Dip Tube to Thermowell?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
Page 1 of 2
  1. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I want to convert the liquid dip tube on one of my corny kegs into a thermowell, so that the keg can be used as a (temperature controlled) fermenter. Anyone have an idea about how to permanently seal the bottom of the dip tube in a food safe way? TIA!
     
    #1 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  2. fuzzbalz

    fuzzbalz Pundit (953) Apr 13, 2002 Georgia

    Not sure but I think the tube is about 1/4" od, possibly would a compression fitting and cap work?
    [​IMG]
    Not sure of the size of the dip tube though but it's SS and food safe.
     
    #2 fuzzbalz, Oct 22, 2014
  3. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I think it's more like 5/16" or even 11/32"
    Interesting idea, but I wonder how hard it would be to install the fitting, since it would be inside the keg. Thanks for the idea.
     
    #3 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  4. JohnSnowNW

    JohnSnowNW Initiate (0) Feb 6, 2013 Minnesota

    Could you maybe crimp the tube, and for added "protection" add food-grade silicone to seal?
     
    #4 JohnSnowNW, Oct 22, 2014
    inchrisin likes this.
  5. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    That should work fine (fuzzbalz's idea) if you feel the need for a thermowell in a metal container.

    Seems like if you take out the dip tube, put the appropriate size fitting on and reinstall it shouldn't be a problem (unless I'm missing something).
     
    #5 GreenKrusty101, Oct 22, 2014
  6. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    The fitting/cap would not fit down through the hole in the corny. It would have to be installed with the dip tube already in place.
     
    #6 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  7. fuzzbalz

    fuzzbalz Pundit (953) Apr 13, 2002 Georgia

    Yea, I see what your saying since the dip tube is flared on one in and you would have to have it IN the keg before you attach the compression fitting.
     
    #7 fuzzbalz, Oct 22, 2014
  8. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,647) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    You must have a thin probe, analog? My other thermowells are larger diameter than a dip tube, but those controllers are digital.
     
    #8 hopfenunmaltz, Oct 22, 2014
  9. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I just tested it on one of my Italian kegs. A Johnson A419 (digital) probe fits the dip tube with wiggle room to spare.
     
    #9 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  10. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    Dip tubes are just SS tubes....flare it after it is installed??? Maybe cut a little off and turn it upside down?
     
    #10 GreenKrusty101, Oct 22, 2014
  11. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Hmmm. That's a possibility. What tool would I need to do that?

    Not following this one though.
     
    #11 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  12. rocdoc1

    rocdoc1 Maven (1,265) Jan 13, 2006 New Mexico
    Society

    I just folded the end of the tube over about 3/8 inch, and pounded it with a hammer, folded it again and pounded it again. In 10 years it's never leaked a drop. I use a Ranco digital controller and the probe fits fine. In fact my Johnson Control analog controllers have larger diameter probes.
     
    #12 rocdoc1, Oct 22, 2014
  13. JohnSnowNW

    JohnSnowNW Initiate (0) Feb 6, 2013 Minnesota

    I suppose crimping would increase the diameter so that it wouldn't fit. But I still think silicone sealant is a viable option.

    http://www.sealantengineering.com/catalog/item/7123679/7905593.htm
     
    #13 JohnSnowNW, Oct 22, 2014
  14. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Interesting. Does it (in your application) still fit down through a corny liquid "post hole?"
     
    #14 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  15. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Thanks. Somehow I missed your first post. I just read the "Use Limitations"... sounds like it's not recommended for continuous immersion. I wonder about aquarium silicone though.
     
    #15 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
  16. JohnSnowNW

    JohnSnowNW Initiate (0) Feb 6, 2013 Minnesota

    I guess I missed that. The issue with the aquarium sealant is that it isn't rated for "prolonged" food contact.
     
    #16 JohnSnowNW, Oct 22, 2014
  17. GreenKrusty101

    GreenKrusty101 Initiate (0) Dec 4, 2008 Nevada

    Flaring tool... any hardware store... upside down if you are not using the compression fitting (sealant)...and cut to allow room for compression fitting plug.
     
    #17 GreenKrusty101, Oct 22, 2014
    hopsandmalt likes this.
  18. utahbeerdude

    utahbeerdude Maven (1,374) May 2, 2006 Utah

    Silver solder.

    Edit: or epoxy.
     
    #18 utahbeerdude, Oct 22, 2014
  19. hopfenunmaltz

    hopfenunmaltz Pooh-Bah (2,647) Jun 8, 2005 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    I do not have an Italian keg. That is a nice "feature".
     
    #19 hopfenunmaltz, Oct 22, 2014
  20. VikeMan

    VikeMan Grand Pooh-Bah (3,067) Jul 12, 2009 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    Thanks. If I understand you, you're saying cut the keg to allow the plug through? If so, that sort of defeats the purpose of using the post hole, because the dip tube flare, o-ring, post combination provides the seal between the keg and the dip tube. If that's not what you're saying, can you lay out step by step what you mean?
     
    #20 VikeMan, Oct 22, 2014
Page 1 of 2
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.