I emailed Spike today, and Stephanie in customer service was very helpful. Here's what she told me:
Me: Is there a way to install/use both a thermowell and sample port on the Flex fermenter (i.e., can I get a Flex with two 1.5" TC secondary ports)? Thanks!
Spike: You can use one port for the thermowell, and attach the sample vale to the other end of the butterfly valve on the drain port.
Me: So, if I wanted to have both a thermowell and a sample valve, would I need to order the following?
-Flex fermenter
-1.5" TC Butterfly Valve
-TC Thermowell
-TC Sample Valve
Then, I'd install the butterfly valve on the drain port, attach the sample valve to the butterfly valve, and attach the thermowell to the secondary TC port? I'm not really familiar with TC valves; would I need anything else to attach the sample valve to the butterfly valve?
Spike: My apologies, are you looking to order a Flex or a Flex +?
Me: The Flex.
Spike: Sorry for the confusion.
There really isn't any way to attach the sample valve and the thermowell at the same time with the Flex.
You would have to purchase a new
TC Racking arm,
Butterfly Valve, and the
Sight Glass with the required number of
clamps and
gaskets necessary in order to accomplish this.
Another, more simpler, way to sample beer with your Flex while using the thermowell is to purchase an
NPT x Barb or an
MNPT X MQC, and attach it to the end of your ball valve.
This would focus the flow from your drain port. If you opened the valve slightly and slowly, you'd be able to take a sample form the drain valve this way.
