I just placed an order for SS Chugger pumps and was about to buy SS QD fittings for everything but read I should not restrict flow going into the pumps and apparently the ID on the 1/2" QDs are not actually 1/2" but then I saw Brew Hardware is coming out with 5/8" QDs w/ a 1/2" ID (!) but now i’m reading QDs should not be used post-boil as they are not sanitary? Is this true? Does anyone use them post-boil w/o issues? Do they just need to be more-or-less sterilized prior to use? I don’t want to use Camlocks and I’d rather use QDs than TriClamps unless you guys tell me otherwise. Thanks!
Technically, anything that’s threaded isn’t sanitary…
I use 1/2" ID quick disconnects, I’ve never had issues. Just make sure you clean them really well.
Why are you not considering camlocks? Just curious.
No real reason other than they seemed bulky when compared to ‘Ball Lock Style Quick Disconnects.’ If they are better/safer to use, maybe I’ll go that route, but if the QDs I’m looking at cab be just as ‘non-sanitary’ as threads, I’d prefer to use them and I’ll just sterilize prior to use. I’m guessing it’s not a bad idea to sterilize all threaded fittings prior to use?
If you are pumping boiling wort, you shouldn’t need to worry. Tri-clamp are certainly best option, but I don’t think the costs justify the benefit considering the costs of a tri clamp fitted kettle.
I like camlocks due to the price, options, and simplicity. Some argue that they require two hands, but I can attach them fine with one.
Why not just use these on 1/2" ID silicone tube on SS hose barbs? http://www.homebrewing.org/Easy-Turn-Hose-Clamp-34-Green_p_5516.html(It says fits 1/2" OD but that’s wrong) Simple and cheap. And hose & barb is easy to clean. Might take 15 seconds longer to set up or put away.
Then again, I didn’t realize how inexpensive cam locks are. http://www.proflow-dynamics.com/products/camlock-fittings-couplings/camlock-fittings/stainless-steel-camlock-fittings.html And they should be easy to keep sanitary.
Check bargainfittings.com as well. Prices are great.
I’ll put in my support for the camlocks. Easy to use and pretty inexpensive.
If you are concerned about being sanitary then you need to move to triclamps for every fitting and removing threaded fittings - which is extremely expensive. The highest risk places for contamination are post-chill. Beer spoiling yeast and bacteria don’t live in boiling wort.
FWIW, I went with the “ball lock style” disconnects because they can be removed with one hand-a hand that’s in a thick leather welding glove. I use welding gloves instead of potholders, and that particular style of QD is really easy to use with limited dexterity.
I’d never be able to work camlocks with those gloves, so with that in mind I could justify the higher cost of the ball lock type QDs.
YES
Threaded tri-clamp adapters drive me nuts.
QDs aren’t sanitary (technically speaking), but if you’re sanitizing with heat and thoroughly cleaning them, you should be okay. I wouldn’t give this advice to professional brewers, or any Food & Bev manufacturer, because the cleaning frequency wouldn’t be as rigorous in constant use.
I’ll also add my opinion about camlocks: they suck (at least for me). I hate mine, and I wish I would have sprung for stainless QDs.
Since we’re talking sanitary components: if you’re adding valves, go for the 3-piece stainless. If you can’t take them apart, they will collect crud.
I really don’t get it. I think a proper tri-clamp setup would be really nice to have, but just about everyone I’ve seen using them has threaded fittings somewhere in the system. It’s become brewing bling, with the true purpose of tri-clamps completely forgotten.
Clearly if the non-sanitary SS disconnects I use aren’t a problem tri-clamp with threads won’t be either…but if you’re going to pay out for tri-clamps why not use them properly? Otherwise just get camlocks or the other style QDs and spend the money you save on beer.
I prefer to sanitize my pump with heat anyway. Recirculate your hot wort for a few minutes, as part of the whirpool or just to get all your pipes cleaned. Also obviates the need for a sanitary ball valve on your kettle.
I’m with Narvin on this. Cam locks work great for me. Sometimes i have to put my beer down and use 2 hands, but I spend less time tinkering with my (RIMS) setup. I have a CFWC and all my hoses, fittings and the inner sanctum of my chiller get a healthy dose of 200+ degrees of hot wort when I whirlpool. Correct me if i am wrong but ask yourself this: if something is too hot to handle with bare hands, is it still cool enough to harbor bacteria?