Sight window and access to clean

Boiler, burner and boiler modification talk.

Sight window and access to clean

Postby Dezza » Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:21 am

I have a keg and would like to add a window for cleaning and viewing.
What is the most effective and cheapest way?
Also how do you cut a hole that size in you keg?
Thanks for any help!
Dezza
 
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equipment: Reflux Still with adapter for Pot Still using 50 lt keg

Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby bt1 » Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:48 am

Hello Dezza,

If it's less hassles and cost then you could simply cut out the keg 2" standard neck and replace with a welded in 4" SS ferule so still has a 4" neck. This is what I use as see no point in a view window cos you see stuff all once it's fogged up and boiling. This enables good cleaning access

Some folk have two 4' ports use second for view/fill and cleaning....up to you effort/costs? Plenty of boilers to look at in the boilers section to get an idea.

How do you cut it/ well I used a Dremel clone from Bunnos and genuine Dremel thin cut disks = simple cost effective fast. An angle grinder is way over kill and is more hassle to get a clean precise circle neck cut.
Other issues you may want to consider for your new boiler;
a thermometer tube = tells when she's ready...handy for managing your time
A drain port - saves syphoning off hot liquids ...dangerous practice this

Check out the boilers section...plenty of inspiration in there.

bt1
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Sam. » Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:05 am

A sight glass on your boiler is quite handy in preventing wash puking through your still :handgestures-thumbupleft:

You would want at least a 4 inch like BT1 said so you can get your hand and forearm in :handgestures-thumbupleft:
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Urrazeb » Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:06 am

I whacked a sight glass in for my rum runs over the weekend and could see when it was foaming up and watched the whole boil. Just like the sight glasses in a column they stay clear due to the alcohol, when the alcohol is mostly extracted only then does it start to become foggy, this is the first sign of the onset of tails.

This pic is the kegs viewport at the beginning of the run.
tmp_kegview1500087326.jpg


I found it very useful, especially for rum as i ran my first batches through the bubbler.

I'll go snap some pics on what I done with my viewport soon :handgestures-thumbupleft:

Edit; same time as s&l
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby 1 2many » Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:12 am

Hi Dezza since you are already running a refux still that already connects to you kegs two inch ferule I would recomend
putting a 3 or 4 inch sight glass found here.

http://www.5stardistilling.net/4-ssg/
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Urrazeb » Sun Jun 01, 2014 11:19 am

The glass is quite thin, and care must be taken when tightening the clamp. But it depresses the seal and you can see it seal up :handgestures-thumbupleft:
tmp_glass-1464908990.jpg


This is the whole assembly
tmp_viewport-1443384131.jpg


And you can see here the seal is flat on one side to seat with the glass flush
tmp_img20140601_0914442037911647.jpg


As for cutting... take it to a welder lol my guy done a awesome job :handgestures-thumbupleft:
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Dezza » Sun Jun 01, 2014 5:03 pm

Thanks all will consider buying the 5star one.
price is good.
can someone tell me where they are based.
I live in the South Eastern suburb of Melbourne and would need someone to weld it for me.
any suggestion ?
Dezza
 
Posts: 69
Joined: Sun May 25, 2014 8:32 pm
equipment: Reflux Still with adapter for Pot Still using 50 lt keg

Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby 1 2many » Sun Jun 01, 2014 5:08 pm

Dezza wrote:Thanks all will consider buying the 5star one.
price is good.
can someone tell me where they are based.
I live in the South Eastern suburb of Melbourne and would need someone to weld it for me.
any suggestion ?


Just order from the 5 Star site mate yellow button top left and it will come to your door, as for the welding that is something that you will need to source on your own.
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Dezza » Sun Jun 01, 2014 5:45 pm

1 2many wrote:
Dezza wrote:Thanks all will consider buying the 5star one.
price is good.
can someone tell me where they are based.
I live in the South Eastern suburb of Melbourne and would need someone to weld it for me.
any suggestion ?


Just order from the 5 Star site mate yellow button top left and it will come to your door, as for the welding that is something that you will need to source on your own.


Too easy just ordered and hope to see it soon.
Now i need to cut hole and find a welder to make it complete.
thanks all,
will put a photo up when finished.
Where do you think the best place to put it is, top or the side ?
Dezza
 
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Joined: Sun May 25, 2014 8:32 pm
equipment: Reflux Still with adapter for Pot Still using 50 lt keg

Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby 1 2many » Sun Jun 01, 2014 5:51 pm

Put it on top mate have a look at this great example

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=6139
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Dezza » Sun Jun 01, 2014 6:03 pm

1 2many wrote:Put it on top mate have a look at this great example

viewtopic.php?f=49&t=6139


Wow i was just looking at that and then noticed your post.
Looks awesome, can only hope mine will look halve as good as that and i would be impressed.
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Joined: Sun May 25, 2014 8:32 pm
equipment: Reflux Still with adapter for Pot Still using 50 lt keg

Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby MacStill » Sun Jun 01, 2014 6:40 pm

Dezza wrote:
Too easy just ordered and hope to see it soon.


Should only be a few days at most mate, you selected the express option :dance: although it's a public holiday here tomorrow :teasing-neener:
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Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby Dezza » Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:48 pm

MacStill wrote:
Dezza wrote:
Too easy just ordered and hope to see it soon.


Should only be a few days at most mate, you selected the express option :dance: although it's a public holiday here tomorrow :teasing-neener:


Where are you based?
Dezza
 
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equipment: Reflux Still with adapter for Pot Still using 50 lt keg

Re: Sight window and access to clean

Postby MacStill » Sun Jun 01, 2014 9:56 pm

a remote call centre in India :laughing-rolling:
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