beertastic
Well-Known Member
I picked up 50' 3/8" copper tubbing today for a good price ($25) on Craigslist.
I'm new to homebrewing, and right now I'm doing 5 gallon (extract) full boils in a 30qt pot.
(This one actually: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267Q3JW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20)
Eventually, I would like to start doing 10 gallon (all grain) batches, but this will likely be awhile. Still, I'd like to design the chiller good enough to handle 10 gallon batches.
I was thinking a couple of ideas:
1) Just a standard IC, then when I go 10 gallon, upgrade to a whirlpool IC. I'm not sure I completely understand how to build the whirlpool, it looks as if you can just add the whirlpool later on at some point.
2) Rib-cage style
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-interwoven-rib-cage-immersion-chiller-106415/
3) 35' standard IC, or Rib-cage. Then 15' in an ice bath (pre-chiller). Seems like the pre-chiller would better be served as an upgrade later on tho...
4) 2 25' standard ICs, an inner and outer ring.
Concerns:
I'm a little worried about the displacement of wort when I drop the 50' into the kettle. Also, I don't know how tall to make the chiller, so that it will later be compatible with a larger 10-gallon able kettle.
I'd rather not solder if possible, tho if I had to solder in an upgrade I would OK with that (I don't have the tools).
Thoughts?
Edit: Forgot the mention I live in NC, so the tap water temps can be warm a good part of the year.
I'm new to homebrewing, and right now I'm doing 5 gallon (extract) full boils in a 30qt pot.
(This one actually: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00267Q3JW/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20)
Eventually, I would like to start doing 10 gallon (all grain) batches, but this will likely be awhile. Still, I'd like to design the chiller good enough to handle 10 gallon batches.
I was thinking a couple of ideas:
1) Just a standard IC, then when I go 10 gallon, upgrade to a whirlpool IC. I'm not sure I completely understand how to build the whirlpool, it looks as if you can just add the whirlpool later on at some point.
2) Rib-cage style
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/diy-interwoven-rib-cage-immersion-chiller-106415/
3) 35' standard IC, or Rib-cage. Then 15' in an ice bath (pre-chiller). Seems like the pre-chiller would better be served as an upgrade later on tho...
4) 2 25' standard ICs, an inner and outer ring.
Concerns:
I'm a little worried about the displacement of wort when I drop the 50' into the kettle. Also, I don't know how tall to make the chiller, so that it will later be compatible with a larger 10-gallon able kettle.
I'd rather not solder if possible, tho if I had to solder in an upgrade I would OK with that (I don't have the tools).
Thoughts?
Edit: Forgot the mention I live in NC, so the tap water temps can be warm a good part of the year.
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