Configuring a RIMS tube for use with a 10/20 Gal Infussion Mash Tun

This guide is designed for both 10 and 20-gallon Infussion Mash Tun owners.  All accessory RIMS tubes should be setup to accept 1/2" hose barbs or QC fittings.  Also, take all necessary precautions for the safe operation of the electrical element and RIMS Tube.

1. Begin by installing the optional T-fitting between the mash tuns 1/2" MPT lower bulkhead fitting and the included ball valve.  Then fit the included ball valve and the upper recirculation bulkhead with 1/2" hose barbs or QD fittings. Use food safe Teflon tape wherever available to avoid leaks. 

2.  Use 1/2" diameter silicone hose or high heat thermoplastic hosing to connect the lower T-fitting to the intake header on a pump.  Ideally, your pump should be at a lower elevation than the mash tun, or any other piece of equipment.  

3.  Then install a run of tubing between the pump's supply header and the RIMS tube intake header.  Lastly, place another run of tubing between the RIMS tube return header and the mash tun's upper recirculation fitting.   Make sure to secure all tubing with hose clamps to avoid them coming loose. 

4.  Install the SS Brewtech 3/8" FPT knurled hose barb fitting onto the interior of the mash tun's recirculation bulkhead, then add a run of 3/8" silicone tubing between the hose barb and the SS Brewtech recirculation manifold.  The manifold will be placed on top of the grain bed after you have mashed-in.

5.  To begin recirculating, ALWAYS start with a closed ball valve, then turn on the pump.  Slowly open the ball valve until the recirculation pressure is at an acceptable level, and soft enough to avoid a stuck sparge.  20-gallon users should monitor their manometer.  Finally, turn on your RIMS tube through your electrical controller to the desired level, once wort has fully submerged the element.  Use your RIMS' tube RTD sensor and PID and the mash tun's LCD thermometer to monitor temperature differentials. 

6. Once the mash rest has finished, shut off the pump and divert the wort through the ball valve to the boil kettle to move on to the boil.