Hop back/hop filter idea. Your thoughts?

[nisk916]

I've recently started upgrading the brewery, including a large plate chiller. I usually always use whole cone hops, but occasionally need to use pellets. My current kettle hop-stopper has large 1/4 inch holes, and stops most of it, but After seeing some horror stories of clogs, I thought of an easy filter idea that can be utilized as a hop back as well.
The plan is to grab a paint brush washer, and add weldless fittings to the center of lid, and bottom. I have found these for $20-$70 in various sizes from 8oz to 24oz. (I plan on a large one) They come with a removable basket, and many have a silicone seal. Since they are meant to be used with solvent, I would assume they seal well with the three latches.
I could fill the basket with stainless scrubbies to filter, or add another perforated screen with smaller holes to use as a hop back. I figure it should seal well enough to be used with my march pump, or possibly gravity feed. What 'cha think? Viable idea?

 

[nisk916]

Guess it's a bad idea. Oh well. I'll source one next payday and build anyway. I'll post pics and progress.

 

[acidrain]

I use a rolled up 300 micron SS screen inside of a under-sink polycarbonate water filter housing. Cost about $50 for everything and works perfectly.

 

[ross_daly]

My main concern would be that I doubt they use stainless on paint brush washers. You don't want to have to deal with zinc, heavy metals, or other non food-safe additives in there.

 

[nisk916]

Most all spec with stainless. Some are chrome plated, but it will be stainless for sure when I get one.

 

[harry_the_face]

Acidrain, you got a pic of your filter. Also where did you get the screen?

 

[acidrain]

Got the mesh at Grainger: http://www.grainger.com/content/catalogPdf?adobeCompatible=true&CatPage=3084
And the filter housing at HD: http://www.homedepot.com/p/DuPont-V...-Water-Filtration-System-WFPF38001C/203440239

 

[nisk916]

OK. I ordered my fittings and brush washer. Hopefully all parts will be in next week. I'll post info after build.

 

[nisk916]

Ok. Build went fine, but I came to the realization my step-bits need to be replaced. I still want to find a perforated steel false bottom for it though. The included basket is rather shallow, but should work fine to catch larger chunks.

 

[nisk916]

Complete!