I'm looking to build a whirlpool chiller for a 70L SS pot I'm planning to buy as a boil kettle. I'll be using a heat stick to boil the wort so there won't be an element attached to the pot. I'd like to get a fairly powerful pump that can take some hop debris and create a decent whirlpool. I won't be using the pump to re-circulate mash liquor or anything like that. It really will be just for agitating the wort to aid cooling and then when I remove the chiller I'll continue to use the pump to create a whirlpool. Does anyone have any recommendations?
I'm also thinking of getting a 3 piece ball valve tap. Maybe something like this (http://www.angelhomebrew.co.uk/en/taps-and-fittings/76-3-piece-12-full-bore-ball-valve.html). I'm torn between using a weldless setup or maybe getting a tri clover ferule and welding it to the pot so that I can use tri clover fittings for the tap. Does anyone have any experience with tri clover fittings? Any recommendations for sources? I'm still in the planning phase so suggestions welcome, cheers.
Chugger, I think thats what R uses it for?
Yea, I've been chatting to Rossa a bit and that's what he recommended. Does anyone know a decent source for them? The prices are pretty variable as far as I can see.
Im using a chugger here. Savage yoke! 3 piece weldless ball valve on my kettle with stainless steel QDs (do not buy the female QDs here in Ireland - they dont seal properly!). Ive a 3 piece tap on the bottom & standard one up top on the side with a return feed tube for whirlpool. My return tube hugs the kettle wall. The wort returning hits the wall almost immediately so Im pretty sure I dont get as vigorous a whirlpool as I could so gona swap out the current pipe for a hose tail I think. If that doesnt do it il get a 45 degree bend 12mm pipe.
(http://i.imgur.com/WAFLYB6l.jpg)
My pump is plumbed into my chiller on the wort out side.
(http://i.imgur.com/F02D0cVl.jpg)
Looks like you almost photobombed your pump there Tom!
Camera on my phone is broken so used the camera on my computer. One hand on the mouse & the other holding the pump.
Where did you source your pump Tom?
Shanna
There was a lad on Jims Beer Kit bringing in a few from US. A few of us on here got one. Cant remember what it worked out at cash wise.
Did anyone check the pump currently on sale in LIDL - its a garden pump but it has a stainless steel housing. Anyone wonder if this is suitable for brewing ? Its fairly regularly on there - €59
Yes and if you look at the temp limit it is too low for brewers. :(
Didnt see that pity :( presume its the rubber seals are low temp resistant