Fittings/hardware question for 48qt Coleman MLT

[WildernessBrewing]

Hey guys, I originally posted this over in DIY/Build, but I started thinking maybe this is the more appropriate place for it. If not, I'll be happy to delete this thread.

I'm in the transition to AG, and I'm attempting to build a MLT using this 48qt Coleman cooler. I already have a 1/2" NPT bazooka screen I'm planning on using inside the cooler to separate the wort from the grain, but I'm looking for the easiest way to complete the build. I was considering using this bulkhead, through the wall of the cooler at the factory drain spout hole, and connect a 1/2" ball valve to the outside and the bazooka screen to the female end of the bulkhead on the inside. Does anyone know if this would be feasible?

Alternatively, does anyone personally recommend a specific way of building a MLT from this particular cooler? I was originally going to opt for a cheap and easy build, like this HBA method, but to me that just seems like a temporary option.

Thanks in advance, everyone

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

What your describing sounds pretty standard. Male threads on outside for ball valve, female threads on inside to screw your bazooka screen into.

Just understand if your cooler can actually take 1/2" fittings or not. Some coolers have smaller holes that only take 3/8" fittings i think.

Oh and another thing, you can find the bulkheads for way cheaper from places like bargainfittings or brewhardware, $30 is a bit of a ripoff.

http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=252
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/truebulkheadfem.htm

 

[Peruvian802]

Hey guys, I originally posted this over in DIY/Build, but I started thinking maybe this is the more appropriate place for it. If not, I'll be happy to delete this thread.





Alternatively, does anyone personally recommend a specific way of building a MLT from this particular cooler? I was originally going to opt for a cheap and easy build, like this HBA method, but to me that just seems like a temporary option.



Thanks in advance, everyone

I've been using a 48 qt cooler ala Denny Conn/Don Osborne /AHA for a few years now. Denny has hundreds of brews on his version. I don't see it as temporary at all!

 

[WildernessBrewing]

What your describing sounds pretty standard. Male threads on outside for ball valve, female threads on inside to screw your bazooka screen into.

Just understand if your cooler can actually take 1/2" fittings or not. Some coolers have smaller holes that only take 3/8" fittings i think.

Thanks, this is what I figured. I'm pretty sure that Coleman cooler will have no issue with 1/2" fittings.

Oh and another thing, you can find the bulkheads for way cheaper from places like bargainfittings or brewhardware, $30 is a bit of a ripoff.

http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=47&product_id=252
https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/truebulkheadfem.htm

Yeah I was actually planning on purchasing from bargainfittings if my LHBS didn't have the necessary hardware. I just ran across the listing on love2brew and used it as an example.

 

[WildernessBrewing]

I've been using a 48 qt cooler ala Denny Conn/Don Osborne /AHA for a few years now. Denny has hundreds of brews on his version. I don't see it as temporary at all!

That's good to hear, maybe I'll consider doing that build after all. Did you end up having to glue your keg bung for a good seal?

 

[Peruvian802]

That's good to hear, maybe I'll consider doing that build after all. Did you end up having to glue your keg bung for a good seal?

I didn't use a bung at all. I found a high temp hose that fit snuggly through the drain hole and has never dripped.

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1455920269.542544.jpg

 

[WildernessBrewing]

I didn't use a bung at all. I found a high temp hose that fit snuggly through the drain hole and has never dripped.

You wouldn't happen to know what the OD of the hose was?

 

[wilserbrewer]

You wouldn't happen to know what the OD of the hose was?

You want the OD of the hose at least 1/16 larger than the cooler bulkhead. Bring your cooler to the store if needed and choose the tubing that is oversized, buy a foot of tubing if needed and see if you can force it through. The key to fitting the oversized hose through is to slice the tubing at an angle for 3-4" to a point, so you can get it started through the opening and pull it through with a pair of pliers.

MT bulkheads and braids can be as simple or complicated as you wish to build, I think the method I used in this thread is about as simple as it can getm yet still work very well....don't let the fact that there is no valve worry you, it is extremely easy to regulate the flow on / off with gravity....

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=125108