Switch inputs on plate chiller

[justhookittomyveins]

Hello quick question that my searches couldn't find an answer for.

I have a 30plate wiltec plate chiller with wort-in/out on 3/4" threads, and water-in/out on 1/2" threads. Since my hot-side tubing is all on 1/2", and my gardenhose already on 3/4" can I simply switch the designated wort and water path on the chiller? Or can somebody come up with a good reason not to?

 

[passedpawn]

Yes, you can switch them. In fact, normally the 3/4" is meant for the water, 1/2" for the wort. Maximizing water flow is your goal.

 

[tmendick]

I would guess they just labeled them wrong.

 

[IslandLizard]

The 3/4" terminals may actually be garden hose fittings. That's way more common than 3/4". The diameter is similar but garden hose threads are wider (lower pitch).

No problem using whatever side is convenient for you. I put 1/2" camlocks on all four (1/2") ports, so it's easy to isolate the chiller for cleaning. Connect a piece of hose to your outdoor spigot and give it a full blast for 20-30 seconds. Reverse, and do it again.

Every 4 brews or so I stick mine in the oven with the bread or pizza to sterilize it, and turn whatever flakes are left into black debris. Then flush those out.

You do need to contain your hops one way or another by using a hop spider, hop basket, hop bags, or a large filter over the exit port. Pumping large amount of hop pellet matter through your chiller will cause severe clogging, which takes a long time to clean out.