50' .5" IC - Adequate for 20 gallon batches?

[Apoxbrew]

I built a 50' IC out of 1/2" copper tubing using Bobby_M's design/instructions and have been quite happy with it for my 10 gallon batches.

I'm stepping up though to (as much as) 20 gallons a batch and am wondering now if I need to upgrade my chiller.

While a PC or CFC would be nice, I'm trying to remain completely unplugged so I'd prefer to stick with the IC concept.

That said, should I make any modifications to what I have? Like maybe adding length or switching to larger diameter tubing or switching to a ribcage design.

Or maybe I don't need to do anything and will be fine with what I have?

Would love your feedback/suggestions. Thanks!

 

[phoenixs4r]

Are you moving the wort at all? I'd imagine it would be fine as long as the wort is moving via a pump (recirculation) or some sort of stiring aparatus.

If not I'd imagine the heat stratification (is that the correct word?) issue that are faced with most batches would be increased.

 

[Apoxbrew]

yes... i'm stirring constantly when i'm cooling.

 

[bitmask]

I won't claim to really know what I'm talking about, but I wouldn't think adding length to your existing would really help that much. Even with a 50' 1/2" in a 10 gal batch I assume that the temperature differential between the cooling liquid and the wort diminishes quickly. I mean, by the time the liquid is 35' into the 50' chiller, it's not doing much cooling anymore. (I could totally be wrong though).

Instead of adding any length I would think you would get more bang for the buck by adding a second chiller with a slightly smaller (or larger if the pot has room) diameter and hooking to two hoses.

I know you're half the state away, but since it's that time of year: Go Ducks!

 

[Apoxbrew]

I would think you would get more bang for the buck by adding a second chiller with a slightly smaller (or larger if the pot has room) diameter and hooking to two hoses.

very interesting idea... i like it!!

 

[EarthBound]

That said, should I make any modifications to what I have? Like maybe adding length or switching to larger diameter tubing or switching to a ribcage design.

Or maybe I don't need to do anything and will be fine with what I have?

Would love your feedback/suggestions. Thanks!

No need to make any modifications. You will be fine with what you have. That's the advantage of doing it right the first time through.

Do you whirlpool?

 

[Apoxbrew]

i do... not with a pump. i either stir with the spoon, or because of the bobby_m design, i can actually just pick up the IC itself off the floor of the kettle and use it as a giant spoon to whirpool the wort around.

i pretty much have constant movement of the wort around the chiller during cooling.

what about spreading the coils apart a bit. i don't have them fastened together in any way right now, but they're a very neat coil, each resting on the one below it so while wort can move in between them, there's no actual gap between each coil. might that help at all?

 

[EarthBound]

Yes, it will help because you'll increase the surface area of the heat exchanger. This will significantly increase its heat exchanging efficiency.

I recommend getting a SS mixing wand that you can attach to a power drill. It will dramatically reduce the time required to chill, and it will aid in whirlpooling.

Cool brewery name, BTW.