integrated Immersion Chiller connection issues

[bf514921]

so i am connecting/integrating my immersion chiller into my keggle, an i am having a helluva time getting my compression fittings to not leak. so i have questions for those of you that have done this.
1. Did you use anything else to support the chiller

2. did you use compression fittings for connections

3. is there a compression fittings for dummies, incase i am doing something very simple incorrectly?

4. what did everyone else use to connect the IC to the ouside world?

 

[Jethro]

I have an immersion cooler made out of 50' of 3/8" copper. I initially tried to use compression fittings to connect the copper to 3/8" polyethylene tubing, but I always ended up with leaks on the poly side especially when hot. I ended up putting some quick disconnects on the IC and the tubing (with barbed connectors for the poly tubing). I am really happy with how this works and have found lots of uses 3/8" tubing with the disconnects. I can easily connect the IC to my pump to circulate ice water when needed.

Part # from mcmaster:
6793K62
6739K57

 

[Krelja]

you could try something like this http://www.sharkbiteplumbing.com/fittings/connectors/male-straight-connectors
I've heard nothing but good things and you can adapt it after the fact

 

[weirdboy]

Yeah just DON'T MESS UP when you put those sharkbite connectors on there because it's essentially a permanent fitting. I mean, you may as well just solder sweat fittings on there if you use them.

 

[Stickshaker]

Yeah just DON'T MESS UP when you put those sharkbite connectors on there because it's essentially a permanent fitting. I mean, you may as well just solder sweat fittings on there if you use them.

I've only seen them on display at a hardware store, but they have a tool alongside it that disconnects the fitting.

 

[bf514921]

here is a picture of what i am doing maybe this will spur some ideas.

 

[HarkinBanks]

I had to solder mine together on the one I made because I couldn't get it leak free, but both fittings of my chiller finish on the top of my pot so my crappy solder job never touches the wort.

 

[klyph]

I did mine with flare fittings, which I prefer in an application where you will taking the fitting off and back on for cleaning and maintenance.

 

[thorongil]

I use threaded unions:

I got them from Bargain Fittings... Much less $$ than tri-clovers...

 

[bf514921]

how does a threaded union work? is the nut tapped in opposite directions to bring the connection together?

 

[thorongil]

how does a threaded union work? is the nut tapped in opposite directions to bring the connection together?

It's pretty simple, each side is a 1/2" female NPT fitting. One side is threaded and the nut floats on the other side. When the nut is tightened, it works like a flare fitting to prevent leaks without gaskets. All normal threading.

 

[bf514921]

cool thanks, i will give it a try, hopfully it works better than the current compression fittings

 

[Bobby_M]

I like replacing the ferrule in the compression fitting with a stack of two or three silicone orings. It makes a seal by hand tightening the nut (you can give it another half turn with a wrench to be sure). #111 works well.

 

[bf514921]

hadn't that of that angle either. either way i am going to the hardware store today

 

[jasper9]

I have an immersion cooler made out of 50' of 3/8" copper. I initially tried to use compression fittings to connect the copper to 3/8" polyethylene tubing, but I always ended up with leaks on the poly side especially when hot. I ended up putting some quick disconnects on the IC and the tubing (with barbed connectors for the poly tubing). I am really happy with how this works and have found lots of uses 3/8" tubing with the disconnects. I can easily connect the IC to my pump to circulate ice water when needed.

Part # from mcmaster:
6793K62
6739K57

I see posts on the part numbers to adapt to the larger 1/2 copper coil, but this is the first mention I have seen for 3/8. Does anyone know the easiest way to adapt 3/8" copper to a garden hose thread?

 

[klyph]

I see posts on the part numbers to adapt to the larger 1/2 copper coil, but this is the first mention I have seen for 3/8. Does anyone know the easiest way to adapt 3/8" copper to a garden hose thread?

I'd get the Garden hose to 1/2" NPT and a 3/8 flare to 1/2" NPT. You could also use the GH to NPT if you sweat a 1/2" NPT fitting on your 3/8 tubing.