SS HERMS permanent install problem.

[l3asturd]

I just installed this SS coil (NYBREWSUPPLY) but for the life of me can't stop a very small leak at both of the 90 compression fittings. I have continuously cranked on both, and reduced the leaks, but there's still a drop about once a minute. That would be 60 drops an hour. Is that enough of a leak that I should continue to mess with these things? My hands are sore from getting this thing installed correctly. I wonder if the leak would always be wort to HLT water, or if sometimes the water from the HLT would leak in to the wort. I bet with pump on the wort would be a small leak. I could do a dye test I guess.

 

[runningweird]

just finished the install of my herms coil -I butchered my old immersion chiller - and I had to struggle for two days to fix a leak in the coil connections and in the bulkheads - which I soldered.

Fix it - you won't be happy until you do.

without seeing what is going on I can't really hep you. best idea - take the female compression part off, wrap the male threads and try again. that is what helped me.

 

[l3asturd]

just finished the install of my herms coil -I butchered my old immersion chiller - and I had to struggle for two days to fix a leak in the coil connections and in the bulkheads - which I soldered.

Fix it - you won't be happy until you do.

without seeing what is going on I can't really hep you. best idea - take the female compression part off, wrap the male threads and try again. that is what helped me.

You're right, I'm sure I won't quit until it's leak free. I just have to quit for the night. My hands are on FIRE! haha

I'll definitely try the teflon wrap idea. Thanks

 

[jmelgin]

I'd be interested to know how well this setup is working for you. Looks like you're using a 3/8" stainless coil. Any significant flow restrictions? Did you consider using 1/2" coil? Just curious as I'm working on a similar setup and would prefer a 1/2" coil but can't find anything pre-fab.

Thanks!

 

[l3asturd]

I'd be interested to know how well this setup is working for you. Looks like you're using a 3/8" stainless coil. Any significant flow restrictions? Did you consider using 1/2" coil? Just curious as I'm working on a similar setup and would prefer a 1/2" coil but can't find anything pre-fab.

Thanks!

I've done plenty of water tests already and have noticed quite a bit of flow restriction through the 3/8" chiller. If I had the option of going back in time I would try to find or make a 1/2" coil. I will still attemp to mash with this thing but I may run in to problems with such a slow flow rate. I'd guess it's about a 50% reduction, but that's a wild guess.