Adding Ball Valves to Kettles - Non Keggle

[BendBrewer]

I plan on adding ball valves to 2 Stockpots. One is aluminum the other SS.

I am having the professor of the local Community College's welding program assist me with the cutting and welding. (Assist? Actually, he will be doing all of that.)

The plan is to cut a hole in the stockpots and weld a threaded coupler from the outside of the pots. I want to be able to disassemble them for cleaning.

Is there a recommended ball valve size to use?

Is there a better plan than the one I described?

Thanks.

 

[wyzazz]

Most use 1/2" ball valves, I definitely wouldn't use anything smaller than that.

Nope, sounds good to me! Just make sure that he does a sanitary TIG weld.

 

[diatonic]

I'd use 1/2" 3 piece ball valves. The thing I like about 3 piece valves with welded connections is that you've only got to worry about 90 degrees of 'play' in tightening them down. Some of my 2-piece valves snug up upside down in my welded kettles. With the 3 piece valves you can take them apart and re-orient the valve in 90 degree increments.

Best price I know of for one is Bobby_M's here ... or Rebel Brewer has Blichmann's for $28.99 with free shipping this month here.