Help: Dip Tube

[Medic218]

I just installed a weldless bulkhead assemble on my new kettle and I wan't to get set up with a side pick up dip tube.
I just don't know how since the inside of the bulkhead, inside the kettle, is not threaded.
I'm sure there is a simple solution, I just don't know where to start.
Thanks in advance.

 

[30Bones]

I can take it apart tonight to get you an exploded view and inventory of parts.

 

[evanmars]

Are there threads on the outside of the bulkhead, inside the kettle?

 

[Medic218]

Yes.
I figure I may just need to replace the nut on the inside of the kettle with a dip tube/nut to make it work.

Here's what I have.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00420WMUU/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[evanmars]

Yeah, that looks like what you're going to have to do with that fitting.

 

[30Bones]

Yup! My 90 is my nut

 

[Medic218]

Yup! My 90 is my nut

Yeah, I was figuring I'd probably go that route.
Now, how much can I expect to pick up without a pump?
Will the gravity continue to draw fluid even once it drops past the level of the spigot?

 

[30Bones]

You using a kettle or a keg? A kettle should get most of it out, but you will get a lot of hop gunk in the fermentor (debatable if it really matters, doesn't bother me). Or just adjust your recipe to get however many gallons you want into the fermentor. I leave .5-.75 gallons behind in my keggle, but most of that is hops

 

[Medic218]

I have a 15gal kettle.
I'll be whirlpooling so hopefully that'll help with some of the excessive trub.

I just picked up these two guys, so hopefully I'm on the right track.

I'm going to hack off a small section of copper from a pre chiller I built over the weekend.
That'll be win-win since I'll be evening up the ends on the chiller and I'll get the length I need for my dip tube.

 

[Medic218]

Well, it LOOK'S like I envisioned but it's not draining anywhere near what I was expecting.
Unless someone has a a trick up their sleeve I guess a pump is in my future despite how much I tried to avoid it.

 

[Medic218]

Deleted, double post.

 

[mattd2]

Well, it LOOK'S like I envisioned but it's not draining anywhere near what I was expecting.
Unless someone has a a trick up their sleeve I guess a pump is in my future despite how much I tried to avoid it.

What exactly is the thread piece you have there (not the elbow). It looks like a NPT x MFL/flare fitting. It also looks to be very restricted at that point. What you need is a compression fitting. And what size cooper tube do you have?

 

[Medic218]

What exactly is the thread piece you have there (not the elbow). It looks like a NPT x MFL/flare fitting. It also looks to be very restricted at that point. What you need is a compression fitting. And what size cooper tube do you have?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-3-...s-Compression-x-MPT-Adapter-LF-A124/202254854

The copper is 3/8" because it's what I had on hand without having to buy more/different size.

 

[mattd2]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Watts-3-...s-Compression-x-MPT-Adapter-LF-A124/202254854

The copper is 3/8" because it's what I had on hand without having to buy more/different size.

Whats the little bit poking out? does that go inside the copper tube? Never seen that before - I have just seen the ones with the olives/ferrules on the outside of the tube. Can you get away with not including that bit?

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

Well, it LOOK'S like I envisioned but it's not draining anywhere near what I was expecting.
Unless someone has a a trick up their sleeve I guess a pump is in my future despite how much I tried to avoid it.

Did you test it with a hose attached? You need a hose attached and lower than your kettle to get the full siphon effect.

Using the dip tube to the center of my keggle i lose maybe 2oz of liquid. You'll lose more because your pot doesnt angle into the center but you should still get a lot.

You just have to have a hose attached or its going to stop as soon as it reaches the top of the ball valve hole.

 

[evanmars]

That compression fitting is definitely reducing your flow by a lot! What is your purpose for reducing it that much? You should probably leave it 1/2" for all of your fittings.

 

[30Bones]

Did you test it with a hose attached? You need a hose attached and lower than your kettle to get the full siphon effect.

Using the dip tube to the center of my keggle i lose maybe 2oz of liquid. You'll lose more because your pot doesnt angle into the center but you should still get a lot.

You just have to have a hose attached or its going to stop as soon as it reaches the top of the ball valve hole.

This!

 

[Medic218]

Whats the little bit poking out? does that go inside the copper tube? Never seen that before - I have just seen the ones with the olives/ferrules on the outside of the tube. Can you get away with not including that bit?

I think it's just a reinforcement piece if I were to use the fitting in a plastic type tube. It won't be needed for this application and will not be in the finished product.

Did you test it with a hose attached? You need a hose attached and lower than your kettle to get the full siphon effect.

Using the dip tube to the center of my keggle i lose maybe 2oz of liquid. You'll lose more because your pot doesnt angle into the center but you should still get a lot.

You just have to have a hose attached or its going to stop as soon as it reaches the top of the ball valve hole.

I didn't last night. I'll be running back by HD after work for a few more odds and ends and will pick some up while I'm there and report back.

That compression fitting is definitely reducing your flow by a lot! What is your purpose for reducing it that much? You should probably leave it 1/2" for all of your fittings.

I went that route because 3/8" is what I had on hand. If HD sold copper by the inch I could have gone with a larger diameter tube but I didn't want to buy a minimum 10' section just to get a few inches.

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

I didn't last night. I'll be running back by HD after work for a few more odds and ends and will pick some up while I'm there and report back.

Than i can ensure you 100% that was your problem, you need the extra suction or it craps out early.

 

[Medic218]

Ok, all's good in the hood.
Got the dip tube hooked up like I want, copper secured and then tested it with a few gallons of water.
With the hose I was able to drain all but about 21oz from my 15gal kettle.
I feel this is fair being that it has such a wide base.
If tipped, I can get all but 6-7oz.
All in all, I'm pretty happy.
Thanks for y'all's help!

 

[Redbeard5289]

Great thread... Was looking for a way to get less keggle loss after cooling.
Thanks!
Redbeard5289