Using a Plate Chiller.

[Buster]

Am I right in thinking that a Plate Chiller is best used un the Vertical position with the wort going in at the bottom and out from the top and on the other side, water in the top and out the bottom.

[Aleman]

That is the way I use mine.

Initially I run water from bottom to top to drive out any air bubbles, then switch the chiller round and run the wort in from the bottom., once the air is out I start chillin'

[Buster]

That is the way I use mine.

Initially I run water from bottom to top to drive out any air bubbles, then switch the chiller round and run the wort in from the bottom., once the air is out I start chillin'

You mean like this ??

[Aleman]

Thats it . . . Fill it with water the other way round initially as it's easier to get all the air out, then invert it and do the same for wort

[Buster]

Would it be possible to leave the wort side permanently connected during recycling the mash through the pump or would that throw the PID way out having to compensate for the temp drop going through the plate chiller or once the pid has reached its temp just allow for the difference if you get my drift. ??

[edonald774]

I use mine horizontally, that was how it was drawn on the instructions tons so I've never questioned it.

[bobsbeer]

Would it be possible to leave the wort side permanently connected during recycling the mash through the pump or would that throw the PID way out having to compensate for the temp drop going through the plate chiller or once the pid has reached its temp just allow for the difference if you get my drift. ??

Why would you want to circulate your mash through a chiller? I only use mine after the boil.

[Buster]

Would it be possible to leave the wort side permanently connected during recycling the mash through the pump or would that throw the PID way out having to compensate for the temp drop going through the plate chiller or once the pid has reached its temp just allow for the difference if you get my drift. ??

Why would you want to circulate your mash through a chiller? I only use mine after the boil.

You are misunderstanding what I mean .......I am building an all-in-one vessel from a Buffalo 40 ltr boiler, which has an internal grain basket and bag and has a built in pump that recirculates the mash. As this pump has its own feed on the othe side of the boiler (independant from the output tap on the front), my idea was to incorporate a plate chiller inline permanently but only connect and run the cold water when the boil has finished (so its only hot wort going through it during the mash recycle). I am trying to keep it all in one if possible.

[bobsbeer]

Ahh got you. My only concern would be the muck building up in the chiller due to the extra use. Buggers to clean unless yours comes apart.

[Buster]

Ahh got you. My only concern would be the muck building up in the chiller due to the extra use. Buggers to clean unless yours comes apart.

I dont think it does Bob, its brazed Copper and Stainless 125kw one. Originally from Mr Lard I believe.

[bobsbeer]

Mines like that. Not something I plan to do every time, but I guess a very hot oven will be the answer, to cremate any muck then a good wash out with caustic.

[Buster]

Mines like that. Not something I plan to do every time, but I guess a very hot oven will be the answer, to cremate any muck then a good wash out with caustic.

Beer Line cleaner is very good Bob, especially the non Chlorine type, I use Prosan + at the minute followed by a good recircle of hot water.