Buffalo 40l - adding new tap

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Iantheyounger

Buffalo 40l - adding new tap

Post by Iantheyounger » Wed Feb 17, 2016 2:38 pm

All

I bought some standard 15mm kit - ball valve tap, nipples and a Q-Max (20.4mm), with a view to adding a new tap on my new Buffalo 40l HLT.

However, the existing tap is in a larger "D" shaped hole than for previous models, resulting in a slightly leaky conversion!

Has anyone successfully changed this over? If so, what kit did you use?

My thought is probably just move up to 22mm kit and get a bigger Q-Max but would appreciate views.

Thanks

Ian

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Kev888
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Re: Buffalo 40l - adding new tap

Post by Kev888 » Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:04 pm

By how much is the hole too big? If its far too big then yes, going for a bigger size would be a neat option. But its also possible to get adaptors to step up or down between sizes so there would almost certainly be a way to fit the 15mm valve to a bigger hole. In fact the latter may be easier for some methods, since 22mm valves don't necessarily have BSP threads on their compression nuts.

Its a bit hard to advise exactly, since there are a number of ways people put taps/outlets through vessel walls and I'm not sure of your plan. Some photos or more detailed description may help us.

Cheers
kev
Kev

Fil
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Re: Buffalo 40l - adding new tap

Post by Fil » Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:15 pm

PTFE TAPE!!! wonderful stuff heat/food safe and you can wrap n wrap n wrap it round fittings to bulk them out to make anything seal.

wrapping a M20 washer needs a lil preperation transfering the tape onto a 'bobbin' that can pass through the eye of the washer, i use drinking straws, and a lecky screwdriver to wind the tape onto it, then snip the straw off either side of the tape. That done wrapping a washer is a doddle and after a few wraps round the tape cushions out nicely to form a soft seal surface..

be lavish with the tape its cheap @ 50p a roll
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
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Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

IronBlue

Re: Buffalo 40l - adding new tap

Post by IronBlue » Wed Feb 17, 2016 4:22 pm

I recently did this to my Buffalo boiler, but already had a 1/2" BSP (~21mm) ball valve kit from a previous HLT. I made the hole in the Buffalo round with a circular file and then it was the perfect fit for a 1/2" ball valve.

Sorry that doesn't help your 15mm issue. :oops: I've found 1/2" BSP to be pretty standard on brew kit, and for interfacing with triclamps and cam and groove connectors etc..

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