False bottom

[m_rawdin]

I currently have a false bottom in my mash tun that sits just above the tap, it's flat and fits flush against the side. It does however have about 8 litres of dead space (it's a 70 litre mash tun). I was considering changing it for a domed false bottom that sits on the bottom of the mash tun and wondered what people's thoughts were?

[Fil]

I take it you have a side exit drain?

If you batch sparge, for the last batch mix in and then wedge something under the back end to tip the tun forward before you let it rest, that could minimise the deadspace, i do the same to overcome the lip of my front positioned bottom drain

[m_rawdin]

Yeah it's a side exit drain, I'll try wedging it up on something next time and see how that helps. I might also try adjusting the feet on the false bottom and see if I can get it just that little bit lower.

[guypettigrew]

You could try fitting an elbow to the back of the tap. If the end of the elbow reaches the bottom of the mash tun, and if you fit tubing to the outside of tap so there is a syphon effect, you should be able to suck up most of the eight litres.

Guy

[BenB]

Yes, that works well in a mash tun. Not so useful in kettle- it's the setup I've got. Trouble is if you're short on volume and you add water to the boiler after draining it you can't easily geta syphon going again. I end up losing the dead space wort and adding the water direct to the fv. Seems a shame. But for a mash tun it's fine....

[guypettigrew]

Got me confused here--easily done!

I thought your query was just about a mash tun. If you're also using the same set up for a boiler then are you using the false bottom as a hop filter?

Do you drain the wort from the tun, get rid of the spent grain, clean the tun out and then add the wort back in to use it as a boiler? If so, then you might be better off thinking of getting a separate hop filter as sold by Mr Lard to fit to the back of the boiler tap.

Or have I just completely misunderstood what you're trying to achieve?

Guy

[BenB]

Got me confused here--easily done!

I thought your query was just about a mash tun. If you're also using the same set up for a boiler then are you using the false bottom as a hop filter?

Do you drain the wort from the tun, get rid of the spent grain, clean the tun out and then add the wort back in to use it as a boiler? If so, then you might be better off thinking of getting a separate hop filter as sold by Mr Lard to fit to the back of the boiler tap.

Or have I just completely misunderstood what you're trying to achieve?

Guy

Nah- I've just confused things talking about my false bottom issues which is kettle related

[guypettigrew]

Oh yes-silly me! When I saw your post I mistakenly thought you were the OP. I must pay more attention!

Guy