Re: SS Keg conversion

"JL" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in message news:<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>...
> Is the chime where the dome part meets the straight wall?

Just about, the chime is the support ring that is welded to the domed
keg bottom.

> 
> More beer has a 10" stainless screen for $19 and a 13" for $74.  For a boil
> kettle, is there any advantage to the larger screen or is that really just
> for mash tuns?  Will the screen help with pellets or is it only of help with
> whole hops?

For a mashtun, full size is best to prevent scorching grains, but you
can find a fullsize folding one a heck of alot cheaper than $74 at
brewtree.com.

Many people use the $19 one but have to stir like crazy to prevent
scorching when bottom heating, since the flames are licking the dome
right where grains are.   I recirculate wort when I am heating, and
since no grains are near the bottom of the keg, I get no scorching.

Yes, a perforated screen must be used only with whole hops. If you
want to use pellets, I would highly recommend going with an immersion
chiller and whirlpooling your wort, fashion the diptube to draw from
the side of the keg, not the middle.   I'm sure there are ways to
prevent pellet hops from clogging your chiller, but I don't personally
know of any, that is a new thread.  I have sworn off pellets in
amounts over 1 oz.

> 
> on your 1/2 tube, you are using copper correct?  Would I just use a
> compression fitting x 1/2 mpt to mate with the coupling on the inside of the
> kettle?

With a welded keg yes, the compression x npt threads into the coupling
which is welded into the keg wall.

With a weldless keg, the 1/2"MNPTx1/2" Compression fitting is all
there is.. no coupling needed.  The compression part goes through the
hole in the keg, and an o-ring seals between the exterior wall of the
keg, and the hexagonal shoulder on the compression fitting.  Once you
attach the diptube, it tightens up the o-ring and seal, and walla, a
$2 weldless fitting.  They only disadvatage is you have to be careful
not to rotate the outlet valve, because it will also rotate the
diptube, which rotates the screen, which allows hops/grains to get
under your screen.

Good luck, if you need detailed instructions for weldless kettle
conversion, shoot me a private email

-Tom Meier