Is My Shiny False Bottom Rubbish?

[stevetk189]

I made this FB to all the specs I could find re hole size, legs etc etc etc



The disk was cut by the supplier and is a perfect circle and tight fit into the Mash tun. So tight I haven't needed to edge it with beer line or similar.

The problem is it constantly allows debris through, for the duration of the first run off and for approx the first half of fly sparging. I'm not talking tiny, hazy particles but also small chunks of grain.

Because of this, I have had to make an underback to whirlpool the runnings in to separate the debris out before pumping the wort back to the MT to recirculate for 30mins or so before pumping the wort across to the copper.

This is ok but it extends the brewday and is just more clutter and stuff to clean.

Any suggestions as to what is going on with this false bottom? Seriously, my hacksaw slotted copper manifold in my old mash tuns pees all over this shiny job. It's just a total sod to clean after using.

[OvenHiker]

What are the actual specs?

[stevetk189]

1mm holes. The leg height is about 20mm to keep the FB from jamming into the curved wall to base join in the steel pot.

[Martin G]

I use something very similar, except it is held up by a ring of steel around the edge. You don't mention recirculating the run off before to you start to transfer to the boiler. I recirc for about 5-10mins, till I'm happy it is clear before sending it to the boiler and sometimes have to massage the pipe a bit in places at the start because some husks go through. Sometimes think I should drain of a jug full by gravity at the start to save stress on the pump. Other than the few at the start have not had a problem.

Edit - jabbing with a stiff brush gets any husks jammed in the holes out

[stevetk189]

I did mention recirculating:

"Because of this, I have had to make an underback to whirlpool the runnings in to separate the debris out before pumping the wort back to the MT to recirculate for 30mins or so before pumping the wort across to the copper."

I gravity flow the runnings into the underback but first fill a 2 litre jug to catch the initial crud. With my tiny, thermobox and copper manifold this gives me really clear wort by the time the 2l jug is 3/4 full.

[Martin G]

oh, sorry

[mrlard]

Easiest solution would be to sit the fb on a ring of silicone hose which would sit under it - if that makes sense

[stevetk189]

Easiest solution would be to sit the fb on a ring of silicone hose which would sit under it - if that makes sense

It makes sense but what does that do?

[floydmeddler]

Hey Steve. Looks great man!

Couldn't you just catch the debris in a sieve as it flows into the boiler?

[stevetk189]

Yup, I tried that too, it fills the sieve man! Totally mad how much grain debris is getting through, besides I need to be doing other stuff while the MT is running off not having to stand over it. Really sucks! For 2 pins I'd go back to a slotted copper manifold but the cleaning is just even more time taken up.

[OvenHiker]

I think I'd try to eliminate the possibility of grain getting through between the fb and the vessel wall. My thermopot certainly ain't perfectly circular. Some hose around the edge to create a seal might be worth a try. Or sit it on a ring of hose as long as it creates a seal.

[vacant]

There seem to be a gap at about 7 o'clock, or is that an optical illusion?

After a mash, scoop out all the grain without tilting or moving the mash tun then lift out the false bottom. Is there a channel of husks or similar clues?

[chastuck]

In spite of what you say is a tight fit, I suspect the grain is getting round the edge. My false bottom has a 25mm skirt welded all around it.The skirt sits squarely on the bottom of the mash tun, which is centre draining, and no bits get through to the ball valve. Much better at sealing than beer line around the edge of the false bottom.

[barneey]

There seem to be a gap at about 7 o'clock, or is that an optical illusion?

After a mash, scoop out all the grain without tilting or moving the mash tun then lift out the false bottom. Is there a channel of husks or similar clues?

Yep can definately see a gap at 7 0 clock, are you sure that a piece of say 3/16 beer line couldnt be used on the circumfence of the FB?

[stevetk189]

I've had a look just now and can see no sign of a similar gap, so I think it must be an optical illusion in the photo or something, aliens maybe? I'm pretty sure i can't get anything around the edge of the FB so i'll try the hose around the edge of the pot under the FB next time and see what improves.

All good stuff so far guys, thanks. Also, no sign of any grain channelling under the fb when carefully removed. It's pretty random and mostly, all over the base around the centre drain.