CPVC mash tun - closed sparge system...Advice please!

[sutepan]

I've built a mash tun from an 8 gallon rectangular cooler, using a cpvc manifold. I haven't cut drainage slots yet: can anyone recommend an appropriate width? I was planning on using a thin cutting disc on a dremel....is there a width that's too narrow or too wide? Also, how far through the pipe should the slots be cut?

Also, I have made a cpvc sparge system that is attached to the underside of the lid of the cooler so the lid can be closed to maintain temperatures. It's similar to the drainage manifold, but I plan on drilling small holes to create a spray. I was thinking 1/16" or 1/32" should create a spray that would prevent channeling in the grain bed, does anyone have any experience with this?

I was hoping to add pictures, but didn't realize you can't post pictures from your hard drive. Is there a work around to get pictures up that are on my hard drive?

Thanks!

[GuingesRock]

Try when you are posting: Full editor>upload attachment>browse>add file.

[sutepan]

hmmm...cant find 'full editor' anywhere....

[GuingesRock]

Hope this helps. You may have a glitch on your computer. Sorry, I don't know much about mash tun construction.

[sutepan]

Thanks GuingesRock! Couldn't see that for the life of me!

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[Climbingshanman]

I'm building a mash tun as well and have run into a snag. The hole is larger than my 1/2 inch brass nipple pass through connector. I have washers and gaskets but they don't seal well enough because the washer holes leave gaps as well. I thought about calling the gaskets in place but was told that the calling (dap lquick seal) isn't food safe. Any suggestions?

Btw looks like a great resource for all my future problems. New to beer making from scratch

Shannon

[mr x]

There are food safe rtv's you can get locally. I'll try to remember the brand.

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[Climbingshanman]

What's an rtv?

[adams81]

Rtv = room temperature vulcanized

[Climbingshanman]

Any ideas of something I can use to narrow the hole?

[mr x]

Pretty hard to fill in hole after it's been drilled.

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[mr x]

http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/rtv ... ts/rtv109/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I believe this is available locally, Harris and roome maybe...one of the electrical suppliers.

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[mccain]

For $25 or $30 there's a two-part mouldable silicone rubber that's food-safe. Marketed for making cake decoration moulds, and it should be temp-safe, too (I repaired my digital meat thermometer with it, recently).

[mccain]

Sold at DeSerre's, I should mention. Probably Michael's, too.