I'm trying to do the impossible - design a “sanitary” tri-clover Herms rig on the cheap. But I'm running into problems and need some help (please go easy on my dumb noob questions):
(1) Is it plausible to create “near-sanitary” connections by silver-soldering 1/2” tubing into male NPT ends of tri-clovers? I was inspired by the magnificent HBT forums on dimple-tool silver-soldering and the thread on soldering tubing into swagelock male NPTs.
(2) How can I connect my HLT SS 1/2” herms coil to the keggle without the typical Swagelok compression elbow to make the 90 bend? Without risking kinking my coil, I can't approach the keggle wall at right angles for a traditional triclover connection. I noticed Swagelok has a socket-weld 90 elbow and wondered if I could silver-soldered tubing in there as a near-sanitary option (he shamelessly reveal his cheap skate side yet again)?
(3) How can I create a sanitary connection with the centrifugal pumps (they all seem to have threads)? Could the SS threads be cut off a Chugger and a triclover welded in its place without the heat distorting the impeller housing?
Even though I'll probably use non-triclover thermometer and sight-glass fittings, at least these dead legs are easy to breakdown and clean individually. But if the wort-flow path can be CIP'd, then equipment breakdown would be minimal and my clean-up a breeze. A noble goal, surely.
(1) Is it plausible to create “near-sanitary” connections by silver-soldering 1/2” tubing into male NPT ends of tri-clovers? I was inspired by the magnificent HBT forums on dimple-tool silver-soldering and the thread on soldering tubing into swagelock male NPTs.
(2) How can I connect my HLT SS 1/2” herms coil to the keggle without the typical Swagelok compression elbow to make the 90 bend? Without risking kinking my coil, I can't approach the keggle wall at right angles for a traditional triclover connection. I noticed Swagelok has a socket-weld 90 elbow and wondered if I could silver-soldered tubing in there as a near-sanitary option (he shamelessly reveal his cheap skate side yet again)?
(3) How can I create a sanitary connection with the centrifugal pumps (they all seem to have threads)? Could the SS threads be cut off a Chugger and a triclover welded in its place without the heat distorting the impeller housing?
Even though I'll probably use non-triclover thermometer and sight-glass fittings, at least these dead legs are easy to breakdown and clean individually. But if the wort-flow path can be CIP'd, then equipment breakdown would be minimal and my clean-up a breeze. A noble goal, surely.