
Adding a Tri-clamp Fitting to a Homebrew Keg Lid!
This article is by Homebrew Finds Reader Kris G. Thank you Kris for your creativity and hard work!
Editors Note: This is an advanced project that requires additional tools, skill and materials. This post outlines the process that Kris took to modify his keg lid with a weldless tri-clamp bulkhead. Product specifications can change over time, double check to make sure that current specifications match your needs.
Adding a Tri-clamp Fitting to a Homebrew Keg Lid
Carboys, conicals, buckets, kegs, etc. There is an ever-growing number of options for fermentation vessels. I recently moved away from carboys to experiment with pressurized fermentation. I didn’t feel like buying anything new, so why not repurpose a corny keg for fermentation? This past year I “right-sized” my batches down to 2.5-3 gallons making a corny the perfect size for fermenting. With a couple modifications (shortened dip tube, hop screen, etc), I had an old 5 gallon corny now as a dedicated fermenter. An added bonus was that it fit perfectly in my temp-controlled chest freezer.
Fermenting in a Keg Using TC Equipped Lid
Related: Fermenting Under Pressure
I started seeing some other homebrew fermenters with tri-clamp connections on top. Blogs all around showed them used with blowoff tubes, thermowells, carbonation stones, CIP spray balls, etc. It seemed like a great universal connection with a ton of uses. Most importantly to me, I wanted the tri-clamp connection to build an oxygen-free dry hop dropper (that build is an article for another day).
TC Equipped Lid with Butterfly Valve – Also: Color Coded Keg O-Rings
Read on to see my trials and tribulations while adding a TC bulkhead to my corny lid.
Build note: This is a weldless build. If you’ve got the ability/skill/tools to weld stainless, go for it!
Safety Note: Ensure that you are using all tools properly and wearing all the proper PPE. You will be drilling/cutting metal which is both sharp and hot.
PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN FOLLOWING THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
HBF is not responsible for your irresponsibility. At time of this writing, I am fully up to date with my tetanus shot. That may or may not be related…
Supplies
- Cornelius keg lid with wideset bail (the lids that have the narrow straight bails don’t leave enough room)
- Weldless tri-clamp bulkhead
- 1-5/8” (41mm) Tungsten Carbide Hole Saw (or step bit)
Editors Note: Note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links. Double check sizes and features.