National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: Covey on September 05, 2014, 07:31:39 AM

Title: Potential as a false bottom?
Post by: Covey on September 05, 2014, 07:31:39 AM
looks ok, as long as it did'nt rust!



http://www.lidl.ie/en/Offers.htm?action=showDetail&id=12250
Title: Re: Potential as a false bottom?
Post by: cruiscinlan on September 06, 2014, 11:28:18 PM
There's one here for E3.50:
http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/10112530/
Title: Re: Potential as a false bottom?
Post by: Shanna on September 07, 2014, 08:33:05 AM
Quote from: cruiscinlan on September 06, 2014, 11:28:18 PM
There's one here for E3.50:
http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/catalog/products/10112530/
I used a candle tray from IKEA as described here
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,5289.0.html

Shanna
Title: Re: Potential as a false bottom?
Post by: itsclinto on September 08, 2014, 10:23:32 PM
Sorry to hijack this tread, but i have a couple of questions about making a false bottom so i can move to all grain.  I recently bought the insulation from aldi for a fermenter (and my boiler).  I am interested in the IKEA candle tray option to keep it cheap and simple (as per Shannas post).  I just would like if somebody could answer these questions:

I'm sure i have more questions, especially when i hear your answers.  Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Potential as a false bottom?
Post by: Shanna on September 09, 2014, 12:13:16 AM
Quote from: itsclinto on September 08, 2014, 10:23:32 PM
Sorry to hijack this tread, but i have a couple of questions about making a false bottom so i can move to all grain.  I recently bought the insulation from aldi for a fermenter (and my boiler).  I am interested in the IKEA candle tray option to keep it cheap and simple (as per Shannas post).  I just would like if somebody could answer these questions:

  • What size metal tap fits the fermenter hole already there (its a standard plastic tap), or do i need a new fermenter?
  • Do i actually need a new tap?
  • Will qualpex suit to fill the gap between the 90 degree fitting and the tap, or would copper be better?
  • What size are the slits for the tray, so the grain doesn't pass through?

I'm sure i have more questions, especially when i hear your answers.  Thanks in advance
Can you take off the existing tap and measure the outer diameter?
I would imagine yes you need a new tap as I don't think the existing tap will take prolonged boiling temperature.
Qualpex is okay but copper is more reliable from a cleaning/temperature point of view.
I made 2-3mm slits and some grain makes it through. I found that with the narrower width they just clogged and would not allow the wort through. I have a stainless steel screen above it but I still have to recirculate the first 3-5 litres of wort it runs clear.

Shanna
Title: Re: Potential as a false bottom?
Post by: itsclinto on September 09, 2014, 09:12:54 AM
Quote from: Shanna on September 09, 2014, 12:13:16 AM
Can you take off the existing tap and measure the outer diameter?
I would imagine yes you need a new tap as I don't think the existing tap will take prolonged boiling temperature.
Qualpex is okay but copper is more reliable from a cleaning/temperature point of view.
I made 2-3mm slits and some grain makes it through. I found that with the narrower they just clogged and would not allow the grain through. I have a stainless steel screen above it but I still have to recirculate the first 3-5 litres of wort it runs clear.

Shanna

Thanks Shanna,

I'll check the tap tonight to get a measurement.  Its this one http://www.homebrewwest.ie/bottling-tap-and-siphon-killer-plus-backnut-1781-p.asp (http://www.homebrewwest.ie/bottling-tap-and-siphon-killer-plus-backnut-1781-p.asp) i have.  With the prolonged high temperature, i may get another tap aswell for my boiler  :-[
I guess getting perfection with the wort will be hard to get especially if there will be traces of grain.  I could live with recirculating the wort until it runs clear.  I suppose the best way of knowing is by doing a brew myself, when its set up.  Trial and error.

Many thanks