duration of first runnings question

[bjack2]

Hello
I just completed my first all grain batch! I chose to batch sparge and used a coleman xtreme 70quart rectangular cooler with a hose braid drain. I was surprised at how long it took for both first and second runnings and wanted to see if I was doing something wrong. I was doing a 5 gallon batch with a 7 gallon pre-boil volume. It took about 40 minutes each time for the cooler to completely drain (two runnings - each 3.5 gallons). One of the main reasons I chose to batch sparge is to save time and it seems like I should be able to drain 3.5 gallons faster than 40 minutes. Is there something wrong with my drain? Is this a normal amount of time for my set up? Is my cooler too large for 5 gallon batches? My efficiency was good so I feel like it worked well but just took forever. Any thoughts would be great and thanks,
Ben

 

[avidhomebrewer]

Congrats on your first ag batch. Get another going soon!

What were you using to control the flow? I use ball valves and I can drain 3.5 gallons in a few minutes if the valves are fully open. Yeah, it took a longer time to drain, but you did get a better efficiency as a result of that. If you don't mind the extra time, your efficiencies will be right up there. Your cooler isn't too large, in my opinion. I think you can spray the bed much easier with your setup than you can with a round cooler, plus you can handle huge batches. Mine max is a 10 gallon and I can get about 25# of grain in there, maybe a tad more. But, it is round. Gotta make a rectangular one next.

 

[RichBenn]

I'd been having the same problem; I thought it was due to too small of a braid diameter. I had been keeping the outlet tubing submerged in the collection pot to avoid "hot side aeration". However, when I pulled the tube out of the liquid, the flow increased by a factor of 10 or more! Guess there was a vacuum keeping it from completely draining at a reasonable speed.

 

[bjack2]

Thanks for the reply. I used a ball valve (1/2 inch). I did thread a heavy guage steel coil through the hose drain to keep it from flattening or floating up in the grain bed. Maybe that caused it to drain so slow? I have read that draining fast is good in batch sparging which is why I was concerned.

 

[bjack2]

Interesting point about the vacuum, I will try keeping the tubing just above the liquid next time and see if that helps. By the way, what is a reasonable amount of time to expect to drain 3.5 gallons from a cooler like mine?

 

[Malticulous]

Speed of run off has nothing to do with batch sparging efficiency. You may need to start slower to avoid compacting the grain bed. After a bit let her rip wide open. The second running usually runs faster.