Dip tube clearance

[jsharp4684]

I’m getting ready to punch some holes in my 15 gallon kettle, for 1.5” TC ports, for the pictured dip tube and element. The question is, is there a minimum amount of distance I should have between the bottom of the diptube (I’ll be trimming this one) and the bottom of the kettle?

I this is for eBIAB and I intended to put my hops in a filter bag as well, so there should be minimal material in the bottom of the kettle.

Thanks in advance.

 

[TexasWine]

Your clearance needs are going to be driven by your pump. The closer the dip tube is to the bottom of the kettle, the more pressure drop and less flow you'll be able to pass through it.

With my MKII pumps, I've found that I need about 3/8" clearance from the bottom, or about enough room to stick the end of my pointy finger, in order to flow full throttle. Higher flow rate pumps will need more clearance, lower flow rate will need less.

What I'd do to be sure is a simple geometry calculation. Calculate the cross sectional area of the tubing you're using. Then figure out how far the dip tube needs to be from the bottom by calculating how long of a cylinder, with a diameter equal to the inner diameter of the dip tube, will give you a surface area equal to the tubing cross sectional diameter.

Easy peasy! Hope that helps!

 

[jsharp4684]

Thanks for the input. It’s about what I assumed. I decided on a clearance that is equal to the inside diameter of the 5/8” diptube.

 

[golfindia]

I put My diptubes right smack on the bottom and cut 4 V-notches 90 deg apart.