[benamcg]

I am looking into purchasing either a Shirron Plate Chiller or a Therminator, to be used in a gravity fed system.

In my research I have noticed that all plate chillers ability to chill is affected by the speed of the wort entering the chiller.  In most video demos I have seen, the person usually adjusts the valve on the kettle to slow the speed down.

I would like to know if I it is possible to use a use a gravity feed from a non-valved kettle with a plate chiller. I guess the problem would be how to start the siphon (suck from the outlet side?).  I would prefer to avoid having to buy a new valved kettle- since my current 15 gal Bayou Classic is great for my batch sizes.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Ben

[bluesman]

That's a tough one Ben.

If you don't have a valve on your kettle you will have to siphon the wort but I think your best bet is to install a valve.
It would make it safer and easier to chill the wort.

If you decide to siphon don't use your mouth...fill the transfer tube and chiller with sanitizer solution and siphon from the kettle.

Good Luck!

[maxieboy]

+1 on installing the valve. First things first...   

[Kit B]

Install a weldless fitting & ball valve to your kettle.
It's easy & cost effective.
There are several videos & articles out there, to help you with the process...
But, it's basically...
Buy or make a weldless fitting that incorporates hi-temp o-rings.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/weld-b-gone-basic-kettle-conversion-brass-with-1-2-barb.html
Drill a small starter hole near the bottom of your kettle.
Use a step bit or other good quality drill bit to drill your outlet hole.
Attach your weldless fitting & valve...

I currently have 2 kettles that use them & like them so much, I'll be adding a 3rd to a keggle.

[benamcg]

Install a weldless fitting & ball valve to your kettle.
It's easy & cost effective.

Seems like great advice.  Can you use a Bazooka T on the inside to keep out hop material and cold/hot break material?

[tom]

I use a Bazooka screen along the periphery.
I whirlpool and let it settle for 15 mintues, then transfer.

[benamcg]

I use a Bazooka screen along the periphery.
I whirlpool and let it settle for 15 mintues, then transfer.

Do you use an elbow or something with a straight Bazooka to get it to the periphery?  The Bazooka I have for the mash tun/lauter tun (its a T) is pretty rigid (plus the T wouldnt be a good design for where the material will sit in the kettle).

[alikocho]

I use a Bazooka screen along the periphery.
I whirlpool and let it settle for 15 mintues, then transfer.

Do you use an elbow or something with a straight Bazooka to get it to the periphery?  The Bazooka I have for the mash tun/lauter tun (its a T) is pretty rigid (plus the T wouldnt be a good design for where the material will sit in the kettle).

I'm thinking about drilling my kettle, and was going to use a stainless braid run around the inner circumference of the kettle and attached with a T.