# Plate Chiller **URL:** \ **Category:** Systems, Gear, & DIY\ **Created:** [September 13, 2015, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032 "2015-09-13T23:42:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Indy574](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/indy574/32/9436_2.png) [@Indy574](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/Indy574)\ **Post date:** [September 13, 2015, 11:42pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/1 "2015-09-13T23:42:25Z")
I was thinking of getting a plate chiller to help reduce my time chilling to pitching temperature.  I spent nearly 40 minutes just to get to 78F with 71F tap water.  I would be using gravity to feed  the chiller to start with then possibly in the future moving to a pump as funds permit. I currently use a 25ft copper immersion chiller.  Is it worth the cost to save on water and time? ---
**Author:** ![hopfenundmalz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/hopfenundmalz/32/11193_2.png) [@hopfenundmalz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/hopfenundmalz)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 1:22am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/2 "2015-09-14T01:22:42Z")
You are at the mercy of the water temperature. It will go faster with colder water. What you can do to help is to get a bigger immersion chiller (50 ft. of 1/2 inch), or the plate chiller. Surface are is an important part of the equation. Plate chillers have very large areas, and are counter flow by design. Do you stir the wort while chilling? That will increase the heat transfer to the wort. I hope you are running the water fast enough to get turbulent flow \>1 liter/minute. ---
**Author:** ![kbenton00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/d78d45/32.png) [@kbenton00](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/kbenton00)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 3:06pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/3 "2015-09-14T15:06:27Z")
I use the immersion chiller with a pump and a ice chest full of ice water.  It costs extra for the ice but at least I’m not dumping water straight down the drain (a consideration for those of us in California).  On my last batch I got the wort down to 80 in about 7 mimutes. ---
**Author:** ![Indy574](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/indy574/32/9436_2.png) [@Indy574](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/Indy574)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2015, 11:56pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/4 "2015-09-14T23:56:18Z")
> [@hopfenundmalz](#): > > You are at the mercy of the water temperature. It will go faster with colder water. > > What you can do to help is to get a bigger immersion chiller (50 ft. of 1/2 inch), or the plate chiller. Surface are is an important part of the equation. Plate chillers have very large areas, and are counter flow by design. > > Do you stir the wort while chilling? That will increase the heat transfer to the wort. I hope you are running the water fast enough to get turbulent flow \>1 liter/minute. Yes I stir while I chill and flow is good. I may give a plate chiller a try. ---
**Author:** ![hopfenundmalz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/hopfenundmalz/32/11193_2.png) [@hopfenundmalz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/hopfenundmalz)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 12:24am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/5 "2015-09-15T00:24:35Z")
> [@Indy574](#): > > > [@hopfenundmalz](#): > > > > You are at the mercy of the water temperature. It will go faster with colder water. > > > > What you can do to help is to get a bigger immersion chiller (50 ft. of 1/2 inch), or the plate chiller. Surface are is an important part of the equation. Plate chillers have very large areas, and are counter flow by design. > > > > Do you stir the wort while chilling? That will increase the heat transfer to the wort. I hope you are running the water fast enough to get turbulent flow \>1 liter/minute. > > Yes I stir while I chill and flow is good. I may give a plate chiller a try. Surface area is where plate chillers excel. So if you want to go that way, do it. ---
**Author:** ![brulosopher](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/brulosopher/32/12585_2.png) [@brulosopher](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/brulosopher)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 4:27am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/6 "2015-09-15T04:27:15Z")
I went from IC to plate to CFC and finally back to IC. The key, as I later learned, is to run your source water at full blast and constantly move the IC around (or stir the wort). I go from boil to 6F above groundwater temp on a 5 gal batch in less than 5 minutes. ---
**Author:** ![hopfenundmalz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/hopfenundmalz/32/11193_2.png) [@hopfenundmalz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/hopfenundmalz)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 12:54pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/7 "2015-09-15T12:54:53Z")
> [@brulosopher](#): > > I went from IC to plate to CFC and finally back to IC. The key, as I later learned, is to run your source water at full blast and constantly move the IC around (or stir the wort). I go from boil to 6F above groundwater temp on a 5 gal batch in less than 5 minutes. This is true. Running full on will give you more delta T across the chiller length, and the water comes out cooler, but it is taking more heat energy out, think M-dot\*(Tout-Tin). The high Mass flow rate (M-dot) will carry the heat away. ---
**Author:** ![jonhughey\_att.net](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jonhughey_att.net/32/6277_2.png) [@jonhughey\_att.net](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jonhughey_att.net)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 1:01pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/8 "2015-09-15T13:01:09Z")
> [@brulosopher](#): > > I went from IC to plate to CFC and finally back to IC. The key, as I later learned, is to run your source water at full blast and constantly move the IC around (or stir the wort). I go from boil to 6F above groundwater temp on a 5 gal batch in less than 5 minutes. +2 ---
**Author:** ![pete\_baker](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/pete_baker/32/5190_2.png) [@pete\_baker](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/pete_baker)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 2:08pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/9 "2015-09-15T14:08:31Z")
I always recommend putting a chilling wand in the center of the IC coil and move the whole deal around a lot. I chill to 70’s in about 10 minutes. YMMV, my water only gets up to 64 in the summer and my coil is 50’ but it will definitely help and cheap. A chilling wand is made of food grade plastic and is used in the foodservice industry to cool food fast: > **[San Jamar RCU1282 Rapi-Kool® ; 4L (128 oz.) Rapid Cooling Paddle - 2/Pack](https://www.webstaurantstore.com/san-jamar-rcu1282-rapi-kool-128-oz-rapid-cooling-paddle-pack/712RCU1282.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&gclid=COPXs7ma-ccCFYGQHwodhtEBhg)** > > Quickly and easily cool foods from the "inside out" with this San Jamar RCU1282 Rapi-Kool® ; 4L (128 oz.) rapid cooling paddle This paddle is a HACCP essential component and is perfect for rapidly cooling soups and other foods that can't go into a... ---
**Author:** ![denny](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/denny/32/13092_2.png) [@denny](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/denny)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2015, 4:32pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/10 "2015-09-15T16:32:54Z")
> [@brulosopher](#): > > I went from IC to plate to CFC and finally back to IC. The key, as I later learned, is to run your source water at full blast and constantly move the IC around (or stir the wort). I go from boil to 6F above groundwater temp on a 5 gal batch in less than 5 minutes. Or use a pump to do recirculated chilling with an IC.  That kinda stirs it automatically. ---
**Author:** ![BairsBrewing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/53a042/32.png) [@BairsBrewing](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/BairsBrewing)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 5:46am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/11 "2015-09-16T05:46:48Z")
If you know about glycol, have the ability to rig up a condensing unit, you can chill your wort rapidly using a plate chiller with no water, just glycol. I haven’t done it yet but I may very soon just to prevent water waste. Its kinda like HVAC only using glycol not R22 ---
**Author:** ![brulosopher](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/brulosopher/32/12585_2.png) [@brulosopher](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/brulosopher)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 12:20pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/12 "2015-09-16T12:20:53Z")
> [@denny](#): > > > [@brulosopher](#): > > > > I went from IC to plate to CFC and finally back to IC. The key, as I later learned, is to run your source water at full blast and constantly move the IC around (or stir the wort). I go from boil to 6F above groundwater temp on a 5 gal batch in less than 5 minutes. > > Or use a pump to do recirculated chilling with an IC.  That kinda stirs it automatically. I did that for a bit, still didn’t like cleaning the pump… but when my arms stop working as well, that’s what I’ll do [emoji12] ---
**Author:** ![nicosan1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8797f3/32.png) [@nicosan1](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/nicosan1)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 6:25pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/13 "2015-09-16T18:25:12Z")
Okay this is very helpful, mainly I just need to change around my method of using my IC to better chill wort faster and then maybe make up the last few degrees in my keezer. My faucet moving at full blast does decently to get water in the IC.  I may look into a pump though soon as another option as well, maybe to recirculate.  Thank you all ---
**Author:** ![Indy574](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/indy574/32/9436_2.png) [@Indy574](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/Indy574)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2015, 9:35pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/14 "2015-09-16T21:35:49Z")
Another option would to use a pump with a bath of ice water once the tap water starts to plato. ---
**Author:** ![pgowan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3bc359/32.png) [@pgowan](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/pgowan)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2015, 7:51pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/15 "2015-09-23T19:51:13Z")
> [@hopfenundmalz](#): > > This is true. Running full on will give you more delta T across the chiller length, and the water comes out cooler, but it is taking more heat energy out, think M-dot\*(Tout-Tin). The high Mass flow rate (M-dot) will carry the heat away. Shut up, Dr. Kallio, I already passed your thermodynamics class!!! Sorry…PTSD flashback. Anyway, good to know.  I heard somewhere to run the water through the IC slowly.  Next time I brew it is full blast. ---
**Author:** ![skatz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/skatz/32/6982_2.png) [@skatz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/skatz)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2015, 7:55pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/16 "2015-09-23T19:55:57Z")
I think Marshall should run an test on fast versus slow. Compare time to gallons of water used. I’m sure slow isn’t heat sink efficient and full bore isn’t water efficient. There must be a point where the lines cross. ---
**Author:** ![tonyccopeland](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/tonyccopeland/32/6808_2.png) [@tonyccopeland](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tonyccopeland)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2015, 8:48pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/17 "2015-09-23T20:48:20Z")
I experimented when I brewed last week.  I know this is all qualitative…, in previous batches my 20ft  3/8 in. IC at a slow flow rate for a 5 gal batch would cool from boiling to 100 in 45 minutes using 10 gal of water.  I increased the flow to use just over 15 gal and it decreased the cooling time to around 15 minutes.  I move the IC up and down constantly while running the water.  Looks like my garden gets a little extra water on brew days.  I am still planning to get a hydra IC sometime this winter… So I can brew  and cool larger batches. -Tony ---
**Author:** ![hopfenundmalz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/hopfenundmalz/32/11193_2.png) [@hopfenundmalz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/hopfenundmalz)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2015, 9:30pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/plate-chiller/21032/18 "2015-09-23T21:30:32Z")
> [@](#): > > > [@hopfenundmalz](#): > > > > This is true. Running full on will give you more delta T across the chiller length, and the water comes out cooler, but it is taking more heat energy out, think M-dot\*(Tout-Tin). The high Mass flow rate (M-dot) will carry the heat away. > > Shut up, Dr. Kallio, I already passed your thermodynamics class!!! > > Sorry…PTSD flashback. > > Anyway, good to know.  I heard somewhere to run the water through the IC slowly.  Next time I brew it is full blast. I learned that in the Heat Transfer class. My Thermodynamics Prof. was Charles Brown, AKA. Charlie Brown to all of the Engineering students.