B3's Conical 2.0

[MuddyMikes]

B3 is going to give away a new version of their Conical (2.0). Have you had a chance to review the new design and if so, what are your thoughts?

[BrewBum]

Looks pretty solid to me. I like the fact they can retro fit old conicals with the new lids too, nice work there.

I haven't seen prices yet but I am sure they didn't go down in price so I am certain I will not own one any time soon.

[MuddyMikes]

Looks pretty solid to me. I like the fact they can retro fit old conicals with the new lids too, nice work there.

I haven't seen prices yet but I am sure they didn't go down in price so I am certain I will not own one any time soon.

LOL.... if anything I would expect the price to go up. I'm with you Nate. In order for me to get into a Conical it'll have to be through a lottery win.

[rplace]

I'm with you Nate. In order for me to get into a Conical it'll have to be through a lottery win.

Or brewers guild win

I am anxiously awaiting the upgrades. My gasket has broken after just 4 uses and the domed lid would be a huge bonus. 11.5-12 gallons in the 12.2 is a tight fit with lots lost to blowoff. I have been able to pressure x-fer in my old style B3. But keep it between 2-4 psi. The first gravity x-fer I did was not the best day...so I had to get creative.

[vjboxer]

I would like a closer look at the lid sealing and racking arms, if my evil plan goes well I will be able to get a conical to do 10 gal batches.

[rplace]

I would like a closer look at the lid sealing and racking arms, if my evil plan goes well I will be able to get a conical to do 10 gal batches.

I don't have any pix and can't take them because it is in use. However the seal is basically a big, round, floppy, soft-ish, o-ring with a slit in it. The edge of the conical is bent out at 90* from the sides forming a lip. The slit fits over the lip making a 1/2 circle bump sticking up. Think the capitor letter "D" rotated 90* to the left. The lid smashes down on the plump part of the rotated D squishing in and making the seal. Mine never leaks like others have said. It is just a PITA to get on and now that it is broken I have to buy another one. However, since it broke during cleaning and my batch was already mashing I used it. The two ends still butt up and not leaking yet so maybe no big deal.

As for the racking arm, nothing special. Just picture a tube in a tube with tri-clover fittings holding it together. Pretty standard racking arm I believe.

[mroakley]

Looks pretty solid to me. I like the fact they can retro fit old conicals with the new lids too, nice work there.

I haven't seen prices yet but I am sure they didn't go down in price so I am certain I will not own one any time soon.

Looks good to me as well. Wonder when they'll send me one?

[vjboxer]

I would like a closer look at the lid sealing and racking arms, if my evil plan goes well I will be able to get a conical to do 10 gal batches.

I don't have any pix and can't take them because it is in use. However the seal is basically a big, round, floppy, soft-ish, o-ring with a slit in it. The edge of the conical is bent out at 90* from the sides forming a lip. The slit fits over the lip making a 1/2 circle bump sticking up. Think the capitor letter "D" rotated 90* to the left. The lid smashes down on the plump part of the rotated D squishing in and making the seal. Mine never leaks like others have said. It is just a PITA to get on and now that it is broken I have to buy another one. However, since it broke during cleaning and my batch was already mashing I used it. The two ends still butt up and not leaking yet so maybe no big deal.

As for the racking arm, nothing special. Just picture a tube in a tube with tri-clover fittings holding it together. Pretty standard racking arm I believe.

Are you referring to the new ones or the original ones? The new ones look like a band clamp and I'm guessing a similar silicon o ring. The original ones looked like a center pressure sealing lid. They also said something about the racking arm not having threads like the older ones. Did I read that wrong?

[MuddyMikes]

They also said something about the racking arm not having threads like the older ones. Did I read that wrong?

That's what I read as well .....

[rplace]

I was discribing my older style one. I am guessing that if all the parts are going to work on the old ones then they basic construction of the lip of the conical and the gasket have to be the same. The band clamp around will just allow for pressure over the current set up of squishing down from the top. I don't see how they can change the design of the way the lid will contact the conical and have the new parts work on the old ones...but then I am not making them so what do I know.

To be clear I have not seen or own a new one.

[Push Eject]

I was discribing my older style one. I am guessing that if all the parts are going to work on the old ones then they basic construction of the lip of the conical and the gasket have to be the same. The band clamp around will just allow for pressure over the current set up of squishing down from the top. I don't see how they can change the design of the way the lid will contact the conical and have the new parts work on the old ones...but then I am not making them so what do I know.

I have had an "old" one for about a week.

My understanding is the upright arms on the old style will have to be cut to accommodate the new domed lid. New lid, new gasket, new clamp around lip. The racking port is now threadless.

I'm really looking forward to the upgrade!