barrel question

how does the top of the barrel not melt down? the temps that are reported in the riser have to be pouring onto the barrel top. why doesnt that melt a hole in it? would it be better to have a riser with a masonry plate on top(with same clearance as barrel would be) to protect the barrel? or maybe attached to the barrel top, on the inside?

Well Ronald, the top of the barrel receive very hot gases, but since it's not insulated, and also because metal is a good heat conductor; it radiates the heat received to the outside air very fast. So the metal can't reach it's melting temperature.

Also I remember hearing that by insulating the barrel at the top you can hurt the function of the RMH. Since the barrel cools the gasses allowing them to fall down and work through the system, if it is insulated that does not happen and the exhaust has to force the gasses down and out of the barrel.

Satamax Antone wrote:Well Ronald, the top of the barrel receive very hot gases, but since it's not insulated, and also because metal is a good heat conductor; it radiates the heat received to the outside air very fast. So the metal can't reach it's melting temperature.

i see, thank you. i read where a guys got red hot and wondered how long it could sustain that kind of treatment.

does the barrel top have to be flat? i have a bulged bottom barrel and flat. what one would be better if it even matters? i also have a few old kegs(stainless i think?) could i use one or two of those?