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aekdbbop · 08-19-2007, 11:43 PM

Hey guys, need your advice for what to do...

Lately it has been taking me forever to get my wort down to pitching temps using an immersion chiller, and I am about to start using a keggle to boil in.

I would like some suggestions to what I can do to speed up this lengthy process..
any DIY counter flow chiller plans would be nice... thanks!

aekdbbop · 08-19-2007, 11:52 PM

+

I have an immersion chiller that I have been using forever.. is there an easy way to convert that to a CFC?

Iordz · 08-20-2007, 12:02 AM

Try stirring the wort gently with a spoon while you are running the IC. You could buy a pond pump and use it to pump ice water through the chiller, which should shave some time. I plan to buy one for my next brew, since I live in AZ, and the water is pretty warm. I'm going use tap water to chill to 100F, and then switch to the pump in ice water, that should get the temp down in sufficient time.

**bradsul** · 08-20-2007, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aekdbbop

+

I have an immersion chiller that I have been using forever.. is there an easy way to convert that to a CFC?

You'd have to straighten the existing chiller out in order to feed it through a hose. If you're lucky you'll be able to but most likely the thin walled copper will break somewhere. A good use for your old IC is as a pre-chiller. That's what I've been using mine for since I made my CFC.

Edit: This is a good thread for a CFC build. I was going to do this but I had all the fittings laying around to make a fully soldered one so I did that instead.

Iordz · 08-20-2007, 12:06 AM

Check this out, its the ultimate: http://www.mrmalty.com/chiller.php

aekdbbop · 08-20-2007, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bradsul

You'd have to straighten the existing chiller out in order to feed it through a hose.

You don't think I would be able to get the hose on there leaving it coiled?

**Bobby_M** · 08-20-2007, 12:38 AM

No way. It's actually difficult enough when it's straight. I second the stirring suggestion. Use tap until you hit 110F, then run the output of your bottling bucket or mlt into the chiller. Fill it with two bags of ice and water. Gravity feed works well, no pump needed. Don't forget to stir the wort the whole time.

mcaustin · 08-20-2007, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aekdbbop

You don't think I would be able to get the hose on there leaving it coiled?

It's actually fairly difficult to push the copper tubing through the hose when it's straight.

I straightened out my old ic using the diptube from a 1/2 bbl sanke. Just push the coiled copper though until the curve of it won't allow any more to be pushed through, then use the dip tube to straighten it bit by bit. Be patient and go very slowly and you should be fine. I turned one 50 foot long ic into two 25 ft cfc's this way.

Good luck!

Austin

**bradsul** · 08-20-2007, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aekdbbop

You don't think I would be able to get the hose on there leaving it coiled?

Even straightened out I had to use quite a bit of soapy water to get mine fed through an RV water hose which is much smoother on the inside. Unless copper is really expensive in your area (25' only cost me $19CDN) I wouldn't even try, you'll just end up with a really frustrating afternoon and most likely a very kinked piece of copper

.

aekdbbop · 08-20-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobby_M

No way. It's actually difficult enough when it's straight. I second the stirring suggestion. Use tap until you hit 110F, then run the output of your bottling bucket or mlt into the chiller. Fill it with two bags of ice and water. Gravity feed works well, no pump needed. Don't forget to stir the wort the whole time.

that actually is a great idea...

when i use the IC, it gets to about 120 quickly.. then stalls out and takes another 15 min to get to pitching temps..

I will surely try this next time..