Plate Chiller Tips and Tricks

[TheeMattSmith]

I'm going to use my new plate chiller for the first time tomorrow and was looking for some advice before I learn the hard way.

I'm brewing an IPA with Pellet hops only, I am doing a 25 minute whirlpool, then I will be pumping through my chiller. I'm not planning on using any hopsacks. Does anyone see any issue with this plan? Do you think the whirlpool will be enough to keep hop bits out of the chiller?

Thanks

[Vengeful Odin]

I use a plate chiller without a pump. I think you should be fine. I use a back flush assembly when I'm done to make sure that there isn't any stuff left in the chiller. You could also soak it in OxyClean when you are done.

[codewritinfool]

Do you think the whirlpool will be enough to keep hop bits out of the chiller?

In my experience, no. I could just be too stupid to figure it out, though, so that's my 2 cents. Just make sure you flush it both directions repeatedly after you're done.

[Bokonon]

Definitely setup and stick to a good cleaning plan. I immediately back flush with hot water, then once kettle is empty recirculate PBW for 15-30 min. Every 2-4 uses I will recirc acid #5.

Once or twice a year I will bake in oven for an hour or two and charred chunks always come out. I always use heat to sanitize before using since I know the chemicals can't completely sanitize it. I'll pump boiling water through or record wort through. Though if there are lots of hops or spices I go boiling water since I don't want to plug it up

[Stinkfist]

I never understood how you can whirlpool with a plate chiller. Unless you wait like 45-60 mins for the wort to cool down. When it is still warm there is too much convection in the pot and the hop particles just move around all over the place...

[Bad Goat Brewing]

I think you'd get some build it in the plates. I don't think it would be an immediate problem, but over time it could be.

I Put my hops in a stainless mesh basket and then I use a 5 micron strainer before the chiller. I still see some cold break in my chiller when i backflush. And by the way, I love the my plate chiller. One pass and I can be at lager pitching temps. Its way faster than my immersion chiller ever was, even using the jamil chilling method.


https://www.brewershardware.com/FILTER1.html

[NervousDad]

I always leave my plate chiller in the oven. Anytime I bake something it goes in with it. Along with a back flush after brewing it's been great.

I've had two instances that clogged it, but after getting my pump it's been great. My last batch had 18 ounces of hops and it was prefect.

[Kbar]

I have Quick Disconnects on my wort in/out ports. This allows me to flush the CFC with municipal pressurized water. Hit in and out, both directions, with 90psi flushes. I do also perform boils of the CFC and oven bakes sometimes, but simply boiling it 1-2 times per year really helps. I have had problems with clogging when not using a screen on the kettle.