Hey all,
I just wanted to lay down the basics of a project I am undertaking and hopefully solicit some help/advice. After seeing some of the cool fermenters/etc that are out there, I got it into my head that I wanted a pair of stainless fermenters for 5 gallon batches. Rather than buying something premade like the brewbuckets or Chapmann fermenters (Although if their pretty great deal was going on when I started this project, I probably would've got two), I decided to make my own.
The base vessels are slim 1/4bbl sanke kegs, ordered brand new from Gopher Kegs (tried to source some from Craigslist with no luck). The plan is to weld a 4" TC ferrule (sourced from brewershardware) onto the bottom of the keg, in order to allow a custom TC blank to be fitted on it and allow easier manual access for inspection/cleaning. A 2" TC clamp/blank/gasket will be used to block off the already-installed stem on the top (now bottom) of the keg.
Currently the kegs are at a local welding shop to have the 4" holes cut and the ferrules welded on. I am working on the plans and ordering parts of the customized lids. I am planning to drill/tap a series of NPT holes to allow for easy installation/cleaning/flexbility in the fittings. Here is a list of what I am planning for the lids:
This will give me the flexibility to ferment as normal, under pressure, naturally carbonate beer off the last few gravity points during fermentation, perform closed transfers between the fermenter & serving kegs, or even serve up to ~7.75 gallons of beer from this keg.
I have a few questions/things I was hoping you guys might be able to help me with:
I just wanted to lay down the basics of a project I am undertaking and hopefully solicit some help/advice. After seeing some of the cool fermenters/etc that are out there, I got it into my head that I wanted a pair of stainless fermenters for 5 gallon batches. Rather than buying something premade like the brewbuckets or Chapmann fermenters (Although if their pretty great deal was going on when I started this project, I probably would've got two), I decided to make my own.
The base vessels are slim 1/4bbl sanke kegs, ordered brand new from Gopher Kegs (tried to source some from Craigslist with no luck). The plan is to weld a 4" TC ferrule (sourced from brewershardware) onto the bottom of the keg, in order to allow a custom TC blank to be fitted on it and allow easier manual access for inspection/cleaning. A 2" TC clamp/blank/gasket will be used to block off the already-installed stem on the top (now bottom) of the keg.
Currently the kegs are at a local welding shop to have the 4" holes cut and the ferrules welded on. I am working on the plans and ordering parts of the customized lids. I am planning to drill/tap a series of NPT holes to allow for easy installation/cleaning/flexbility in the fittings. Here is a list of what I am planning for the lids:
- 1/4" or 1/2" MNTP Thermowell (Likely 10")
- 1/4" MNTP to ball lock keg post (Gas) +/- gas dip tube (Not sure if I need it)
- 1/4" MNTP to ball lock keg post (liquid) + liquid dip tube
- 1/4" MNTP 40PSI pressure release valve
This will give me the flexibility to ferment as normal, under pressure, naturally carbonate beer off the last few gravity points during fermentation, perform closed transfers between the fermenter & serving kegs, or even serve up to ~7.75 gallons of beer from this keg.
I have a few questions/things I was hoping you guys might be able to help me with:
- Any suggestions for sources for stainless fittings? I have been looking at brewhardware, brewershardware, and bargainfittings mainly, just wanted to know if there are any other places I should be checking.
- Does anybody have experience with the NPT threaded keg posts? I am wondering what size liquid dip tube I would be able to put in there (aka: can I use a standard corny dip tube or do I have to fabricate one out of stainless to fit).
- Any suggestions for fittings that I may not have thought of?