False bottom or BIAB

[davecuds]

I've been playing around with AG's lately and my main aim is to make a nice single malt scotch. Anyway, it's proving to be quite challenging in particular the mashing. I've tried a few different ways and it ends up being a great big mess. Im getting a reasonable final result but i don't like the process one bit, i feel im doing it the hard way.

Anyway, so i'm tossing up between a BIAB or a false bottom. I also need to mention that i aim to do big ferments in the 190L HTPE drums.
I like the idea of the bag as it makes draining a lot easier but i was wondering if the wort has good access to all the grain being that it is condensed in the bag. And also 20kg of wet grain can be a bit cumbersome to handle i.e lifting/squeezing etc.
So then i though false bottom and sparge and further down the track HERMS. Well my 2 attempts at making a false bottom have been disastrous. My siphon always gets clogged and then it becomes a very messy process.

Is anyone else doing big AG mashes? And how are you all doing it? I needs some ideas before i launch into my next upgrade.

Cheers

[poompy]

I use a stainless false bottom in a round esky/drink cooler. No stuck sparges unless i tried to do it to quick or did not let the grain bed settle. Some grains will get stuck easier as well.
Mac made a huge one just recently using copper tubing with slits 1mm grinder disc should do on the underside.

As for efficencny differences between bag and false bottom, I think you lose a little with the bag but that can be made up with a little extra grain :D

Have a look at How To Brew by John Palmer he illustrates the false bottom with the copper tubing.

[1 2many]

I too used the john palmer method of making the copper tube false bottom and it never got clogged ever that was in a 55 ltr rectangle eski. If you are planing on big mashes I would go the false bottom way it will be far easier to manage compared to a BIAB which you will need some sort of hoist to lift the bag and then to flush the bag of grain to get the best yield. :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[P3T3rPan]

False bottom and patience

[davecuds]

If making a false bottom, similar to this

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What would be a good hole size diameter? Too big and the grain will fall through, too small and the hole will get plugged up?

I think i am close to a design that will work (for me). Quite cheap and hopefully able to do approx 120L

[Timmsy]

falsielineup_2.gif

beerbelly brewing has some good falsies. Wayne and Amanda can help ya out or try making your own

http://shop.beerbelly.com.au/