Keg fabrication work

[Feilx]

Ok first keg still underway,30lt tall slim type,cost a pretty penny to get to uk my plan is to fit 2x ulwd elements triclamp ferrules and 4" ferrule for the tower,I'm looking for a top notch job So who do I approach to do the job,or can any welder do this for me.

[Anavrin]

Hi Felix

You don't need two elements in a 30 litre keg, I have a 50 litre keg boiler and I only need one 3.5kw element, it can bring a 40 litre wash to boil in 45 mins.

Also 4" column connection is probably too big also, if it's 30 capacity you probably won't fill it more that 20-25 litres, with low wines at 30% you will have 6-7.5 litres of alcohol in there, a 2"'column would be perfectly sized, at 1.5 litres an hour your looking at a 4-5 hour spirit run, plus heat up time, which is not unreasonable, I would suggest if your keg has a standard fitting, then a 2" tri-clamp will connect directly to it.

If you want a bigger column, just get a tri-clamp adapter from 2"-4"

I took my keg to a local place near me to have a 4" ferrule connection welded in for the column and one 2" triclamp ferrule in the side for the heating element, have a look around your local industrial estate, there's bound to be a company that has a fabrication workshop who could do the work, I supplied the keg and ferrules and it cost about £20 to get them welded on.

You may also want a bottom drain, this you can fit yourself, if you search boat deck skin fittings, you'll find fittings you can install in the bottom that you can connect a drain pipe and tap to.

[Feilx]

Thanks buddy, I already have a 4" ferrule here and a 4" pipe section which I was thinking could be a packed section with two perforated stainless discs before the bubble tower if I need to, keg conection is sanky type 2" so rather than use a reducer I thought just go with 4" from the start?,
Or would I be better with going the way you said?,
Elements side I'm limited to size a 9" ulwd will just fit this keg but it will only give me 2500w, would I be wise to just add the extra and run the two for run up and control one element for take off ?,drain i will get welder to fit may aswell go the full way welded,I wanted the 30lt keg as I thought it would be just a nice size for one ferment bucket run tge 50 looked a tad big for my needs at the moment and i can also store easy im a large asda tote with wheels.

Thanks

[Feilx]

I decided just to get a 2"-4" reducer and use
The existing keg connection,I've also found a welder to undertake the work so hopefully tomorrow get the keg booked it to get adapted still considering a drain tho with the keg being easy enough to lift and drain after a run but i suppose that it's a should have done it while i had the chance moment lol.

[Easydrinker]

You may hate me for this.
From my experiences with a Keg still over 25 years ago, the cleaning of them can be a bitch.
If you can, incorporate a cleaning port, that you can get your hand in with a scrubbie.
It will cost more, but save you a heap of work.

Robert.

[packapoo]

Have to agree here, Robert. Absolutely.

[Feilx]

Right just need to get the holes cut, decided
To use the existing connection and fit 4" clean port center of keg

[Easydrinker]

I think that is a wise move that you will not regret.

Robert.