Grounded Brewing Kettle sale.

[TallDan]

What is the ID size of the holes on the drain and whirlpool ports of these kettles?

5/8" which seems to be a common size, i have several TC fittings that have that ID.

I’m away from mine at the moment, but they’re smaller.
Not sure where I’m going to find a pick up tube for the front hole.
(Made me think of this: https://www.healthline.com/health/lgbtqia-safe-sex-guide/response)

Maybe the pickup tube from SsBrewtech BME kettle works?
Should be the same fit as this:
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collecti...p-racking-arm-for-chronical-series-fermenters

My non-BME SSBT chronicals came with TC ball valves that have 3/8" dip tubes that fit. They look to be the same dip tube that is used on those racking arms. I'm not crazy about them because i'd rather a 1/2" dip tube that fits in the 5/8" fitting, so i'm still looking around some, but at least have something that will work for now.

 

[TallDan]

Here's a pic from SSBT's site of the ball valve/dip tube that I have:

 

[MildAvers]

Hrm... I was afraid of that and it probably explains the fire sale and why they were so cheap, the hole should be .870 or 1.360 for 1" and 1.5" tri-clamp fittings.

https://www.glaciertanks.com/sizing.html

5/8" hole is for 3/4" tri clamp fitting.

Not able to find the ball valve, dip tube assembly on SSBT's site. @TallDan Did you buy the valve and diptube separately?

So you would need these two:
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collecti...ts/ball-valve-1-2-id-1-5-tc-to-1-2-female-npt
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/products/tri-clamp-racking-arm-for-chronical-series-fermenters

Would probably have to go with a NorCal Brewing Tri Clover dip tube, maybe 2" x 2" w/ a 45 degree bend?

https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Tri-Clover-Dip-Tube-1.5-Inch-x-1.5-Inch-x-.5-Inch.html

 

[Bobby_M]

Or. https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/tc15pressfit90.htm

 

[MildAvers]

Haven't found a 1" or 1.5" tri clamp valve with a 5/8" hole.

There are some valves with 3/4" ID, that may work:

https://www.glaciertanks.com/sanitary-ball-valves-ball-075.html

Looked at these sites:

https://www.brewershardware.com/
https://www.brewhardware.com/
https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Hardware-Tri-Clover.html
https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Hardware-Tri-Clover-Solutions.html
https://www.glaciertanks.com/sanitary-ball-valves.html

Maybe a Norcal Brewing custom solution is the best option, or maybe the ID doesn't matter much as long as it's close?

 

[Bobby_M]

Oops never mind... Wrong bore size

 

[MildAvers]

Or. https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/tc15pressfit90.htm

If you can make that fit a 5/8" bore ID then yeah that would work.

 

[MildAvers]

Oops never mind... Wrong bore size

No worries. FWIW, I was looking at a custom bend tube from your site. Maybe 1/2 tubing - 2" A x 2" B w/ a 45 degree bend paired w/ 2 O-rings... just another idea.

 

[TallDan]

Hrm... I was afraid of that and it probably explains the fire sale and why they were so cheap, the hole should be .870 or 1.360 for 1" and 1.5" tri-clamp fittings.

https://www.glaciertanks.com/sizing.html

5/8" hole is for 3/4" tri clamp fitting.

Not able to find the ball valve, dip tube assembly on SSBT's site. @TallDan Did you buy the valve and diptube separately?

So you would need these two:
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collecti...ts/ball-valve-1-2-id-1-5-tc-to-1-2-female-npt
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/products/tri-clamp-racking-arm-for-chronical-series-fermenters

Would probably have to go with a NorCal Brewing Tri Clover dip tube, maybe 2" x 2" w/ a 45 degree bend?

https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Tri-Clover-Dip-Tube-1.5-Inch-x-1.5-Inch-x-.5-Inch.html

The 5/8" bore seems standard on most 1/2" ball valves fitted to 1.5" TC ports. That SSBT valve that I have has a smaller bore for the diptube. It does not seem to be available for individual sale, but if it's what you really want, you might shoot SSBT an email, I recently did that and got help with some different parts that aren't on their site. I may also sell mine since I'm moving to butterfly valves on my fermenters.

No worries. FWIW, I was looking at a custom bend tube from your site. Maybe 1/2 tubing - 2" A x 2" B w/ a 45 degree bend paired w/ 2 O-rings... just another idea.

I was thinking something like this. O-rings may be too thick, maybe just some teflon tape wrapped around the tube. I'll be ordering some stuff from Bobby this week anyway, so I might throw something like that on my order for this purpose.

 

[TallDan]

Oh, also, that bore size is for the three ports on the front of the kettle. The side port is the ~1.375" bore, great for a TC heating element from @Bobby_M

 

[MildAvers]

IMO, the Grounded Brewing guy ripped people off. It was not disclosed that the bore size was not industry standard for 1" and 1.5" tri clover fittings.

Look at the hole size in these pictures, it is the *larger* more appropriate size, whereas the kettles shipped were smaller non-standard size, this is a misrepresentation of item sold:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...2a988/1535169571737/DSC_0442.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...d707d/1539315382688/DSC_0423.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...015c3/1539315382775/DSC_0427.jpg?format=1500w

This is the dip tube included in the system:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...86e1a7/1543459853055/IMG_7641.jpg?format=750w

At the very least Grounded Brewing should be sending all those who bought a kettle one of those dip tubes if they even fit in the small bore.

 

[TallDan]

IMO, the Grounded Brewing guy ripped people off. It was not disclosed that the bore size was not industry standard for 1" and 1.5" tri clover fittings.

Look at the hole size in these pictures, it is the *larger* more appropriate size, whereas the kettles shipped were smaller non-standard size, this is a misrepresentation of item sold:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...2a988/1535169571737/DSC_0442.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...d707d/1539315382688/DSC_0423.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...015c3/1539315382775/DSC_0427.jpg?format=1500w

This is the dip tube included in the system:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...86e1a7/1543459853055/IMG_7641.jpg?format=750w

At the very least Grounded Brewing should be sending all those who bought a kettle one of those dip tubes if they fit in the small bore.

I disagree. The bore size is consistent with fittings for 1/2" ball valves and 1/2" hose barbs, which are the most common fittings used on those ports by homebrewers. If I had a very specific requirement for the bore size on those ports, I would have verified the bore size with the seller prior to purchase.

 

[Bobby_M]

IMO, the Grounded Brewing guy ripped people off. It was not disclosed that the bore size was not industry standard for 1" and 1.5" tri clover fittings.

Look at the hole size in these pictures, it is the *larger* more appropriate size, whereas the kettles shipped were smaller non-standard size, this is a misrepresentation of item sold:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...2a988/1535169571737/DSC_0442.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...d707d/1539315382688/DSC_0423.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...015c3/1539315382775/DSC_0427.jpg?format=1500w

This is the dip tube included in the system:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...86e1a7/1543459853055/IMG_7641.jpg?format=750w

At the very least Grounded Brewing should be sending all those who bought a kettle one of those dip tubes if they even fit in the small bore.

Ripped off? That kettle was worth the price with just a single element TC installed. You can resell it at a profit right now.

 

[MildAvers]

In my mind - the pictures on the site do show a larger industry standard bore size and they are pictured with the larger butterfly valves, so was he ridding his inventory of the smaller bore size?

5/8" bore w/ 1/2" valve is ok but where do you get a 1.5" TC 1/2" valve aside from building one w/ a 1/2" valve and a 1.5" TC to 1/2" NPT adapter?

It's good to know that others *don't* agree and see things differently that way I can process things the way others see them.

 

[TallDan]

In my mind - the pictures on the site do show a larger industry standard bore size and they are pictured with the larger butterfly valves, so was he ridding his inventory of the smaller bore size?

5/8" bore w/ 1/2" valve is ok but where do you get a 1.5" TC 1/2" valve aside from building one w/ a 1/2" valve and a 1.5" TC to 1/2" NPT adapter?

It's good to know that others *don't* agree and see things differently that way I can process things the way others see them.

Maybe that's exactly why they had the "spring blowout" price, BUT that bore size is pretty common on homebrew equipment. SSbrewtech sells many things that have that bore size (or very close) on 1.5" TC:
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collecti...ts/ball-valve-1-2-id-1-5-tc-to-1-2-female-npt
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/accessories/products/oxygenation-kit
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collecti...p-racking-arm-for-chronical-series-fermenters
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/accessories/products/micro-elbow
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/accessories/products/1-5-tri-clover-compatible-clamp-tee

Looked at these sites:

https://www.brewershardware.com/
https://www.brewhardware.com/
https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Hardware-Tri-Clover.html
https://www.norcalbrewingsolutions.com/store/Hardware-Tri-Clover-Solutions.html
https://www.glaciertanks.com/sanitary-ball-valves.html

Of those four vendors, at least two of them sell 1/2" ball valves on 1.5" TC. A third (Norcal) sells it with a smaller TC on the other side. I just did a quick look at NorCal and Glacier, i might have missed them. So that's at least three vendors to choose from (brewhardware, SSBT, Brewershardware, brewhardware, and brewhardware (to show some preference to the one that has posted helpful info in this thread. )).

 

[MildAvers]

@TallDan Would you be kind enough to point out the 1/2" ball valves with 1.5" TC fittings with 5/8" bore?

Ok, I see your link to the SSBT one, which are the other ones?

 

[TallDan]

@TallDan Would you be kind enough to point out the 1/2" ball valves with 1.5" TC fittings with 5/8" bore?

Ok, I see your link to the SSBT one, which are the other ones?

Dude, I don't know what your problem (EDIT: with the ID of these fittings) is. All I can tell you is the ID of the ball valves and fittings that I personally have. I don't know anything more about those parts than what's listed on their webpages. You asked where one could buy 1/2" ball valves with 1.5" TC flanges and i pointed out that several online vendors do. If you're going to be anal retentive about the specific ID of the ball valve fittings, i suggest that you contact the vendors to confirm it before purchase, as you should have done with this kettle if this was going to be such an issue for you. You did not get ripped off, you made a poor purchase decision if your needs are for larger ID on the TC ports.

 

[FunkedOut]

IMO, the Grounded Brewing guy ripped people off. It was not disclosed that the bore size was not industry standard for 1" and 1.5" tri clover fittings.

Look at the hole size in these pictures, it is the *larger* more appropriate size, whereas the kettles shipped were smaller non-standard size, this is a misrepresentation of item sold:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...2a988/1535169571737/DSC_0442.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...d707d/1539315382688/DSC_0423.jpg?format=1500w

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...015c3/1539315382775/DSC_0427.jpg?format=1500w

This is the dip tube included in the system:

https://static1.squarespace.com/sta...86e1a7/1543459853055/IMG_7641.jpg?format=750w

At the very least Grounded Brewing should be sending all those who bought a kettle one of those dip tubes if they even fit in the small bore.

I have no dog in this fight, but if you look at those pics again, you can see the ID of the front ports are way smaller than the ID of the valves.

I’ve been through this before with my SsBrewtech BME kettle, so I was expecting the drain port to be smaller.
Hoping that they offer stock of their dip tube again so I can buy one, otherwise the the SsBrewtech valves will work. Maybe some other solution is out there? That’s why I posted about it.

I may not even use a pick up tube. I need to see how much is left behind when draining without one.

Now, when it comes to variances from the picture, you can see where the top tangential port is below the handle. The kettle I received, has that port inline with the handle. No way to use it with anything less than 15 gallons in it, if you want to avoid splashing.

All that said, I do not feel ripped off at all. If anything, I feel like I stole it!

 

[TallDan]

All that said, I do not feel ripped off at all. If anything, I feel like I stole it!

100% agree. Really stoked about this, in fact, I'm kinda questioning myself for not buying three of them now. Just cleaned mine up some, the inside of the pot was clean, but the TC ports had some manufacturing residue in them. Pretty standard for any new SS stuff that I've bought.

 

[MildAvers]

I have no dog in this fight, but if you look at those pics again, you can see the ID of the front ports are way smaller than the ID of the valves.

I've looked at those pics compared to the kettle and the bore size in the pics are the industry standard as stated in the posted documents.

 

[Spikybits]

issue using one of these? https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/tc15_2pbv_ez.htm

 

[Bad Bubba]

Just to test it, I attached my 1/2 inch ball valve with pickup tube from my SS brewtech chronical - it fits perfectly and goes to the bottom of the kettle.

 

[bigdawg86]

View attachment 618143 Just to test it, I attached my 1/2 inch ball valve with pickup tube from my SS brewtech chronical - it fits perfectly and goes to the bottom of the kettle.

Awesome as I already have one then!

 

[Tagobolts]

Awesome as I already have one then!

Don't have one, kettle arrived today. Going to have to figure out what I can buy to make this work! Super excited tho

 

[verboten]

View attachment 618143 Just to test it, I attached my 1/2 inch ball valve with pickup tube from my SS brewtech chronical - it fits perfectly and goes to the bottom of the kettle.

I guess I know what I’m getting for mine! Thanks!

I just got a 20 gallon spike + with TC for $250 I guess my new 2 vessel system is coming together faster than I expected!

 

[MildAvers]

I'm sorry, I can't help you.

Kinda figured that.

I think most merchants use pictures representative of the merchandise they're selling.

 

[Bad Bubba]

I think this will work for a dip tube if you order at 2" height or custom. My opening appears to 5/8" and about 1 3/4" off the bottom.

 

[Spikybits]

I think this will work for a dip tube if you order at 2" height or custom. My opening appears to 5/8" and about 1 3/4" off the bottom.

this is also what i am going with combined with an ez-clean ball valve

 

[TallDan]

I think this will work for a dip tube if you order at 2" height or custom. My opening appears to 5/8" and about 1 3/4" off the bottom.

Not sure how you could verify this, but if the dip tube is fixed to the TC, it *may* not fit through. The SSBT dip tubes are less than 90degree and don’t have a lot of extra space going through there.

 

[TallDan]

Illustrating my concern, the diptube from my blichman boilermaker does not fit through.

The SSBT tube does.

They are very close, or the same OD, but with a different bend.