How Do I Setup a Whirlpool on a BME Kettle?

We have designed the BME kettle to accept modular TC fittings to divert the flow of wort and create a uniform whirlpool and trub cone.

Equipment configurations can vary, so we will offer two examples of establishing a correct whirlpool recirculation loop.

In the first example, the recirculation loop will be left in place without a ball valve during the length of the boil, this setup is ideal for users with a dedicated brew kettle pump and wants to avoid tying up the use of the kettle’s main sight glass ball valve. A whirlpool tee fitting, TC thermometer, ½” ID silicone tubing, hose clamps, and ½” TC barb fitting will be required for the install to work correctly.

Begin by installing the optional whirlpool tee fitting at the thermometer port location, and then install the TC thermometer opposite the port location, so that the thermoprobe extends into the kettle. Then attach a length of ½” ID silicone tubing from the whirlpool tee fitting’s barb to the inlet of the pump. Lastly, run a length of ½” ID silicone tubing from the pump’s outlet to the ½” TC barb fitting and secure that to the kettle’s tangential inlet.

In the next example, the recirculation loop will utilize two valves to control the flow of hot wort from the kettle. This setup is ideal for users utilizing a single pump for their entire brewhouse. This setup also allows the user to install the recirculation loop temporarily post boil. A ½” 3-piece TC ball valve, ½” ID silicone tubing, hose clamps, and ½” barb fittings will be required for the install to work correctly.
Begin by running a length of ½” ID silicone tubing from the kettle’s primary ½” TC sight glass ball valve to the pump’s inlet. Then install the second ½” 3-piece TC ball valve at the tangential inlet location. Lastly, run another length of ½” silicone tubing from the outlet of the pump to the newly installed tangential inlet ball valve.

Once installed, both methods allow for the wort to be picked up from either the thermometer port or the main ball valve, and recirculate through the kettles integrated tangential whirlpool port.