Plastic Quick Disconnects Used with a Glycol Chiller

[CodeSection]

When I read an interesting or informative thread, I "watch" the thread so as I can go back later and reread the thread or the post I wanted to go back to. Many times the post involves a piece of equipment.

Fast forward...I have so many "watched" threads I cannot find the post regarding the use of the plastic quick disconnects that people use with their glycol chiller lines.

If you are using them, what is their brand. Also, please post a picture on how you are using them (at the coiling coil ~ Spike's coil, inline extending the length of the cooling lines, etc.).

As always, I appreciate your help!

 

[Bent-Brewer]

I usually see the quick disconnects produced by CPC. US Plastic sells them at a much more reasonable price, and you can get single or double connectors (double linked below):
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=118175&catid=743
You'd want the 3/8" version, and would need both the valved body and non-valved insert. Probably gonna have to eat the shipping on it unless you can find an alternate supplier. Amazon was significantly more expensive per part last I checked.

Ss started selling a "custom" version, but it appears to be just a black version instead of white (haven't seen any other specs to suggest otherwise). Both CPC and Ss cite stainless and acetal.
https://www.ssbrewtech.com/collections/accessories/products/quick-disconnect-ftss-kit

 

[CodeSection]

I usually see the quick disconnects produced by CPC. US Plastic sells them at a much more reasonable price, and you can get single or double connectors (double linked below):
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=118175&catid=743
You'd want the 3/8" version, and would need both the valved body and non-valved insert. Probably gonna have to eat the shipping on it unless you can find an alternate supplier. Amazon was significantly more expensive per part last I checked.

Ss started selling a "custom" version, but it appears to be just a black version instead of white (haven't seen any other specs to suggest otherwise). Both CPC and Ss cite stainless and acetal.

That's what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

[Bent-Brewer]

Glad to help!
Edited my earlier post to add the Ss link- comes with lines and some insulation in addition to the QD fitting.

 

[cubsfan16]

Did anyone order these? The difference I am seeing between the two are that the SS Brewtech sells states;

"The quick disconnect fitting was custom tooled for Ss Brewtech with 3/8" hose barbs and features all EPDM seals, which maintain sealing properties at low temperatures."

The spec sheet for the US Plastic white version lists 32F as the low end of the operating temp. I usually run my chiller at 26-27F when cold crashing so I'm curious if others have had success.

 

[Tom R]

I initially used 3/8" US Plastics valved disconnects, but found that at 28F they restricted the flow of the glycol so much that the Spike pump could hardly trickle water through them. So I bought a larger pump.

Didn't help. The solution was to stretch the 3/8" silicone hose over new 1/2" disconnects, that works much better.

 

[cubsfan16]

I have one set of the SS Brewtech's QD and they seem to work fine at my cold crash temps with a Spike chiller pump. Sounds like these are a no go then. I only saw these in a 1/4" & 3/8" valved version....did you replace with a 1/2" valved DC?

 

[Tom R]

Here's a link to the 1/2" bulkhead disconnect body I mounted on my chiller:
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=28386&catid=743

And the hose barb insert:
https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=27901&catid=743

 

[cubsfan16]

Great, thanks for the link.

 

[CodeSection]

I initially used 3/8" US Plastics valved disconnects, but found that at 28F they restricted the flow of the glycol so much that the Spike pump could hardly trickle water through them. So I bought a larger pump.

Didn't help. The solution was to stretch the 3/8" silicone hose over new 1/2" disconnects, that works much better.

I want to make sure I'm understanding correctly. Some disconnects have only 1/4" flow through (not barb size) while others have larger. For example https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=118175&catid=743

Did you initially use one with a 3/8" barb but only with a 1/4" flow through? I'm wondering why a true 3/8" flow through disconnect would cause problems since the tubing is 3/8" ID like in the links below.

https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=28349 and https://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=27872

Could you clarify?

EDIT: corrected link

 

[augiedoggy]

Im using the cheaper solid white single 3/8" ones from us plastics with 50ft stainless coils inside 110 gallon plastic conicals... I do not have flow issues with the small fittings for some reason. I am using the stock chiller pump on my micromatic 1/3hp beerline chiller to pumy through a common 1/2" cpvc manifold with the cheap brass 12v soleniod valves... the flow is not crazy fast but the pump is powerful. if I had to guess its a 1/4hp pump ... no issues bringing the whole conical down to 34 degrees while maintaining temps on 2 other conicals.