DITCHES (Dual Immersion Thermal Coil Heat Exchange System) - Page 9

Boerderij_Kabouter · 06-14-2009, 10:44 PM

Thanks!

The connectors are called Tri-clover or tri-clamp fittings. They are standard in professional food processing and and brewing.

They include a gasket and a clamp that compresses the gasket between the two fittings.

The advantage over regular QD's is that the are bomb proof with no moving parts, and are very easy to clean/sanitize.

I just had my first brew day with them and could not be happier.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 06-14-2009, 10:47 PM

So the first brew day was yesterday and I already know I will love this design even though I am only half way there.

My cooling circuit with the hard mounted coil and the cfc in parallel chilled 13.5 gallons of wort from boil to 58º in 15 minutes with 55º ground water temps. Needless to say I was pretty happy

I can't wait until I can get the rest of the system and be able to use ice for getting to lager temps in 10 minutes!

Boerderij_Kabouter · 06-14-2009, 10:49 PM

I think I have squashed the idea that a hard mounted SS coil in the BK will be hard to clean. A simple rinse down after brewing, and a 30 minute soak in PBW and it is shining more than before I brewed. Easy as pie, everything just rinsed right off.

I am really happy with the system.

**r2eng** · 06-15-2009, 02:18 AM

Great design... especially the guy in the the lederhosen!

JK... I am envious.

**kal** · 06-15-2009, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boerderij_Kabouter

I think I have squashed the idea that a hard mounted SS coil in the BK will be hard to clean. A simple rinse down after brewing, and a 30 minute soak in PBW and it is shining more than before I brewed. Easy as pie, everything just rinsed right off.

... and even if you miss a few bits here and there, who cares? It'll just be boiled again for 60+ minutes next time. Sanitation is not an issue.

Just out of curiousity, what did you brew? How much hops were used and what type (whole, pellet)?

Kal

Boerderij_Kabouter · 06-15-2009, 03:51 PM

I brewed a American IPA, a Helles, and an Oktoberfest. The IPA had 14 oz. of pellet hops in it, the Helles and the Oktoberfest were both in the 5-6 oz. of pellet range.

Watching the cooling be that fast was awesome. The cold break in these beers is a bit silly compared to what I am used to. Definitely a huge step up.

**kal** · 06-15-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boerderij_Kabouter

I brewed a American IPA, a Helles, and an Oktoberfest. The IPA had 14 oz. of pellet hops in it, the Helles and the Oktoberfest were both in the 5-6 oz. of pellet range.

Watching the cooling be that fast was awesome. The cold break in these beers is a bit silly compared to what I am used to. Definitely a huge step up.

Very cool! Thanks! (And you're making me thirsty too...)

Kal

blackheart · 08-10-2009, 03:40 PM

Looks like you have a sweet system going. Any updates on your build progress?

Boerderij_Kabouter · 08-10-2009, 04:00 PM

Thank you for the compliment!

I have not made anymore progress toward the rig. The functionality of the brewery is about 80% there and I am really happy with the design. All I need to add is the HERMS. From there, the rest of the upgrades are bells whistles and for my next stainless fix.

I have been brewing a lot lately and loving it. I had a year and a half stretch there where I was using all my budget funds for equipment and it was starting to wear me down.

I have to buy some more kegs, and some other odds and ends, but then I should be back to building the system up.

Cheers!!!

**BrewBeemer** · 08-10-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boerderij_Kabouter

Thanks!

The connectors are called Tri-clover or tri-clamp fittings. The advantage over regular QD's is that the are bomb proof with no moving parts, and are very easy to clean/sanitize.

The Tri-clover clamps I have seen have a body that pivots at one end on a pin with a threaded stud that also pivots on a pin and with a threaded knob to tighten the clamp down. No moving parts, I see 4 in each clamp?