Epic 2 in 1 - 14 gallon fermentor/still idea! 3" TC (Group project?)

[Clear_Heads]

Hey everyone! I really appreciate all the information I've gotten from this site and really like the community vibes! I'm into building/modifying things to make them more usable and I've recently thought of this idea for my 14 gallon ss brew tech bucket! Thinking It would be a pretty good idea/ addition to the fourm so i wanted to sheare. Haven't found alot of others actually doing the same thing so I wanted to start it off here. These are my thoughts so far, I would appreciate help/links if you guys have ideas I'd love to hear them!

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For an element that's screw in- with a conical design (this was the closest I could find for reference- im thinking I can mold it once it's warm to get good surface area around the conical portion) but I need help finding one like this!

Screenshot_20250619_152307_DuckDuckGo.jpg

These are the parts I've found so far, any help is appreciated!

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think this is gonna turn out pretty sweet(I know I'll have to lengthen the legs) Thanks for your time everyone

[Chauncey]

Is that element submersible?

[MooseMan]

If you don't want to make any permanent mods to the vessel, you should be able to get something to work I'm sure.
Not totally sure on that element, I think those are designed to be inside, with the "Prongs" going out through small, sealed holes?

Someone not too long ago, came up with a cool and clever workaround that fitted a tri clamp element inside a tee fitting that also incorporated their drain, not sure if anyone can remember?
Steve Broady?
Bradstrer?

[joschi]

Drain with T: viewtopic.php?t=93655

saved it on my PC

[Yummyrum]

Hi Clear heads
I’m a bit confused as to what you are going to do .
Is it to use the existing drain to fit the element or cut a hole above the drain to fit the element .
I’m not sure if that element shape is the best for the job .

I like the thinking Moose had (aka Steve broady cunning plan …….. thanks joshi for finding it ) of using a tee in the existing drain hole to double as an element and a drain port .

[Homebrewer11777]

When I first started thinking about building a still I spent some time considering adding a heating element to my 18 gallon spike conical fermenter (CF15). It has plenty of ports that would work fine for heating elements, 2" bottom drain, and 4" TC + 1.5" TC on top. Deal breaker issue was the lid seal. It is a specifically shaped EPDM gasket. Seemed like a no-no for a still and no PTFE replacement available from vendor. Maybe a cut your own option could work but in my experience fermenting (and pressure fermenting/carbonating) in the vessel, getting a good seal can be fussy...have to set the seal just right or it will not hold pressure. We don't pressurize stills so maybe it would be more forgiving but I never tried it as I found a good keg option to pursue.

I could not find the SS Brewtech 14 gallon brewbucket on thier site. Not sure how the lid seals on that unit so maybe you would be ok.

[Salt Must Flow]

The gasket for the lid is supposedly silicone says this page. Several other sources show them to be silicone as well.

[Homebrewer11777]

Yeah seems right. I'd not use that.

[shadylane]

Is that element submersible?

Looks like it's designed to heat water in a urn and appears to be two separate 1200w 240v heaters.
I think it would be excellent for a small keg or flat bottomed boiler but it ain't going to fit a conical fermenter without some serious bending.
I've been trying to find the items pictured on the internet but I haven't had any luck yet.

[Salt Must Flow]

I think I found the element on this page. Many other vendors sell it too. I found it immediately using Google Lens.

Found the element adapter too using Google Lens. Other vendors sell the same item too.

[shadylane]

I think I found the element on this page. Many other vendors sell it too. I found it immediately using Google Lens.

Found the element adapter too using Google Lens. Other vendors sell the same item too.

Google lens? Never heard of that. Guess I'm learning something new here once again.
Any amazon vendors? Just asken because I might get a heater for a future build.

[Salt Must Flow]

I think I found the element on this page. Many other vendors sell it too. I found it immediately using Google Lens.

Found the element adapter too using Google Lens. Other vendors sell the same item too.

Google lens? Never heard of that. Guess I'm learning something new here once again.
Any amazon vendors? Just asken because I might get a heater for a future build.

Yeah Google Lens is a really powerful search tool on your phone. Touch that image on Google's home page, you can take a photo of something you want to look up (or select a photo in your gallery) and it will instantly give you a list of web pages you can find it, buy it, etc...

Google Lens.jpg

I've taken a picture of one of the weirdest things that I've never seen before and Google Lens found it immediately. It turned out to be some kind of medical instrument. You can even take a picture or a screenshot of something that's on a computer screen and it will work. And believe it or not, this isn't even a new Google tool. It's well over a decade old tool.

[MooseMan]

Drain with T: viewtopic.php?t=93655

saved it on my PC

Nice one joschi!
It's a great solution he came up with.

[MooseMan]

I think I found the element on this page. Many other vendors sell it too. I found it immediately using Google Lens.

Found the element adapter too using Google Lens. Other vendors sell the same item too.

Google lens? Never heard of that. Guess I'm learning something new here once again.
Any amazon vendors? Just asken because I might get a heater for a future build.

Oh yeah shady your are really missing out if you've not used Google lens. The std Android camera app has it built in, not sure about apple.

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It's like having the encyclopedia of everything that exists, in your pocket!