53 replies to this topic

[denny]

Whenever I hear of people having trouble with braids, I'm mystified. I think it must come down to what braid you get. I've used the same one for nearly 350 batches now and never even come close to having a problem with it.

[denny]

Yeah Denny, But you batch sparge

As do all brewers of taste and refinement.....

[ChefLamont]

I have always used a copper manifold, but recently made a braid for a few batches. I wanted to try batch sparging, if for no other reason than the experience but also to maybe cut a little time from the brew day. I dont think I got my process down because my efficiencies were very inconsistent from batch to batch. Plus the mashes were sticking a bit too. So I wont say the braid was bad or that I will never use it again, but I havent made peace with it or the process yet.

[denny]

Bottom line, get the wort in the Kettle and make some beer!

ABSOLUTELY!

[Stout_fan]

manifolds rool, braids drool!!!

Here, drool over this:1/2" SS spring solves all your problems, Clean up is a snap. It STAYS on the bottom and doesn't collapse.Three years later, 100+ batches and it STILL looks the same.

[Brownbeard]

I bet you get some channeling with the braid up against the walls if you fly sparge. Whats your eff if you do?

Fly sparging is for suckers.

[Stout_fan]

I bet you get some channeling with the braid up against the walls if you fly sparge. ...

That's why I don't !

[siouxbrewer]

Here, drool over this:1/2" SS spring solves all your problems, Clean up is a snap. It STAYS on the bottom and doesn't collapse.Three years later, 100+ batches and it STILL looks the same.

My copper manifold doesn't collapse, cleans as easy as a braid, and looks shiny and new after every batch! No drooling necessary, shamwow sold separately

[Stout_fan]

My copper manifold doesn't collapse, cleans as easy as a braid, and looks shiny and new after every batch! No drooling necessary, shamwow sold separately

I presume you didn't solder the joints so they just slide apart for cleaning?

[ColdAssHonky]

I've had my braid collapse a few times, but solve that issue by inserting a piece of siphon tubing that I drilled a bunch of holes in. Works perfectly now.

[Deerslyr]

manifolds rool, braids drool!!!

+1 on the cpvc manifold!

[Gumbo Leviathan]

Is there any advantage to manifolds when doing batch sparging?I have been using a braid for years, and never had a problem with it (well, until this past weekend when it popped off the hose while scooping the grains out, but thats no concern).I use the plain old one-braid sticking through the cooler into the middle type thing. The only real issue I find is that it doesnt really stay on the bottom, but other than that???

[Brownbeard]

Is there any advantage to manifolds when doing batch sparging?I have been using a braid for years, and never had a problem with it (well, until this past weekend when it popped off the hose while scooping the grains out, but thats no concern).I use the plain old one-braid sticking through the cooler into the middle type thing. The only real issue I find is that it doesnt really stay on the bottom, but other than that???

I wonder the same thing. I use a setup just like you describe. I usually get near 80% efficiency. I have never had a stuck sparge. What is the problem with braids? I do think I might switch to a loop of braid with a spring in it. I like that idea.

[denny]

I wonder the same thing. I use a setup just like you describe. I usually get near 80% efficiency. I have never had a stuck sparge. What is the problem with braids? I do think I might switch to a loop of braid with a spring in it. I like that idea.

Do you have a problem you're trying to solve? If not, why mess with success?

[Brownbeard]

Do you have a problem you're trying to solve? If not, why mess with success?

Not really a problem. But I do get frustrated with the braid "coming up" when I am stirring. And I stir the hell out of it after every water addition. I think the combination of the spring and the loop keeping the braid around the outsides of the tun, will keep me from disturbing it. I'm not in any hurry to do this. Maybe down the road someday, I will build a new tun and use it then.

[Given2fly]

I've never had an issue with my SS braid collapsing (so maybe it is the type of braid that some people are using). I've used both a manifold and a braid set-up and never really found one superior to the other. When I used a manifold, I found it to be a pain in the ass to take a part and clean, which is why I went to the braid (simple spray of the hose). I usually get 77-80% efficiency with each session. Here is my braid in my igloo tun: