Maximize Plate Chiller

I’ve been using a 30 plate Duda Diesel plate chiller for about 2 years now and wanted to share a couple of tips I recently came across that have really helped me maximize my plate chiller.

• Make sure the wort chiller is “on its back” and has the fittings facing upwards. This allows for the wort and water to displace all of the air allowing for better contact with the channels and plates. I used to use it on it’s side so the hoses wouldn’t bend, but it’s exceptionally more efficient when used on it’s back.
• Increase pressure in the chiller by adding a valve on the “wort out” side of the chiller. This will help to ensure the wort is making complete contact with the plates. Relying on a valve on the pump out will not allow the wort to totally utilize the entire surface area of the chiller.

My solution to increase back pressure on the wort came out of stuff I had laying around. It also really makes filling carboys easy. I no longer have to worry about the breeze shifting and knocking my hose out of the carboy, dumping my wort all over the place.

Parts for this include:

• 1 male camlock disconnect that fits in to the tubing coming out of the plate chiller
• 1 90 degree stainless elbow
• 1 1/2″ stainless 3 piece sanitary valve – so it’s easy to take apart and clean
• 1 hose barb to keep liquid directed nicely