Already have a keggle with side bulkhead and dip tube so I'm pretty familiar.
The trouble is, I'm getting set to convert two more kegs, one for HLT and one for MLT (I may even convert a 3rd to replace my current BK).
I THINK that putting the welded coupling bulkheads into the bottom of the kegs is the best way to run off because the one (sometimes) crippling aspect of dip tubes is that siphon must be maintained to drain them to the bottom. When you're running off a BK, even using a good hopstopper, there will be a point where the liquid level goes to the bottom of the dip tube while there is still wort trying to make it through the partially clogged screen. It will eventually catch up, but you've already lost a good siphon by then. I could picture the same issue with a MLT that has grain still giving up wort, but not as fast as the runoff. Again, siphon lost. Even if you run a pump, maybe you'll become airbound. With a bottom mount, you don't need siphon and you get every last bit of liquid out.
The one problem with bottom mount is heat right? How well would solder joints hold up? Perhaps all threaded stainless is the only way to make this happen.
The one place I'm quite sure I'll use bottom mount bulkhead is for the MLT which I plan to heat via HERMS so there will be no burner under the MLT.
I'd love to hear from those who had the same struggle and find out which way you went.
The trouble is, I'm getting set to convert two more kegs, one for HLT and one for MLT (I may even convert a 3rd to replace my current BK).
I THINK that putting the welded coupling bulkheads into the bottom of the kegs is the best way to run off because the one (sometimes) crippling aspect of dip tubes is that siphon must be maintained to drain them to the bottom. When you're running off a BK, even using a good hopstopper, there will be a point where the liquid level goes to the bottom of the dip tube while there is still wort trying to make it through the partially clogged screen. It will eventually catch up, but you've already lost a good siphon by then. I could picture the same issue with a MLT that has grain still giving up wort, but not as fast as the runoff. Again, siphon lost. Even if you run a pump, maybe you'll become airbound. With a bottom mount, you don't need siphon and you get every last bit of liquid out.
The one problem with bottom mount is heat right? How well would solder joints hold up? Perhaps all threaded stainless is the only way to make this happen.
The one place I'm quite sure I'll use bottom mount bulkhead is for the MLT which I plan to heat via HERMS so there will be no burner under the MLT.
I'd love to hear from those who had the same struggle and find out which way you went.