Tangential inlet worth it?

[Voyager]

Is a welded tangential inlet drastically better at creating a whirlpool than using an orthogonal side port with a bent tube (like a pick up tube)?

 

[imasickboy]

My opinion is this:

• You're making beer, not performing brain surgery.
• If the software that we all use can't even properly account for the bitterness hops provide at different temperatures in the whirlpool, then there is no need to concern yourself with the method of performing said whirlpool.
• A spoon in the hand of a dedicated individual will work just as well.

All snark aside, I think you're overthinking something really simple. If you pump wort back into your kettle in a continuous direction, a whirlpool will be created, and it will suit your purposes. We're not looking for toilet flushing velocity here. Just a gentle spin.

 

[day_trippr]

I just don't see eliminating one bend in a plumbing run to be worth the cost of finding a TIG wizard to fit a tangential whirlpool port without making a mess of a kettle.

So I agree with the above. Especially the snarky bits...

Cheers!

 

[RM-MN]

Before you can compare if the tangential fitting is drastically better you first have to quantify what a whirlpool is worth. In my opinion, whirlpools all cost you beer. If you put it all into the fermenter and let it have time to settle and compact when the fermentation is over you get more beer.

 

[SanPancho]

Rotating dip tube type is simpler and better utility. If you want to chill during whirlpool with an exrenal chiller like a plate or cfc then you will want to point the tube upwards to about 45-55 degrees. Otherwise the hot wort stays on top and cooled wort stays on the bottom and circles between outlet and WP arm. End up with less mixing and chilling than you want. Even using an IC style it’s probable a good idea as most units put the coils on the bottom.