Another Wort chiller question

[Ned]

Hi everyone,
Again I'm new to homebrewing & a new member of this site. I do have some brewing experience but not in the lines of homebrewing. I was looking at the 32 plate wort chiller on homebrew west. Has anyone used it, does anyone know if it is any good? Would appreciate any comments. I'm in the process of getting all my kit together (wife not impressed with bills so far) and considering getting this as my next purchase.

[DEMPSEY]

They are a good piece of kit but you need to consider the clarity of the wort that is to pass through it. Because the space between the plates are tiny any yeast or hop debris will clog it and your brew day will be frustrating. A fine filter fitted before the wort is a must and this filter needs to be large enough to take all the sludge without it blocking too .

[Ned]

Thanks Dempsey,
I'll have to have a think about filters and weigh up pros & cons of plate chiller.

[mcgrath]

They look good. I wonder if hbw can offer a solution?

[Damien M]

Plate Chillers should only really be considered as part of a complete system where Chilling Recirculation and Whirlpooling is carried, out to maximize Cold break and capture of the solids in a Whirlpool away from the drain point/BK filter.

[Ned]

Hi Damien,
I plan on using a keggle system with valve above the trub line. Was thinking of using whirlfloc powder rehydrated and should be able to creat a whirlpool effect at end of boil for a few minutes? Any suggestions on how to filter the wort prior to put to stop it blocking? Thanks for advice

[Damien M]

I don't have a plate chiller so am only process speculating!! :.....draining from above the trub is a good idea but wasteful ish of wort.... mind so too is a Plate chiller. Whirlfloc Irish Moss will help the Break but not a solution on its own

If you can effectively create a Whirlpool, in the BK, and keep all the solids and Hot break in it then a periphery drain via a mesh screen will keep most of the trub and Hot break there in the BK. The Cold break will form in the Plate Chiller and using Re-circulation until the Cold Break has happened and captured by your Whirlpool prior to diverting to your FV will/should/might work. There has bee a good bit of discussion on here about it............

I tend to try and consider how a component I buy will fit in to my system and be effective in its end state rather than how it can be used now ( new toy! Have to use it philosophy ). 

A plate chiller is on my wish list but I don't intend to purchase untill I can get good Recirc/Whirlpooling  setup/process in my BK ( which is upset currently by a Coil Chiller in the BK!)

No solutions in the above just thoughts :     

[Ned]

Thanks everyone,
Will have a good think before I buy. I'll let you know what I decide and how it works/results on final beer.