how to get sensor probe into hlt? (and weld vs. weldless)

nathan · 06-17-2008, 04:43 PM

What parts would you use to get a digital probe from something like a ranco or a love controller into a keggle?

Also, what advantages or disadvantages are there with weldless versus welded fittings?

**Lil' Sparky** · 06-17-2008, 09:16 PM

Are you trying to automate something, or you just want to have a digital probe inside?

I use the thermowell + sightglass fitting from northernbrewer. I modified how the probe is sealed because I didn't like the o-ring method. I posted a thread about that here.

Weldless are easier (unless you know how to weld stainless) and cheaper, and work just fine. Mine don't leak a drop.

nathan · 06-18-2008, 04:13 PM

I'd like to automate running an electric water heater element using a love controller or ranco controller, so the element would need to take the temp of the water in the HLT.

Is it just called a "compression fitting"? Anyone use that on a keggle with a love controller and have any source or part numbers?

**GilaMinumBeer** · 06-18-2008, 04:28 PM

Look for an appropriate weldless thermowell. More Beer, Williams, Northern, Austin, heck maybe even BargainBrewFittings.

**Bobby_M** · 06-18-2008, 04:31 PM

I suspect you can make a thermowell weldless just like you can make a dial thermometer weldless. Add an oring and locknut on the inside of the vessel.

From northernbrewer.com

I absolutely HATE www.stpats.com but they do have a 1/2" male NPT 6" thermowell for only $12. If the order goes through, you're saving over $30 off morebeer's price for the same.

nathan · 06-18-2008, 07:09 PM

http://www.stpats.com/testeq.htm

So which of the wells (near the bottom) would I use for a probe from a Love controller, and can I install it weldless? What other parts would I need?

(I'm sorry I'm a novice with plumbing parts)

nathan · 06-18-2008, 07:12 PM

And can a threaded bolt be inserted with some teflon tape wrapped on it when you do not want the controller probe in it?

**Lil' Sparky** · 06-18-2008, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nathan

And can a threaded bolt be inserted with some teflon tape wrapped on it when you do not want the controller probe in it?

Yes, just use a SS bolt.

I'm not familiar enough with the controllers to answer the other Q. Maybe someone with experience with them will chime in.

nathan · 06-18-2008, 08:10 PM

sparky, that triple layer rig in your albums, are those sensors in that in thermowells? Any closeup shots?

**Lil' Sparky** · 06-18-2008, 09:41 PM

They're just remote probe digital thermometers, not thermowells. The only close-ups I've got are the ones in the link I posted earlier.