TheFlyingBeer
Well-Known Member
So I am currently in the initial planning stages of my AG system (an electric HERMS). I have three 1/2bbl kegs laying around just begging to be used. The problem I am currently faced with is the sizing of several ball valves I think I need.
Most homebrewers seem to use 1/2" FPT full port ball valves which have an ID of 0.5" (easy huh?).
I have been planning on using tri-clamp sanitary valves which are sized on the outside diameter of the tubing not the port diameter. A 1/2" sanitary valve actually has an inner diameter of 0.375". A 3/4" sanitary valve has an inner diameter of 0.63".
The current plan is to use 1/2" OD (0.46" ID) tubing for the HERMS coil, so that would limit the flow with the 3/4" sanitary valve.
Is .375" (3/8) too small for 10 gallon batches, or is 0.63" too big for 5 gal batches? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Most homebrewers seem to use 1/2" FPT full port ball valves which have an ID of 0.5" (easy huh?).
I have been planning on using tri-clamp sanitary valves which are sized on the outside diameter of the tubing not the port diameter. A 1/2" sanitary valve actually has an inner diameter of 0.375". A 3/4" sanitary valve has an inner diameter of 0.63".
The current plan is to use 1/2" OD (0.46" ID) tubing for the HERMS coil, so that would limit the flow with the 3/4" sanitary valve.
Is .375" (3/8) too small for 10 gallon batches, or is 0.63" too big for 5 gal batches? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.