Counter Flow Chiller Question

[MChopz]

I have a question about copper tube size for CFCs. I know the standard is 3/8th in OD tube, but due to high copper prices my local hardware stores don't carry fittings for them anymore. The smallest size fittings I can find fit 3/8 in ID copper tubes. Will this size be too large to cool efficiently or will it work the same?

Thanks

 

[frettfreak]

I built a 50' CFC with 3/8 ID and it works BRILLIANTLY! If water temps are a little high where you are, you could cut the size down of your chiller by a little bit and use part of the 3/8 copper for a small prechiller too. I already had an old IC lying around and use that for a prechiller (submerged in ice) and my brew goes from boil temp to 65 on a gravity drain setup.

Bottom line, is you should be just fine.