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If you have an externally facing 1.5" TC port on your pot but nothing on the inside to connect to, this press fit unit is a no brainer for getting a diptube or whirlpool return installed. There are other methods on the market but they add bulk to the outside of the kettle by pushing the valve several inches away and require extra sets of clamps and gaskets.They're also twice the price.
The press fit diptube starts with a piston sized to fit inside the bore of a 1.5" TC port (approximately 1-3/8"). It has two oring grooves that contain silicone orings. When a thin coating of keg lube is applied to the orings, you can press the piston into the TC port on the inside of the pot and it will hold whatever position you leave it in. A 1" OD polished SS tube elbow is welded to the piston.
NOTE: The measurement shown in the picture is not correct! The horizontal reach of the tube is approximately 2" from the wall of the kettle to the center of the vertical tube and it drops down 2-3/4" from the center of the TC port. We cannot offer any customization on this unit other than maybe a little trimming on the open end. If you need something much different, we offer a fully custom version here:
When used as a diptube, if your TC port is a little too low, we can trim or notch the bottom. If you want to use it as a whirlpool return, simply turn it so the exit is horizontal and it will cause your wort or hot liquor to spin.
We've been upfront about our general distaste for loading up homebrew sized brewing vessels with TC ports due to their cost and lack of accessory flexibility, but we've finally been broken down. We get calls every day asking how to put a diptube on to the back side of a TC drain port. This was what we came up with. One of the benefits of this design is that it works with any length (depth) TC port and you have some freedom on how deep you insert the piston.
The additional pictures show the fit when inserted into a TC weld ferrule which is NOT included in this unit.
Replacement orings are the same as our thin heating element orings as seen in the accessories to the right.
Here's a nice shot of these units installed in the drain and whirlpool ports in a Spike 30 gallon PLUS kettle:
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