Clogging counterflow chiller - help!

[Scooby_Brew]

How do I prevent clogging in my new counterflow chiller? I built it with a 3/8'' copper tubing. It works great, with exemption that at the very end of the chilling process the trub is getting inside the tubes clogging it. Do I need to start doing a whirlpool? Maybe I need to get a bazooka T-screen?

 

[fartingdog]

Either a bazooka or 'hop taco' KotMF Gallery - Hop Taco would probably work. you could also attach a SS scrubbie on the end of the pickup tube.

 

[Sawdustguy]

You could also try Lil' Sparky's paint strainer hop bag filter. It costs about $15 to make.

 

[brewt00l]

I have a ss braid->dip tube->ball valve in my kettle that screens out all the trub...however, it'll clog right up with pellet hops (which luckily isn't a problem for me since I use leaf). If I were using a lot of pellet, I'd definitely go with the hop taco.

 

[D-Boss]

I have a homemade cfc with 3/8'', I too have had many clogging issues when using pellet hops. What seems to work for me (only done it twice) is kinda the same thing you do with your mash tun and grain bed. Before i hook up my cfc I open my ball valve on my keggle and let the chunks out until it runs kinda clear of hop debris (usually isnt much). Hook up my cfc, catch the extra sanitizer and collect wort. You still get some trub, but my chiller doesnt clog.

 

[Homercidal]

I also have a 3/8" CFC and have not had a batch get stuck, even with IPAs. I normally start a gentle whirlpool and siphon from the top, slowly sliding it down as the level of wort drops. When it gets right down to the bottom, and the hops start to get pulled in, I just pour the rest through a strainer. There is usually only a very small amount and not enough to raise the temp of the wort by very much either.

 

[wrmiller]

So, new to the forum...
One of my concerns is the chill haze proteins that "fall out" with a quick cold break. Do these not fall out in the coils/plates of the chiller and still just get pushed into the fermenter?

Thanks,
Ryan