Sparge Arm & HERMS

One of the goals of my new setup was to be able to heat my mash either by direct or indirect method in order to perform different mash steps. Since my setup is three keggles, it would be very easy to do a HERMS and would not require much more effort since I already have an immersion chiller which I made from 50' of 1/2" copper tubing and 1/2" MPT connections. I used MPT or FPT connections on every piece of equipment just in case I ever needed to swap a component out; makes life easier rather than trying to un-solder a component.

I had a piece of 1/2" copper tubing left over from making a whirlpool attachment so after a quick run to HomeDepot to purchase a T adapter and 1/2" FPT adapter. After a bit of bending, soldering and drilling:

I initially was going to let the sparge arm rest on the kegggle top but quickly found out that was going to be a pain in the arse and it wouldn't stay in place unless I used a clamp to hold it on securely. After looking around the shop a bit, I found a solution!

An old curtain rod hanger works perfect!

I only needed to drill one hole in the keg to support it. Placing the sparge arm in the hanger at the base of the T creates a snug fit.

The sparge arm is a little wider than the opening of the keg which helps hold the arm in place as well.

For the HERMS, now all I have to do it place my immersion chiller in my HLT and run a jumper hose from the immersion chiller outlet to the sparge arm. To make life a bit easier, I also replace the inlet on the immersion chiller with a camlock in order to make a connection to my chugger pump.