64 replies to this topic

[3rd party JKor]

Here's what the 'hook' looks like with the washer tacked on:

 

 

 

Here's the center port.  I used a 3/8" bulkhead fitting to a 1/2" female swagelok.  In the pic it has a ball lock gas post, but I can break it at the swage and replace the gas post with a blowoff tube fitting.

 

[BlKtRe]

That looks great. Wont take much pressure to move beer. All that can be removed for a airlock/blow off too?

 

And when the bucket wears out you still have the top part. 

[3rd party JKor]

I'll take more pics with the other configurations as i go.

 

I like that it will be re-usable over the course of time with different buckets.  Also, pretty much every bucket from 3.5-gallon up to 7-gallon has the same diameter lip molding, so I can use it with different bucket sizes as well.

[SchwanzBrewer]

Very cool!

[djinkc]

That looks pretty solid. It might not be a bad idea to put a PRV on it so something doesn't blow back in your face when you're pushing with CO2.

[3rd party JKor]

That looks pretty solid. It might not be a bad idea to put a PRV on it so something doesn't blow back in your face when you're pushing with CO2.

Yes, i'm going to rig up a basic prv. Something weighted that i'll be able to fine tune with washers, or the like. Unfortunately the most likely failure point is the bottom seam and that would be a really sucky experience. I'm sure i'll eventually connect the gas when the reg is still set to 12 psi. I need protection from myself.

[MyaCullen]

Yes, i'm going to rig up a basic prv. Something weighted that i'll be able to fine tune with washers, or the like. Unfortunately the most likely failure point is the bottom seam and that would be a really sucky experience. I'm sure i'll eventually connect the gas when the reg is still set to 12 psi. I need protection from myself.

you could go as simple as a 5 psi pressure cooker weight and vent

[bigdaddyale]

put compression springs on the lock down bolts

[MyaCullen]

btw, how many fitting did it take to adapt that QD?  6?

 

 

don't you hate that?

[3rd party JKor]

btw, how many fitting did it take to adapt that QD?  6?

 

 

don't you hate that?

 

 

I did it with stuff I had on hand, but you can't really do much better.  It's 5 fittings, but if I want it to be able to be disconnected easily there has to be 5, unless I made custom fittings.

 

1. Bulkhead

2. NPT to swage

3. Swage to NPT

4. NPT to post  (19/32-18)

5. BL post 

 

The only way to reduce one fitting would be to find some kind of quick disconnect to 19/32-18 adapter, which I'm sure isn't available. 

[3rd party JKor]

I may replace the Swagelok fitting with stainless camlocks in future iterations.

[3rd party JKor]

Here's the center port with the blowoff tube attachment installed (QD fitting laying next to it).  I'll attach a 1/2" or 5/8" ID hose to the barb.

 

Update for tonight.  Drilled and tapped the 1/4" NPT holes for the liquid out and thermocouple probe.  I ordered these fittings to thread into the lid.  One will hold a 1/4" thermo probe, the other will hold the 1/4" stainless diptube.  On the top of the dip tube, this fitting will adapt the dip tube to the liquid QD post.

 

 

I just threaded the BL post into the 1/4" ports for the pic, that won't be how the fittings will be set up.

 

 

put compression springs on the lock down bolts

 

 

Any reason you're thinking that?

[bigdaddyale]

Here's the center port with the blowoff tube attachment installed (QD fitting laying next to it).  I'll attach a 1/2" or 5/8" ID hose to the barb.

 

Update for tonight.  Drilled and tapped the 1/4" NPT holes for the liquid out and thermocouple probe.  I ordered these fittings to thread into the lid.  One will hold a 1/4" thermo probe, the other will hold the 1/4" stainless diptube.  On the top of the dip tube, this fitting will adapt the dip tube to the liquid QD post.

 

 

I just threaded the BL post into the 1/4" ports for the pic, that won't be how the fittings will be set up.

 

 

 

 

Any reason you're thinking that?

You can adjust the tension on the springs to hold the lid down just tight enough to hold what ever psi you want.

[matt6150]

Looking sweet so far. So when does your Kickstarter begin?

[3rd party JKor]

You can adjust the tension on the springs to hold the lid down just tight enough to hold what ever psi you want.

 

 

Ah, I got ya.  i didn't catch that you were going to the pressure relief angle.  Good idea.

 

 

Looking sweet so far. So when does your Kickstarter begin?

 

 

Right?  There had to be at least 10 or 15 other people out there who want a $100 bucket lid.  

[positiveContact]

can you make one of those infomercial videos where you say, "does this ever happen to you??!!!" and then show all of the bad stuff that happens when you use a normal bucket lid?

[SchwanzBrewer]

Ah, I got ya.  i didn't catch that you were going to the pressure relief angle.  Good idea.

 

 

 

 

Right?  There had to be at least 10 or 15 other people out there who want a $100 bucket lid.  

 

Homebrewers, though thrifty will pay for something that works really well.

[matt6150]

Ah, I got ya. i didn't catch that you were going to the pressure relief angle. Good idea.




Right? There had to be at least 10 or 15 other people out there who want a $100 bucket lid.

I have a buddy that would probably one or two.

[ChefLamont]

Looking sweet so far. So when does your Kickstarter begin?

 

 

Homebrewers, though thrifty will pay for something that works really well.

 

 

These.  I think with some more work and creativity, you can probably get the cost down.  You could add a racking port for a racking cane.  Make a thin O2 stone that goes in and can oxygenate when you are 12 hours in, but you dont want to take the lid off and risk it.  Stuff like that.

 

The advantage is you can replace the bucket if it gets damaged or stained and you are out ~10 bucks.  Works on large and small buckets since the openeing is the same size. etc etc.

 

I think you have a good thing here.  Remember us little people when the tophat and monicle come.

[3rd party JKor]

Oh, good lord.  The thought of trying to make money selling niche market products to a bunch of tightwads gives me heartburn.  

 

That being said, I have a list of about 30 homebrew related products that I've developed or conceptualized.  So...