Lost Brew in the Boiler

<editor's note>
From an interchange on the Home Brew Digest ….

The original post with a question, from Greg Collins …
</editor's note>

Date: Thu, 2 Jan 2003 22:37:02 -0500
From: "Greg Collins" 
Subject: Lost Brew in the Boiler

I am trying to figure out some way to capture that last tad bit of brew
after a boil that my 15 gallon keg leaves behind in the bottom.

I have tried a fitting on the back of the 1/2 ball value with 3/8 copper
tubing (compression) angled down a couple of inches lower with the idea that
it would siphon out some of the portion left behind. Much to my amazement,
the fluid level stopped exactly in the same place as it did before. Now,
really it don't take much to amaze me, but I felt like that should have
worked......

How are other folks getting around this?

Who knows? Maybe If I can get over this minor hurtle it may be possible to
install a false bottom and pump, pitch, aerate, re-circulate, separate and
filter like Jeff Renner does with his boiler......Now how's that for
equipment utilization?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Greg Collins,
Eastern, KY


A reply from John Palmer…..
Date: Fri, 3 Jan 2003 09:31:11 -0800
From: "John Palmer" 
Subject: Wort Reclaimation and Mashing/Lautering Inversion with HERMS

Greg asks for ideas on how to reclaim the last wort from his boiler:
Survey Says: A Straw.  (70%)   ;-)

And Greg's reply to John……


Date: Sun, 5 Jan 2003 23:07:16 -0500
From: "Greg Collins"
Subject:  Re: Wort Reclamation Survey/Lost Brew in the Boiler

Many thanks to all who responded to my "Lost Brew" question. Seems that no
matter how simple the problem, folks are always eager to help. For instance,
John Palmer went to the extent of conducting a survey. Even posted the #1
survey result, not to mention all the others who provided detailed
instructions
along with digital pictures. And too, being the concerned folks that they
are,
I was asked privately to report back and share my findings.  So don't blame
me, you asked for it....

 First of all I will start with the #1 survey answer that showed 70 % opted
to use a "straw". This at first did seem to be the most cost effective
approach but not entirely the safest, as I will attempt to explain: During
my first field trial, I noticed that an ordinary straw did not provide
adequate length to fully the reach the bottom. It was near to impossible to
keep both feet firmly planted on the floor and lean over far enough to
reach the wort. Nevertheless, I wanted to give this idea a shot, after all,
survey
says right? So, I had to quickly improvise by moving my favorite brew chair
over to the boiler to provide the badly needed elevation that would get me
closer. That's when the unthinkable happened. As my weight shifted, so did
the chair! Luckily, I caught myself before landing head first straight into
to boiler. (I have read where you can drown in a teaspoon of water, you
know?)

Now, I wouldn't completely toss this idea out the door because a straw will
provide fast access to worts final resting place. But I will advise anyone
who considers this that a few safety hazards do exist, and one should be
careful. It is possible that a some sort of safety harness attached to a
pulley assembly located directly of the boiler could help, or if you trust
your wife enough, maybe she could hold on to the back of your belt while
you attempt to drain.. Still, I'm pretty sure at this point without proper
safety
precautions, there is an imminent possibility of drowning. Lucky for me it
was only a field trial and I escaped without harm. Nevertheless, I dropped
this idea and opted for the second choice. You know, the other 30% of the
survey.

Looking back I should have known something was up because I received no
pictures pertaining to anyone using a straw. Instead, the # 2 survey result
had very detailed pictures directly inline with my current system. It was
recommend that any air leaking thru the fittings would quickly allow the
siphon to lose its prime. Being a little reluctant by now to jump straight
in, I cautiously wrapped each joint with Teflon tape and insured that each
joint was tight. I then filled the boiler with enough water to adequately
cover the pluming and proceeded to drain. Again, much to my amazement. IT
WORKED! Wallaaa! It drained within 2.12 quarts at any flow rate! And since
the other 30% of the survey provided better information, I also decided to
use a "t" at the center with SS braided hose to provide a filter. How did
this work? Marvelously! Although I haven't actually brewed with it yet, it
held up quite well (field test #2) with a couple of quarts of spent
grain/hops (some murky mess that was) that it filtered great!

Now, there you have it. I am still confused a little on the #1 survey
result, but at least the other 30% came thru. At this point it's hard
believe those 70% but I could be convinced with a few digital pictures.

Before I end this adventurous account, I will add one other thing. I'm not a
tightwad! It's just good to the last drop and I want it. For anyone else is
interested, I do have digital pictures of this non-breakthrough in Brewing
Technology.

I really appreciate the help and most of all appreciate the opportunity to
post here.

PS:
I hate to go against the survey but if just one life is saved, it was well
worth the bandwidth.

Please Be Careful!
Greg Collins

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