augering tips welcomed

[oldmeckbrew]

We are designing our plant layout and I have a 60 foot screw auger we got with the system we just purchased.

Can anyone tell me if they run the auger directly from the bottom of the mill (arced path upwards) or do you first use a bucket type lift and then auger over to the hopper?

I'm not sure how much of that 60 ft I can use up in the distance from my mill room and hopper.

Thanks for any help, suggestions.

[lhall]

The Flex-flo type augers will work at about a maximum of 45 degrees up. Make sure you only make right-hand turns (unless you specifically have a left-hand screw). And make sure you tension the spring properly, according to the manufacturer (by pulling it a certain distance per foot and then tightening the end to the end bearing). They are pretty simple to maintain if you set them up right.

[GlacierBrewing]

The Flex-flo type augers will work at about a maximum of 45 degrees up. Make sure you only make right-hand turns (unless you specifically have a left-hand screw). And make sure you tension the spring properly, according to the manufacturer (by pulling it a certain distance per foot and then tightening the end to the end bearing). They are pretty simple to maintain if you set them up right.
Very good points!
I am (and have been for several years) using a flex-auger coming directly from the bottom of my two-roller mill, up across the room and dropping into my mash tun. The only issue I've ever really had is the rotating auger screw has worn it's way through the bottom end cap of the run under the mill. I have the screw inside 4-5" PVC pipe. Be very aware of any "bends" you put in your auger pipe as these can become wear points.
Luck to ya'
Prost!
Dave

[nohandslance]

This is a short 35 ft run from mill-grist hopper to mash tun. *note our fire codes were not a strict as some so we did not have to enclose the mill in a separate room. Large vacuum fan vented to the outside kept dust to a minimum.

[lhall]

Another thing - make sure you use the correct PVC pipe, sold by the Flex-flo people or whoever made yours. Especially the long sweep bends. If you have the spring tensioned right they should last a long time. Ours has been running for five years, no problems yet. Well, there was that time the brazed junction between two sets of auger broke during mash in. That was fun.

[oldmeckbrew]

Thanks guys,

That helps alot. One more quick question?

The flex auger I have is from Chore-time. The mill is from Roskamp.

Is there a device/devices available that will fit to the bottom of the mill for grist pickup by the auger?

Recommendations on devices?

Thanks again.

John