BrewHardware questions

[ZmannR2]

Bobby must be pretty bzy because I can't get an answer via PM so I figure I'll ask y'all./

1, THIS is the 1.5" TC solder on radius flange and hot pot kit, but there's also a 2" version. Which one applies to the standard heating elements we buy on Amazon? Mine is a 240V 5500W ripple element w/1" NPT thread. seen here

2. Does THIS service include the bulkhead or does it need to be purchased separately?

 

[Dubchedford]

The 1.5 inch triclover fitting will accommodate your element just fine. I use 5500w ripple elements with no issue. On your second question i'm pretty sure that does not include the bulkhead.

 

[bcrawfo2]

I was worried about the 1.5" being too small, but it wasn't. Actually glad I didn't go with 2" as I'd need to buy a bigger bit or punch

 

[dmcman73]

Both the 1.5 and 2 inch enclosures will accommodate all of the "standard" heating elements we use for brewing, the threading inside of the fitting where the element screws into is the same across the board.

The 1.5" will accommodate all different styles of heating elements but in my opinion, the 2 inch one is better suited for the ripple elements. I've had both the 1.5" on an older kettle and when I purchased a new kettle, I had a 2 inch welded on. If you have the ripple element and plan on removing the element each time you clean, get the 2 inch one. The 2 inch TC does make it easier to remove and insert without risking scraping the element across the TC as you pull it out and this is from experience.

 

[ZmannR2]

Good idea

 

[itsnotrequired]

second vote for 2" with ripples, that is what i have, elements in/out very easy

 

[gnef]

I just silver soldered the 2" radiused tri clamp from brewhardware. I used a lenox 1 7/8 hole saw to make the holes. With cutting fluid, it went very smoothly, though silver soldering took a bit of practice to complete without leaking.

The 2" tri clamp worked well with my stilldragon element enclosure, though the enclosure had problems getting a ripple element through, so I'm using straight elements.

 

[Bobby_M]

Bobby must be pretty bzy because I can't get an answer via PM so I figure I'll ask y'all./

1, THIS is the 1.5" TC solder on radius flange and hot pot kit, but there's also a 2" version. Which one applies to the standard heating elements we buy on Amazon? Mine is a 240V 5500W ripple element w/1" NPT thread. seen here

2. Does THIS service include the bulkhead or does it need to be purchased separately?

The 1.5 or the 2" solder on ferrule will work with any element. There is a ton of confusion about ripples fitting into the 1.5 due to the use of longer weld ferrules from other vendors. The solder ferrules are about 1/2" deep so they provide no issue for the ripple. I type this same statement out about 5 times a day, but I have not tired of it yet ;-)

The labor cost of soldering a pull through bulkhead is just labor. The fitting is $7.25. If you saw the amount of work it was, you'd be surprised that I do it for $16. Drill, deburr hole, degrease pot and fitting, pull in, level pot, form solder rings, flood with flux, heat, let cool, wash area with bar keeper's friend and a stainless wire brush, dry the whole pot. It's a 30 minute job.

 

[ZmannR2]

Thanks Bobby. It's definitely worth it I just wanted to make sure. I'll be placing my order Friday.

 

[TexasWine]

If you saw the amount of work it was, you'd be surprised that I do it for $16. Drill, deburr hole, degrease pot and fitting, pull in, level pot, form solder rings, flood with flux, heat, let cool, wash area with bar keeper's friend and a stainless wire brush, dry the whole pot. It's a 30 minute job.

@Bobby_M , if I would have known you offered this service before my last order I would have gone this route instead of the weldless fittings! Doh!

Oh well, maybe this will be a (weak) excuse to upgrade my kettle sooner than I should.

 

[newtobrew1981]

Hi Bobby have you had aNY silver solder joints fail.

 

[Bobby_M]

One pot that I put a 1.5" TC solder ferrule on a year and a half ago developed a pinhole leak recently. Luckily it was a local customer and I just had to make a quick cold joint repair. Fail like completely detach? No. I'd imagine that would only happen if you didn't get both surfaces up to the solder's 430F melting point and the solder was only superficially bonded.

 

[newtobrew1981]

The reason I ask is I would like to install a ripple element in my boil and htl. But I want to be able to remove it for cleaning. What hot pod kit do you recommend. Thanks for your time as well

 

[newtobrew1981]

I'm using 58l sanke kegs

 

[cod3ck]

I've read the pros and cons of welded versus weldless-- think Bobby even has a page for it on his site.

What about welded verses soldered though? Unless you weld on a daily basis, soldering seems like a no brainer? Maybe even over weldless if it's a triclamp fitting install..?

 

[newtobrew1981]

Yes that's what I'm looking to do I think I'm going with the 2" tri soldered flange for my ekements