# Insulation Jacket for MLT. **URL:** \ **Category:** Systems, Gear, & DIY\ **Created:** [November 17, 2011, 4:55am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412 "2011-11-17T04:55:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![stankonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@stankonia](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/stankonia)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 4:55am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/1 "2011-11-17T04:55:24Z")
Just got done fashioning together an insulation jacket for my keggle MLT. My system is a direct-fire recirculating mash, so that presented problems of how to insulate my keg.  I liked the idea of using reflectix, but couldn’t have the flame going while it was on the keg.  I had used reflectix a couple times when doing all-grain BIAB, and it was a pain rolling it off and on when I needed to turn the flame on. So, I went a bought a new roll today and came up with a plan to have 4 layers of reflectix insulating the MLT, while making it super-easy to remove when (hopefully IF) I need to take it off. I appreciate any feedback and advice you guys have.  Also, I hope some of you guys find it helpful! First thing I did was wrap the Reflectix around the keg 4 times and cut it.  Then I put some clamps on it to hold it in place so it could keep its shape when I slide it off the keg. ![wrap.JPG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/2X/c/ce8426b0fecba534cadd0b1c67eadce8e2861d88.jpeg) Now, this could be the final step, but with my fittings (outflow ball-valve, inflow ball-valve at the top, and a thermometer) I can’t design it where I can simply slide it on and off. So, where the beginning end, and ending part overlapped I poked holes, and bolted them together with fairly large washers on each side to help prevent the bolts from ripping through.  I put the flat part of the bolt on the inside, with the nut on the outside, and the bolts I got were just barely long enough. ![bolted3.JPG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/2X/d/d8e9aa8feb81eb843d974528505fd11994b452c2.jpeg) ![bolted.JPG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/2X/e/e1d455cdcf9dc409d9edc5d72eb240d043c365f6.jpeg) After that, I went to the opposite side and cut all 4 layers straight down the middle…I could have used the same nuts and bolts set-up on this side to attach the layers together, but I opted for aluminum tape. ![cut1.JPG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/2X/5/58e175d5cf49d7a58ee77b34c53610be12eac2a6.jpeg) With the tape… ![cut3.JPG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/2X/d/d997bf8c08aaab7fbd33315ce8506f450157045b.jpeg) So now I have 4 layers all held together as once piece that can open up easily rather than unwrapping 16ft of this stuff. I held it together with some straps that are easily removed when I will need to turn the flame on. Here is what it looks like, along with a fitted cap I made for it. ![complete21.JPG](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/1X/f198ef2fc96d4c7fed953079896742101a086559.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![stankonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@stankonia](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/stankonia)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 5:00am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/2 "2011-11-17T05:00:26Z")
I’m going to brew on Sunday, so I’ll let you guys know how well it holds the mash temp. Cheers! ---
**Author:** ![tschmidlin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/tschmidlin/32/3857_2.png) [@tschmidlin](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tschmidlin)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 5:10am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/3 "2011-11-17T05:10:01Z")
Nice.  Let us know how well it holds temp for you. ---
**Author:** ![gribble](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/gribble/32/9070_2.png) [@gribble](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/gribble)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 5:43am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/4 "2011-11-17T05:43:19Z")
Very nice.  I use reflectix for my MT insulation too and it works well.  I only use one layer though.  Very nice design over all. ---
**Author:** ![tag](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/tag/32/10151_2.png) [@tag](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tag)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 5:54pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/5 "2011-11-17T17:54:33Z")
I used to tape the Reflectix onto my mashtun and tape the bottom to keep it out of the flame. Now I bought some 3/4" neoprene.  It’s nonflammable. ---
**Author:** ![bluesman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/97f17d/32.png) [@bluesman](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/bluesman)\ **Post date:** [November 17, 2011, 7:44pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/6 "2011-11-17T19:44:57Z")
Nice work! Keep us posted on it’s performance. ---
**Author:** ![boapiu](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/boapiu/32/2736_2.png) [@boapiu](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/boapiu)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2011, 2:28am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/7 "2011-11-20T02:28:34Z")
Where do you brew? What is the outside temp? Wondering how it compares with potential MT loss during mashing. Thanks. ---
**Author:** ![stankonia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@stankonia](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/stankonia)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2011, 9:28pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/insulation-jacket-for-mlt/8412/8 "2011-11-20T21:28:48Z")
I live in Orlando. Brewed today.  It held temps great.  Only lost 1\* over the hour.  Checked at 30min and it was still spot on where I started.  Didn’t have to fire-up the burner. But it was also 80 degrees out today… 😛