Sight Gauge For Under $10!

[Scotty]

I have been building my 2nd AG brewery and so have learnt alot of lessons from the first time. For a long time i have thought about making a cheap sight gauge and have finally found a way of doing it simply and getting everything from your local bunnings!

Shopping list, You could go brass or ss, i went brass to keep costs down and it really doesnt matter too much.

- 15mm elbow
- 15mm male fitting
- 15mm washer
- Silicon washer
- Screw tightener thing
- 50cm 25mm internal diameter tube

Drill hole, bung it all together, and add 1L of water and mark level

 

[sstacey]

Hi Scotty,
The main issue I've had when thinking about making a sight gauge is the clear plastic pipe. What is the tube that you are using? Do you know how it will be affected by boiling hot liquid?

Please post a pic when you've made it.

 

[Scotty]

Will do, just waiting on my step drill bit to arrive in the mail. Its the same vinyl tube most use in their brewerys but a bigger diameter.

 

[lucas]

you'll want something at the top to hold it up I reckon. that vinyl tubing is reasonably stiff at room temps, but it gets very flimsy as it gets hot

 

[rwh]

Wouldn't you be better off using silicone tubing, or even glass if you can get it? Those will deal with the heat much better.

 

[chovain]

I'm pretty sure the clear PVC tubing that Bunnings sells is not food-grade. I used some for chilling beer, and while I didn't notice any off flavours and the beer didn't kill me, it really discoloured at near boiling temps. It went a milky off-white after a single use. I'd go with polycarbonate if I were you. It's strong, and has no problems with boiling liquids.

I don't think you can get it at bunnings, but a quick Google should get you a bunch of retailers.

 

[Cortez The Killer]

The tube is use for transferring liquids is bright green!

I suppose because i stick the end of it into the kettle during the boil to sanitise

Cheers

 

[Lukes]

Another vote to go the polycarbonate.
I got an offcut from a place down the road and it cost me next to nothing.
- Luke