New Brew Kettle Step 2
So after the initial issues I had with cutting the top of the keg off, things actually came together very well in the end. Here is what I did:
After I drilled the hole in the side that was big enough for the 1/2 brass connector piece to fit through, I used the Teflon tape (yea it's pink, so what?) to seal the threads. *I did not use the connector pictured because the non-threaded area in the middle made this too long. The one I used was the same thing only with out the non-threaded area in the middle.
From here I attached the 1/2in brass ball valve I got at home depot with a 3/4in brass washer and a #14 rubber gasket. On the inside of the keg, I used an old 1/2 to 3/4 in piece I had from a cold plate setup I took apart. I used this because with the washer, it was the only thing I had that was going to make the connection tight enough to keep the water from leaking. I used another 3/4 in brass washer and another #14 rubber gasket as well.
After a couple of tries with the sealing and re-tightening, I had it with no leaks so I left water in it over night. I also dealt with the sharp edges left from the cutting process with some coarse sandpaper I had left over. This was wood sand paper, but it really did a job on the keg and its all dull around the sides now.
From here is was just a matter of attaching the 1/2" hose barb adapter.
As you can see, this is a huge upgrade in the size of my brewing operation.
I am brewing with the new setup next weekend so we will have to see how it's going to go.
Cheers.
2 comments:
The new kettle looks great! Are you going to install heating elements in it or do plan to use a propane burner?
Tip: note that to check for leaks you'll have to fill the kettle all the way up. I had to do that when checking my mash tun for leaks. The first time it didn't start leaking until it was half full. :)
I use the propane burner (turkey cooker).
You know that occurred to me at one point when I had the water in there, I was like "Isn't there going to be more water pressure with more water? And couldn't that lead to leaks?" but my lazy side too the reigns and said "this is fine."
I am going to test it tonight with more water because I want to brew this weekend.
Thanks.
Travis
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