My original hop filter was a length of 15mm copper pipe with a series of 3mm holes drilled into it. The design seemed to be fine for my first 6 brews but on the 7th and 8th it kept getting blocked up by the hops, both brews consisted of a large number of Challenger hops and I believe the sheer amount of them caused a layer around the filter that became impenetrable.
The time came for a new filter.
The design is fairly simple and consists of a T piece of pipe surrounded by two pieces of 60 gauge woven stainless steel mesh.
Parts needed:
- 1 x 15mm quick solder equal T
- 1 x 15mm quick solder 90 bend
- 1 x length of 15mm pipe
- 2 x M14 washers
- 2 x A4 pieces of 60 gauge stainless steel mesh
Equipment needed:
- 1 x blowtorch
- 1 x pliers
- 3 x clips (clothes pegs will do)
Firstly I cut one of my pieces of mesh slightly smaller than the other. I then cut a small hole in the middle of the larger piece, small enough for the 15mm pipe to push through it.
I cut a small length of pipe and soldered this into the T piece, placed a washer on the pipe followed by the larger piece of mesh and the last washer. The 90 bend was soldered on to this smaller piece of pipe. The length that is attached to the boiler tap was then soldered on to the 90 bend.
The smaller piece of mesh was attached to the larger piece with some clips and then the overlapping edge bent over the smaller edge. The was done all the way around and when necessary the clips were removed. The wedge as then folded over again for good measure and crimped flat as could be with a pair of pliers.
The mesh should be enough to stop the hop leaves and also any pieces of hop pellet form slipping through.
I tested this on my 9th brew and I must say that after I recirculated the wort post boil for 30 minutes I was able to drain the boiler into the fermenter with my pump on full power. The closer fit to the bottom of the boiler left far less liquid in the dead space. I collected this and squeezed the hops dry and was able to collect 1L of dead space liquid, previously this amount was nearer 3.5L. I am most impressed.