Boiler filter problems

[NzDan1]

Hi All,

Ive been using SS pot scrubbers hose clipped to the inside of my boiler to filter out hop cones when transferring to fermentor, the first time it worked great, the last time it got clogged and I had to siphon the wort out and then the siphon hose got a cone stuck in it (dammit), so i cleaned the hose shoved it through another pot scrubber and threw it in the boiler, at last after 45 minutes i drained the boiler, this huha has got to stop.
My copper immersion chiller prevents me from building any bulky filter in the boiler, and i think the wort chiller last time must have pushed the scrubber downwards into the trub therefore clogging it.

Anyone got any bright ideas before I resort to scooping out the wort with a jug?

[Andy]

I use a rolled up stainless screen formed into a cigar shape with one end crimped closed and the other just shoved into the tap outlet hole. Not sure if I'd use it in conjunction with an immersion cooler though as it could become dislodged if given a hit.

DaaB's examples look much more sturdy and you can either make one yourself or buy a commercially available one.

[DRB]

Does the filter have to rest on the bottom of the bucket,o'r can it be raised off say about an inch,i've got a drum boiler tap which fitted about an inch from the bottom,just wondering if i could go straight out then put the elbow on the end to give it the support.

[PieOPah]

I use the hop strainer as seen in the first picture.

Although it is apparently designed for my boiler, it doesn't fit as snuggly as I would have first expected. saying that though, it still does the job and I have no complaints. While it does rest under the element and does touch it, it doesn't cause a problem.

An alternative option is to use hop bags which cost about 99p for 3. Another option is to use a grain bag (about £8 for 1) which is what I used to do. This way, your hops are free during the boil and you can then just lift the bag out before cooling.

[DRB]

Are those fittings okay to boil wort on .

[bod]

there is some concern over using brass fittings, but again its from the US brewers.
i've been using them for years, and havent had any issues what so ever, as have any other brewers it would seem..... so yes, you'd be safe using them for boiling wort on.

[NzDan1]

The copper tubes seem like a good way to go although resting on the bottom wouldnt they get clogged with all the trub and suck up a heap of protein?
Im going to have to make one but I will try and make it go sideways around the inside of the boiler to keep it at tap level and to keep it away from the immersion chiller.

[fizzypop boy]

i use the copper pipe method in my boiler and it comes straight out from the tap which leaves about a 3/8 gap below it and works perfectly.