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Author Topic: 40qt kettle as mash tun  (Read 2087 times)

chargerssb

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40qt kettle as mash tun
« on: May 25, 2011, 01:38:23 pm »
Hello,

I have a 40qt stainless steel kettle that I was thinking of using as a direct fire mash tun.  How well would this work?  What is the most amount of grain/highest gravity I would be able to fit in this?


Offline denny

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #1 on: May 25, 2011, 02:59:02 pm »
If you;\'re using it for a mash tun, I assume you'll put a false bottom in it.  That will eat up some space.
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Offline BrewinSB

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #2 on: May 25, 2011, 03:06:50 pm »
Yes I would be or a bazooka tube...? Maybe I'm better off just doing single infusion in a cooler for now

Offline denny

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #3 on: May 25, 2011, 03:10:18 pm »
Yes I would be or a bazooka tube...? Maybe I'm better off just doing single infusion in a cooler for now

Well, that's what I'd say.  I guess I "assumed" that the purpose of using a kettle is to be able apply heat to it.  You'd stand less chance of scorching your mash if there was liquid beneath a false bottom keeping the heat away from the grain.
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

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The best, sharpest, funniest, weirdest and most knowledgable minds in home brewing contribute on the AHA forum. - Alewyfe

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Offline bluesman

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #4 on: May 25, 2011, 03:18:30 pm »
A 40qt pot with a false bottom should be able to safely accomodate 15 lbs of grain at water to grain ration of 1.5:1. You may be able to get 20lbs but you'll have to lower your ratio to 1:1. Assuming 75% Brewhouse efficiency, 15lbs of grain will yield roughly 5 gallons of 1.075 beer give or take depending on your efficiency.
Ron Price

Offline BrewinSB

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #5 on: May 25, 2011, 06:28:19 pm »
My intentions were to allow me to apply heat if I missed my temp. However I havent even done an all grain batch yet. My next batch will be my first all grain and I am trying to figure out my equipment setup.
« Last Edit: May 25, 2011, 06:31:17 pm by chargerssb »

Offline BrewinSB

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #6 on: May 27, 2011, 09:39:04 pm »
Okay, so after doing some research on what it would end up costing me to make the kettle work as a good mash tun, I decided to just go the cooler route.  I got a 52 qt Coleman Xtreme for $32.  Now I just need to get a ball valve that will fit in where the spigot is and a bazooka tube or something.  Does anyone know what ball valve/barb setup works with this cooler?

Offline Mark G

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #7 on: May 28, 2011, 07:07:01 am »
Here's a couple resources you can use as inspiration: http://brewing.lustreking.com/gear/mashtun.html and http://hbd.org/cascade/dennybrew/
Mark Gres

Offline BrewinSB

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Re: 40qt kettle as mash tun
« Reply #8 on: May 28, 2011, 09:59:33 am »
Thanks Mark. I found that first link soon after I posted. i'll take a look at that other one too. Going to try and make a trip to home depot today