rivertranced
Well-Known Member
I'm about to add a 1/2" return to my IC, and am wondering what the optimal position is to create a whirlpool. The photo below will illustrate all of my questions.
Is it better to have the return higher or lower in the cooling wort? In many of the photos I've seen, the return outlet is about 1/2 way up from the bottom of the IC. Would putting it lower move more liquid and create a stronger whirlpool, or will it encounter more resistance?
Also, I've seen some people create a curved return that parallels their chiller. Is there any benefit to that, or would a straight pipe work equally well? I'm assuming that in either case you want the return to be at a 30-45* angle compared to the wall of the kettle.
Finally, would having 2 returns significantly improve the whirlpool over one?
Is it better to have the return higher or lower in the cooling wort? In many of the photos I've seen, the return outlet is about 1/2 way up from the bottom of the IC. Would putting it lower move more liquid and create a stronger whirlpool, or will it encounter more resistance?
Also, I've seen some people create a curved return that parallels their chiller. Is there any benefit to that, or would a straight pipe work equally well? I'm assuming that in either case you want the return to be at a 30-45* angle compared to the wall of the kettle.
Finally, would having 2 returns significantly improve the whirlpool over one?