Kaiser]

dont foprget with batch sparging you need to vorloff each time after each batch, thats where it can get time consuming

Yes, that is one of the major draw-backs. I usually don't recirculate enough to get clear runnings. Only enough to keep the grains out. This usually takes about a one gallon.

Kai

[BrewBum]

Recirc takes me no more than 2 quarts each time and that takes a total of 3 mins. Hardly a large addition of time. Batch sparging from Mash to beginning of boil, with a 60 min mash, takes me 90 mins, maybe.

The whole recirc arguement always gets me, it does not take long for the wort to run clear.

[Speyedr]

I've been doing partial mash, looking at going all grain soon and was considering the B3 igloo cooler (fly sparge), but you make a convincing argument for batch sparge. Curious as to what Igloo cooler you are using and which pickup setup you have, false bottom steel braid or ?

Thanks,
-Larry

Larry,

I saved a lot of money buying my cooler at Walmart for $19, fittings from the hardware store, and a Stainless false bottom and sparge arm. I batch sparge now so I'd forget the arm, but you'll save a lot if you piece it together.


Rob

[Jouglet]

dont foprget with batch sparging you need to vorloff each time after each batch, thats where it can get time consuming

Interesting. I do not vorloff at all except right at the beginning and that's about 2 gallons. Then during the lauter, I gently pour the sparge water on top of my grain bed when it gets low as not to disturb the grains. I do this by putting a piece of plastic on top of the grain bed. I then pour the sparge water on top of that using a pitcher. Helps to spread it out. The wort is clear as after my first vorloff. I highly doubt I will ever go to fly-sparging. This is just too easy.

[nolvar]

I batch sparge, and I don't recirc, I just let it flow. I put a grain bag at the end to catch the grains that come through before the grain bed gets set. All my beers come clear after setting in the keg for about 2 weeks. My run off takes about 15 min, and my efficiency sits at about %70. I'm still getting my water volumes dialed in and I think that I will be able to up my efficiency a few points.

When I runnoff I let the first runnings go as fast as they can to my boil kettle. Refill, stir, let it set for 5 min or so, and then let the last runnings go as fast as they will.

My brew sessions typically last about 4 hours. That is from crushing grain to finishing cleanup. 1 hour mash, 1 hour boil. Maybe a little longer depending on how much I drink! Very Happy

Basically I think it come down to knowing your system, they all make beer.

[brewsters millionths]

a cheap plastic watering can is cheaper than a sparge arm and works fine. and you can use it to catch the first running and recirc it that way.