Homebuilt "Uni-tank"

[lyonsmith]

Hey everyone!

Just wanted to jump on and share my newest gear. Ok, so maybe the name is slightly misleading, as when you hear Uni-tank most of us automatically think Conical Fermenter that's pressure rated.

Let's look at what I mean. Self contained vessel that I can ferment, condition, crash, carbonate and pressure transfer.

This was prompted from my desire to try a lager, and being spoiled by the big boy toys I play with.

I sacrificed one of my kegs and my copper wort chiller (I have upgraded to a plate chiller).


I wrapped the keg with the copper, and duct tape. Lots of duct tape.



I found a used glycol chiller for a good price.


I'm rigging the glycol chiller to the coil and a temperature controller. Fully controlled cold Uni-tank!! This may be out of reach for some folks, but maybe a good conversation starter. Share your thoughts?

 

[IslandLizard]

Interesting project!
Are you insulating your "unikeg" and the lines from and to the glycol chiller? Those lines look very long...

How are you dealing with blow off?

 

[lyonsmith]

Yeah, I'm going to wrap it in sheet foam insulation and the lines in a pipe insulation to keep it cool. Blow off is a tube from a spare gas ball lock on a tube in a growler of water but first through the prv for high krausen. That's what I normally do when I ferment in the keg. I also trimmed the dip tube so I don't move too much yeast during transfer.

 

[Ippie]

How did this approach end up working out? Are you still using it?