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Author Topic: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter  (Read 1748 times)

Offline finch13

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Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« on: September 08, 2015, 10:32:34 am »
Hi All,

I would like to have better control of my fermentation temperatures

Rather than going out and spending thousands, I am thinking of using my current fermenters, and using a stainless steel immersion chiller, pump, cool water reservoir, and temp switch to regulate fermentation temperature.

I have everything besides the immersion chiller.

Question is, how can I, in a sanitary way, get the immersion chiller tubes out of the top of the fermenter?  I have two types:  a plastic top from a minibrew conical, and a aluminum plate for a converted sanke keg.  the immersion chiller is a 3/8" stainless tube. 

does anyone have a great solution?
How about a solution that allows with or without the chiller?  (seal the holes when not in use)

Thanks!

Offline denny

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Re: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2015, 10:33:22 am »
With all due respect, penny wise, pound foolish.
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

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Offline klickitat jim

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Re: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2015, 10:39:04 am »
They must be big fermentors. I use 30L speidels and 3 fit into my 14cf freezer controlled by a ranco. Total cost $400 brand new.

Offline finch13

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Re: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« Reply #3 on: September 08, 2015, 10:44:37 am »
They must be big fermentors. I use 30L speidels and 3 fit into my 14cf freezer controlled by a ranco. Total cost $400 brand new.

Yeah, they're big, 15+ gallon guys
Like I said, one is a Sanke with a 12" hole in the top (like a keggle)  I have a machined aluminum plate, a closed cell foam seal, and a compression method.  Works pretty good.  I've used these for 10 years.

the other is this one: http://minibrew.com/product/48/

Large fermenters invariably come with this system I'm trying to design (albeit on a budget)


Offline narcout

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Re: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2015, 10:46:44 am »
Stainless Brewing Technologies sells a system similar to what you are describing.

http://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/ftss/products/ftss-temp-control-for-7-gallon-bucket-chronical

Maybe you can borrow some of their ideas.
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Offline Stevie

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Re: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« Reply #5 on: September 08, 2015, 10:47:49 am »
A grommet may work well. You would need to add it before the fittings on the chiller and it would be a semi-permanent install.

Offline finch13

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Re: Immersion Chiller in Fermenter
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2015, 10:50:24 am »
Stainless Brewing Technologies sells a system similar to what you are describing.

http://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/ftss/products/ftss-temp-control-for-7-gallon-bucket-chronical

Maybe you can borrow some of their ideas.

This is exactly where I got the idea.  Now how to (removably) interface with the cover...

A grommet, like mentioned below, is the simplest, and probably the way to go