Hello

[BlueNova]

Hi everyone:
I'm also new here but have been reading a lot of the information this forum has to offer, I've seen where some people here are using the ss 15.5 kegs with the 2" column connected to the keg with the tri-clamps, others use the ss bowl clamped down on the keg with the column connected to the bowl, the ones with the bowl seem easyer to clean the inside but how do you clean the ones that don't use the bowl? Is there a special brush you use to scrub with? I'll be building one with the internal elect. heating elements, but I'm not sure if I should go with the tri-clamp or the bowl connection, is one better then the other? Thank you for your help.

[olddog]

Hi and welcome BlueNova, the kegs with a hole cut in the top are generally harder to seal, the tri-clamp method is a bit more straightforward. I use a keg with a tri-clamp and for cleaning I just hose it out, unless you are getting solids into your wash its not a problem. Also if you wish to exchange a potstill for a reflux still, its just a matter of changing the columns.

OD

[BlueNova]

Ok, very well olddog thank you.
Now are these tri-clamps pretty stable for a 4'~5' column? ie, would I need any further bracing for it ? and the clamp is made to connect to the flange that's already on the keg?

[kiwistiller]

very stable.

The clamps aren't exactly made to attach to the sankey kegs, but they fit alright. the biggest difference is that if you're using a tri clap gasket, you need to shave off a rim on the keg side of it. if you use something like the easy flange and cork / flour paste / whatever to seal it, then that won't be an issue.

[BlueNova]

So KiwiStiller, are you using the easy flange type set-up on your rig?

[kiwistiller]

nope I have a Tri-Clamp flange, the premade part. I can take some photos for you of how it goes together if you'd like? but probably not tonight as I left my phone at the office and my camera is elsewhere

[BlueNova]

Oh yeah I'd like to see just how you've set yours up. Thank you for the offer, I'll check back here later to see the pictures
when you have the time.

[kiwistiller]

hey, I grabbed someone elses camera, pm me your email address and I'll send you the pics.

[BlueNova]

Very well