Keggle Help (Bits and Pieces)

I'm getting 15.5 Gal keg with two 1/2 inch Full stainless couplers already welded. It's going to be a boil kettle as I gather items for AG.

The first port will be for a sight tube that I intend to order from
http://www.ihomebrewsolutions.com/IHSSightTubeFAQ1.html

That seems to be stright forward.

The other port will have a hopstopper
http://www.ihomebrewsolutions.com/TheHopStopper.html
which seems to screw right in.

I'm going to indulge a little here and spring for this Blichmann
ball valve




First:
I'm assuming that I need either this...
Full-Thread Pipe Nipple. 1/2" NPT, fully threaded the entire length. 1.125" long.
or this
1.5" Pipe Nipple. 1/2" NPT, this nipple is 1.5" long
to connect the ball valve to the keg coupling, right?

Second
If I want to use the quick connects listed at the top of this link to hook up to a Shirron Plate Ciller...
http://pivo.northernbrewer.com/nbstore/action/search-do?searchTerm=quick+connect

I would also need one of the 2 previously listed pipe nipples to connect to the outlet of the ball valve, correct?

Finally, Hose... 1/2 or 3/8ths?

Thanks!

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=655&stc=1&d=1167973694

olllllo said:

I'm going to indulge a little here and spring for this Blichmann
ball valve

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=655&stc=1&d=1167973694


First:
I'm assuming that I need either this...
Full-Thread Pipe Nipple. 1/2" NPT, fully threaded the entire length. 1.125" long.
or this
1.5" Pipe Nipple. 1/2" NPT, this nipple is 1.5" long
to connect the ball valve to the keg coupling, right?

Click to expand...

How much is that valve? It may look fancy, but I say save your money and get a simple ball valve that works just as well. Maybe even better, as it has less parts to clean that may possibly harbor infection.

Regardless of which valve you choose, you will need a 1/2" nipple to connect it to the coupling you have welded into your keg. The "full thread nipples" are referred to as "close nipples". Either one you mentioned will do the job.

One thing I use when connecting any threaded fittings is to wrap the threads in 3 or 4 layers of teflon tape and make sure not to overtighten. Stainless steel gallls easily and screwing it right into brass is a no-no.

olllllo said:

The first port will be for a sight tube that I intend to order from
http://www.ihomebrewsolutions.com/IHSSightTubeFAQ1.html

Click to expand...

I could have sworn that we had a siteglass maker here in the valley. I'll keep searching my notes.

Wild

ALPS said:

How much is that valve?

Click to expand...

It's spendy, (28) but comes apart completely.
Its definately an indulgance.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/3-pc ball valve disassembled B&W.JPG

Most of my stuff is a mix of ghetto and hi-end, but I do love a finely machined part.


Thanks for the feedback ALPS and wild.

I may buy that sight glass - that's about as cheap as I've seen, and it's such a PITA to estimate how much wort is in the keggle otherwise. Debating whether to hook up a "T" connection and hook it up though the same port as the ball value, or to buy a separate weldless fitting.

What about tubing for the hot wort?
1/2 or 3/8ths?

That reminds me, I gotta start that diy wort wizard project.