dumb keggle question

[cobolstinks]

I think its time that I step up to a keggle. I want to do 10 gallon AG batches, and I'm tired of getting boil over in my 6.5 gallon pot.

I'm looking at a keggle that has 2 1/2 fittings welded to it. I want to use one as a ball value and probably use the other as a site glass. My question is about the ball valve. I understand how the out side of the keg should look (1/2" ball valve fitting then a nipple or quick disconnect fitting screwed into the valve) but what should the inside plumbing look like for this? I'm using it as a boil kettle, so I don't want a false bottom, but I've seen that some people use one of these as a trub filter:

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/bazooka-t.html

How does that work? it appears that the ball valve would be above this filter, so wouldn't that leave you with 2-3 inches of wort at the bottom of your keggle that wouldn't go out the ball valve?

What would you recommend for a site glass? I don't want anything super expensive, but still want something that functions well.

Thanks!
CHris

 

[Ohio-Ed]

You need a siphon tube inside the kettle to siphon the liquid out once it gets below the valve. You said you have half couplings... you will likely need threads inside the keggle to install a siphon tube.

Take a look at site glasses from Bobby_M, he has some great products at great prices.

BargainFittings.com also carries site glasses and are great to deal with.

Ed

 

[buffalobrewer]

you can use a bent piece of tubing to get the pickup lower. http://www.midwestsupplies.com/sanke-adapter.html

When draining just have the top of your fermenter lower than the bottom of your keg and gravity will provide enough suction (if all your fittings are airtight) to drain the kettle to the bottom.

 

[cobolstinks]

Ohh ok that makes sense about gravity pulling the wort down.... guess I'll have to put some cinder blocks underneath my burner...

Thanks for the info. Can't wait to get my keggle!

 

[Ohio-Ed]

Ohh ok that makes sense about gravity pulling the wort down.... guess I'll have to put some cinder blocks underneath my burner...

Thanks for the info. Can't wait to get my keggle!

You also have to have a tube/hose on the output of the valve to get the "exit" below the level you want to siphon down to. The more difference in height, the more gravity will help.

Good luck
Ed,