Best sanitary fittings according to redditors

I'm pretty slammed schedule wise right now. I'll get some pictures if I can, but it may take a while before I can get to it.

It isn't complicated though. I welded one of these to one of these. The previously-linked element screws into that. I took an air-conditioner extension cord and cut the female end off. I wired the black and white wires to the two terminals on the element, then used a rubber fitting to cover the whole thing for safety. The green wire I left long and hanging out with a screw terminal on it.

On the keg itself, I cut a hole in the side of it with a hole saw to match the inner diameter of the ferrule (second link above) as close to the bottom as I could. My keg has a rubber bottom so I had to come up just a little. I welded the ferrule to the keg. I also welded a small stainless machine screw to it.

To use it, I attach the assembled heater unit to the keg using a PTFE gasket and tri-clamp. I take that ground wire and attach it to the stainless screw nut, that way there is always a good ground attached to the keg. Put your wash in, plug it in to a 110v outlet, and you're up and running.

If you want to try to weld it all yourself, do some reading up on TIG welding stainless steel. It's a different beast. This was my first real welding project, and I chose stainless of all things to start with! It isn't pretty, but it is water tight and serves it's purpose. I learned a TON and hopefully will improve a lot when I start another project.

Do you mean 1/4 barrel? I'm making a Boka out of a 1/2 barrel keg (15.5 gal). Here's what I've bought:

5' of 2" copper DVW pipe - Local hardware store
25' of 1/4" copper refrigeration coil - Local hardware store
Stainless steel pot-scrubbers - Walmart

Clamp ferrule:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00835O0J6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

1500W heating element: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006IX89Q/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Fitting for heating element:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GSL0S4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Triclamp:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ED2EZCK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Triclamp gasket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013S1M75I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thermometer:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0198473E4/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A24QHZSKPYNZBC

Flux:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V88WJW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Lead-free solder: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JM8D6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


I am going to start by forgoing the Liebig condenser as I don't think its terribly necessary and it can always be added easily just after the compression-fitted valve. The hardest part was finding 5' of copper pipe, everyplace wanted to sell me 10' and the prices were all over the place.

Hope this helps!

instead of buying the kits in your first link get yourself:

a beer keg that needs refurbishment from a local brewery. est $50

you'll need a column maybe two or more of them really... $30


you'll need a couple of 90's - $25 Each


you'll need a condenser ~110


and a reducer $15

that's a setup much better than your first link - for about $200. [edit, forgot about clamps and gaskets and all that. call it less than 300 total]

You can pay the homebrew premium or find your own parts.

I am able to use this spray ball with a Superior sump pump (1/4 hp should be enough): Dernord Rotary Spray Ball NPT Female CIP Tank Cleaning Ball 360° Spray Pattern, Stainless Steel 304 (1/2" NPT Threaded) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073GHFP6J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_iCViAMafHe3f1

The pump you linked might work. I’m just not sure whether you get the required power. Most online builds tend to use sump pumps in DIY keg washers for a reason.

As far as washing the kettle, it’s as simple as dumping the first bucket of hot chiller effluent into the kettle and scrubbing it for a few seconds with a long handle brush. Add some PBW and heat it up if you don’t want to move a brush around.

Long and then short reply lol, I’ll get back at you further when I’m less busy, but here is what I’m talking about for that screen. I def had better luck when I switched from trim/popcorn nugs to “premo” nugs too so hopefully that helps your situation.

ARTESIAN SYSTEMS 20 Micron... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QM2VVYV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Also, if you don’t have one this may help with heating your vac chamber long term, I love mine:

BACOENG Digital Heating Pad Series (7.5", Fixed) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MCGSF3J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_t0XyDbXQ08F51