Converting a blue barrel to a HLT/copper

[greenxpaddy]

Been trying to find a conversion post without success. What tap would you recommend installing to this.

[GrowlingDogBeer]

I would use a 15mm ball valve and tank connector the same as is done on any plastic bucket boiler.

[greenxpaddy]

Cheers.

Some have raised concerns about the softening of HDPE at 100C. Consequently I am prepared to make a softwood square brace for the tub to stop it ovalling. Has anyone else tried this?

[Cazamodo]

Havent got one myself, but that sounds like a great idea. I cant see it going any harm, and may well save you having a barrel of hot water/wort spill everywhere.

[greenxpaddy]

I know - 100kgs of boiling water is a liability. Made me think of Mr Downey the poor guy who fell into the 1400C slag at the Welsh steel works. He was apparently very calm throughout. I think you know when screaming is pointless. Not taking any chances with this.

[Kev888]

Yes some external support could well help peace of mind, sort of like what they do with IBC tanks - through you'll need to devise a way that doesn't accidentally cause extra stress or point loading in other places of course. The sagging that was reported seemed to be mainly around the shoulder of the base/wall area - i.e. the weight of the thing causing the footprint to spread once hot.

If its a decent bin with no defects, you'd probably be alright 'as is' for a HLT though; HDPE doesn't get 'much' softer by HLT type temperatures. Though that said, a HDPE conical tank I bought was specifically limited to 55c by the manufacturers, but rightly or wrongly I'm assuming thats because its a less robust shape to begin with.

Cheers
Kev

[greenxpaddy]

Its not got the biggest base either so I am deffo building a frame for it now

[Highlander]

What size do you plan to use?
I have been using 2 30L drums for the copper and HLT.

I use a 15mm tank fitting from B&Q. I bore it out to 15mm all the way though so I can pass the pipe straight though.
and a 15mm full bore ball valve from B&Q

I've never had a problem with the plastic getting flexible. I've moved it around by the handles a good few times and they are sturdy.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


Uploaded with ImageShack.us



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Higlander

[WishboneBrewery]

an idea for you, the bit that is going to deform most while boiling is going to be the base.
So why not build a wooden base support and fill it with Plaster of Paris or something so you settle the Blue Barrel down into the Plaster and let it set, this support the base and stop it flexing / cracking by keeping its original form intact (In Theory).

My HLT build http://pdtnc.wordpress.com/2010/05/05/m ... utney-hlt/ It never boils and only ever gets heated to 80-84c

[greenxpaddy]

That is a good idea, though I think I might prefer to clingwrap the base and use gap filler foam, it'd be lighter.

Edit: On second thoughts the plaster may be a tidier and sturdier finish.

Just ordered my three elements from backer . Now I need the longer than normal leads....ebay...

[greenxpaddy]

Here it is almost 130L. Sight glass fitted and tap. Just waiting for my all stainless hose clips to fit the hop filter and elements....

[Rick_UK]

Nice one Paddy, that's a monster!

Was thinking of upgrading my 5G plastic bucket boiler to a blue HDPE one. Floyd has one too and swears by it. Any idea where to get the buckets and what sizes they come in?

Cheers

Rick

[greenxpaddy]

This one was 20 something from Ampulla in Hyde - you can collect - check out their website

I'll be making a little support stand out of 3 x 2 so its raised from the MT

[greenxpaddy]

Here it is in its frame, designed to raise the boiler tap to a level higher than the Coleman cooler MT level and to support the bottom of the barrel from warping and to give more stability - the foot area of the barrel was unnervingly small.



Its seriously stable I have stood on it and jumped on it and I'm 14 stone.

[WishboneBrewery]

nice one, dig those fairy lights too!!