E-build keggle with ball valve in the bottom of the keg?

[NewBrewB]

Well, it is almost 4AM and I had to get up to let the dogs out 2 hrs ago and couldnt get back to sleep...naturally, I started thinking about my next DIY beer project....which leads to my question:

Why wouldnt you want your BK and MLT keggles to drain from the bottom?

The inside already curves down so that would be the most efficient point. It eliminates the need for dip tubes and possibly pumps if gravity fed. It would make cleaning much easier (less lifting--just scrub and drain).

Now...I will say that a keggle with a ball valve sticking out of the undercarriage (had to work in that word somehow) would not fare well on top of a propane burner....however....what about residents the E-build Nation?

If the stand was built with enough clearance, accessing the ball valve should be easy...for the MLT, a screen/false bottom should be MUCH easier to deal with, etc.

Im not arrogant enough to think I could introduce an actual new concept to the homebrew world so if Revvy and the rest of you experts out there can either point out why this is a bad idea or point me in the direction of a nice step-by-step guide for making my dream a reality, that would be great! (preferably one with those nice sketchup models so I can realy get inspired)

Thanks!

(oh, not to hijack my own thread or anything but is it still appropriate for people to create threads about their Kal-build projects if they are just following the plans? Im torn. On one side, the accountability and encouragement helps maintain motivation but on the other side, I feel like this place is for promoting NEW ideas...just curious.)

 

[bucfanmike]

this is done quite often, many build threads on here using this idea.

 

[goybar]

I see no reason to not do this with your MLT. I believe a 2" Tri-Clamp fits.

As for your BK most people try to eliminate as much of the trub as possible. I would think this would add it all to the fermentor. I don't think the trub would be solid enough like a yeast cake in a conical to drop it out first.

That all being said, does it really matter if all the trub makes it into the fermentor? I'm not sold that it negatively impacts the fermentation/beer.

Chris

 

[Yooper]

My HLT and MLT are bottom draining. I love it. My BK is the traditional e-keggle, though. If I was doing it over, I'd probably have JayBird build me a tri-folding false bottom (to fit under the element) and go with a bottom drain for the boil kettle as well.