Diy counterflow chiller question

[jakwi]

So I want to put together a chiller the professionally put together chillers all seem to be 1/2 inch copper, where as the diys tend to be 3/8. I looked at putting one together out of half inch, but it is going to cost more than a $100.

Has anyone out there used both sizes that can comment on the differences? Is it worth the extra cost for the 1/2"? How long does it take to gravity feed through 20 ft of 3/8"? Thoughts and suggestions appreciated.

 

[Ajaxthumm]

Depends on batch size. Ive got 3/8" copper line in a garden house built as a counterflow chiller. Even in summer it pulls me down to 75 degrees. Cool enough to pitch yeast and havent had a bad batch yet.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[Ajaxthumm]

Doing 5gal batches. 20-30 minute cooling time.


Sent from my iPad using Home Brew

 

[jakwi]

Thanks Ajax, I'm doing 10 gal batches, it took me 45 to 60 to get to 110f with the immersion chiller. Sounds like 3/8s will get me to temp but it will probably take 40-60 min. Maybe the 1/2 inch is worth it. Has anyone used one? How long to drain 10 gal through it?

 

[Indian_villager]

I run a 1/4" copper line and run it with a pump. For 5 g batches it gets the job done well and in a timely fashion.

 

[barnaclebob]

I bought a 50' roll of 1/4" tubing and it gets the job done well. I haven't timed it, maybe 10-15 min for 6 gal of wort. 1/2 inch seems way too big to be efficient in a 5 gallon batch.

Gravity feeding an immersion chiller probably wont be a fast process.