Insulating My Mash Tun

Question

I have a pretty typical converted keg mash tun. Over the course of a sixty minute mash it loses 8-10º F. My previous mash tun, a converted cooler would only drop a few degrees and I would like to be able to maintain a consistent temperature. Instead of direct-firing, running the pump, wasting propane, overshooting the temperature and potentially scorching the wort, I want to insulate the tun.

Requirements:

• The insulation should be able to take the heat of a burner
• It should be easy to clean
• The temperature of my mash should only drop a few degrees in an hour

How can I better maintain my mash temperature?

Pics

Answer 1

I also use a converted keg for my mash-tun and swear by Reflectix foil coated bubble insulation. This stuff comes in rolls from the big box hardware stores, isn't too expensive and the 24" roll is exactly the right width to be wrapped around the keg multiple times.

I cut slits in it to account for the thermometers and valves and also have a couple of disks of it to go over the lid.

Best of all, I can quite easily remove it to clean the mash tun and it will take a little bit of heat if you direct fire, although it will melt at the bottom if you apply too much heat. Hopefully by insulating, you won't need to apply much if any heat during a 60 minute mash. One roll is usually enough to insulate two kegs so I replace mine about once a year once the holes start to get over-enlarged or I apply too much heat to the bottom.

Answer 2

You can get a whole bunch of armaflex and wrap it around the mash tun.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgy/R-100539553/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I think the stuff looks cool to and plan I using it for my hot liquor tank.