I attempted my first all grain batch yesterday and it turned out to be a disaster. I ended up with a stuck sparge and nothing I tried fixed the problem. When I started to vorlauf the flow was at a trickle and I was able to collect about a cup or so, then nothing. I tried to blow back up
nothing. I stirred again
nothing. I added about a gallon of 168 degree water
nothing. I added my second infusion of batch sparge water, thinking I would go with a modified no sparge
nothing.
Desperation kicked in. I used a stainless steel strainer to start scooping out grain. I used a pitcher to collect wort and filter it through the strainer and into my brew pot. By then I realized I was seriously oxidizing the wort and was generally screwed. I tossed the whole mess.
Here is the process. I had 10.5 pounds of grain (9 pounds 2 row, ½ pound 10L, ½ pound Carapils, ½ pound Vienne). I added 3.5 gallons of 168 degree water to my mash tun and let it sit for 10 mins with the lid on so it would warm up. I mashed in and let it sit for 1 hour. I maintained 150-152 degrees. After an hour I attempted to vorlauf and the rest is described above.
Here is the set up. This is also where I think the problem is. I have a 10 gallon Rubbermaid cooler that has a 9 inch stainless steel false bottom. There is about a ½ - ¾ inch of dead space under the FB. I have high temp tubing connecting the false bottom to the bulkhead, secured by stainless steel hose clamps.
Any issue so far?
If I fill the cooler up with just water and drain, the flow isnt that great to begin with. The water drains from under the FB, and has to go up through the elbow and across through the tubing and out the ball valve. Should there be a dip tube under the FB? Is the 9 inch FB too small? Anything Im missing?
I appreciate the help.
Desperation kicked in. I used a stainless steel strainer to start scooping out grain. I used a pitcher to collect wort and filter it through the strainer and into my brew pot. By then I realized I was seriously oxidizing the wort and was generally screwed. I tossed the whole mess.
Here is the process. I had 10.5 pounds of grain (9 pounds 2 row, ½ pound 10L, ½ pound Carapils, ½ pound Vienne). I added 3.5 gallons of 168 degree water to my mash tun and let it sit for 10 mins with the lid on so it would warm up. I mashed in and let it sit for 1 hour. I maintained 150-152 degrees. After an hour I attempted to vorlauf and the rest is described above.
Here is the set up. This is also where I think the problem is. I have a 10 gallon Rubbermaid cooler that has a 9 inch stainless steel false bottom. There is about a ½ - ¾ inch of dead space under the FB. I have high temp tubing connecting the false bottom to the bulkhead, secured by stainless steel hose clamps.
Any issue so far?
If I fill the cooler up with just water and drain, the flow isnt that great to begin with. The water drains from under the FB, and has to go up through the elbow and across through the tubing and out the ball valve. Should there be a dip tube under the FB? Is the 9 inch FB too small? Anything Im missing?
I appreciate the help.