[stankonia]

Just got done fashioning together an insulation jacket for my keggle MLT.

My system is a direct-fire recirculating mash, so that presented problems of how to insulate my keg.  I liked the idea of using reflectix, but couldn't have the flame going while it was on the keg.  I had used reflectix a couple times when doing all-grain BIAB, and it was a pain rolling it off and on when I needed to turn the flame on.

So, I went a bought a new roll today and came up with a plan to have 4 layers of reflectix insulating the MLT, while making it super-easy to remove when (hopefully IF) I need to take it off.

I appreciate any feedback and advice you guys have.  Also, I hope some of you guys find it helpful!

First thing I did was wrap the Reflectix around the keg 4 times and cut it.  Then I put some clamps on it to hold it in place so it could keep its shape when I slide it off the keg.



Now, this could be the final step, but with my fittings (outflow ball-valve, inflow ball-valve at the top, and a thermometer) I can't design it where I can simply slide it on and off.

So, where the beginning end, and ending part overlapped I poked holes, and bolted them together with fairly large washers on each side to help prevent the bolts from ripping through.  I put the flat part of the bolt on the inside, with the nut on the outside, and the bolts I got were just barely long enough.






After that, I went to the opposite side and cut all 4 layers straight down the middle..I could have used the same nuts and bolts set-up on this side to attach the layers together, but I opted for aluminum tape.



With the tape...




So now I have 4 layers all held together as once piece that can open up easily rather than unwrapping 16ft of this stuff. I held it together with some straps that are easily removed when I will need to turn the flame on.

 Here is what it looks like, along with a fitted cap I made for it. 

[stankonia]

I'm going to brew on Sunday, so I'll let you guys know how well it holds the mash temp.


Cheers!

[tschmidlin]

Nice.  Let us know how well it holds temp for you.

[Gribble]

Very nice.  I use reflectix for my MT insulation too and it works well.  I only use one layer though.  Very nice design over all.

[tom]

I used to tape the Reflectix onto my mashtun and tape the bottom to keep it out of the flame.

Now I bought some 3/4" neoprene.  It's nonflammable.

[bluesman]

Nice work!

Keep us posted on it's performance.

[boapiu]

Where do you brew? What is the outside temp? Wondering how it compares with potential MT loss during mashing. Thanks.

[stankonia]

I live in Orlando.

Brewed today.  It held temps great.  Only lost 1* over the hour.  Checked at 30min and it was still spot on where I started.  Didn't have to fire-up the burner.

But it was also 80 degrees out today... :p