Chiller cooling question

[Iceman6409]

Hi everyone. I am looking for ways to reduce the amount of water I use on brew day. My biggest amount is during the cool down process through a wort chiller. I have an idea on how to eliminate water being used but I can't figure it all out and am looking for ideas on if it is possible. Here is the thought so far. Instead of using the chiller in it's natural fashion, run cold water while it's in the brew pot, I want to connect the chiller to my drain spout on the brew pot, submerge the chiller in a chest of ice water and slowly drain the hot wort through the chiller immersed in the ice water. I am thinking this SHOULD cool down the wort significantly if done at a slow enough pace. My overall question is it is easy enough to force the wort into the chiller but how would it come out since the end connections would be above the rim of the chest. Any thoughts or ideas are much appreciated. And I know I can use other methods but I would like to explore this one first.

 

[webby45wr]

Sounds like you want to make a counter-flow chiller. Here's more information: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/wiki/index.php/How_to_make_a_Counter_Flow_Chiller

 

[Iceman6409]

Good idea but not what I am thinking. I don't want to use water at all. The idea is to connect the chiller to the drain valve on my kettle, turn it on to a slow draw, let it slowly work it's way through the chiller immersed in the ice water and then come out into a carboy or bucket or whatever. If there was forced pressure in there it would be no problem but since both connection ends are up over the rim of the cooler there is no way I can think of to get the cooled wort out.

 

[bja]

When you say you want to reduce the amount of water you use, why? Is it to reduce your water bill?

 

[HeavyKettleBrewing]

Good idea but not what I am thinking. I don't want to use water at all. The idea is to connect the chiller to the drain valve on my kettle, turn it on to a slow draw, let it slowly work it's way through the chiller immersed in the ice water and then come out into a carboy or bucket or whatever. If there was forced pressure in there it would be no problem but since both connection ends are up over the rim of the cooler there is no way I can think of to get the cooled wort out.

buy another cooler and plumb your wort chiller outlet through the spigot. What you want is a jockey box and use gravity to feed wort through. A pump would also work for you. FWIW, I use a plate chiller and pump reclaiming spent hot water for cleaning purposes. You do intend to clean with water, yes?

 

[Iceman6409]

When you say you want to reduce the amount of water you use, why? Is it to reduce your water bill?

Technically yes but I think if I can figure this out it would also eliminate one step and reduce the overall time by about a half hour if it works.

 

[bja]

Technically yes but I think if I can figure this out it would also eliminate one step and reduce the overall time by about a half hour if it works.

You do realize that the cost of buying and/or making ice is going to far exceed the savings on your water bill. Especially, given the fact that you'll also need to purchase a pump to make it work.

As far as saving time, I seriously doubt that. You're adding several more items that will now need to be cleaned.