Steam Kettles - scored two in an auction!

[jacksont66]

Now the work begins.

The kettles are Vulcan-Hart model KL-40. It's 304 stainless steel...big and heavy units.

Ive see a few older post out there that I would love to get updates on.

What I would like to do is:

1) Convert the existing drain to a Tri Clamp
2) Build a false bottom
3) Convert from steam to hot water heat (I've got a access to a hot water boiler for cheap). The original steam unit was shot.
4) Design a build a inlet at the top for a whirlpool/sparg arm (via triclamp fitting).

Anyone have any ideas? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help! TJ

 

[TexasDroughtBrewery]

Looks like an old navy ship kettle.

 

[BrunDog]

Nice. You probably will not be able to boil liquid in it with hot (even boiling) water in the jacket.

 

[cfrazier77]

I agree with the prior comment about boiling, you have to have steam to do that, or go electric elements in the vessel. As for going triclamp on the drain. You need a sanitary welder to basically cut the old one out and weld in the new to be truly sanitary. Otherwise unscrew the valve and screw in a triclamp fitting.

 

[timdillon36]

As stated already to use as a BK you will need the jacked portion to be much hotter than just boiling temp. You could use other liquids to be able to achieve this goal or add pressure to the water.

I have something that kinds looks like that but was home built and is kinda crude but I got it at basically scrap price, it will eventually be my Mt and have hot water to maintain temp. I don't trust mine to hold the pressure of steam but there are plenty of ways to heat other liquids hotter.

I want to see what you end up doing with these.