My HLT / Heat Exchanger HERMS Build

So I'm in the middle of upgrading from mostly extract brewing to this point, one BIAB, to an AG HERMS setup. I really enjoy building as much as brewing, plus building works because my system desires exceed my piggy bank.

Anyways, I'm halfway done on the mash tun build and I just finished the HLT / heat exchanger today, well except for needing to add the quick release male fittings. Here's so process shots:

Coiling 50' by 3/8"


All done with heat exchanger


Soldered 1/2" NPT bulkhead


View of both blukheads


All mocked up


Last, leak tested and view of adding w/ Brewmometer


Thanks for looking!!!

***Addition, I pressed in the bulkheads using the below tutorial; worked GREAT!!!***

https://www.youtube.com/user/nostalgia75

Nice

Well done!

Thanks guys! Forgot to mention in my original post (I've added), but I pressed in the bulkheads, which made a nice tight fit and shelve for the solder to seat in.

Where did you get the copper "clips" that keep the coil together?

Have you pumped liquid through it yet? My Chugger just couldn't do it. Kept un-coupling.

FriendOrDafoe said:

Where did you get the copper "clips" that keep the coil together?

Click to expand...

I unwound a 5 foot strain.

http://www.menards.com/main/electri...e-5-stranded-copper-wire/p-1863065-c-6441.htm

acidrain said:

Have you pumped liquid through it yet? My Chugger just couldn't do it. Kept un-coupling.

Click to expand...

It does flow, but slower than I'd have thought or liked. I have the Northern Steelhead which is rated at the same 1/20 HP of the Chugger. In time I'll be adding a second pump and wonder if there's any pump that produces higher pressure.

If you've got flow, that's great... better than mine did.
I just ordered a new housing gasket and the two plastic thrust washers from Chugger Pumps... they sent them free of charge, and made a huge difference. Maybe yours just isn't as worn out as mine was.

acidrain said:

If you've got flow, that's great... better than mine did.
I just ordered a new housing gasket and the two plastic thrust washers from Chugger Pumps... they sent them free of charge, and made a huge difference. Maybe yours just isn't as worn out as mine was.

Click to expand...

That could be the case, my Steelhead is brand new. I think once money allows, since I want a second pump anyways, I'll go for the Nano March pump.