Beans stuck in T Pipe

[Wayneg1]

I had Mr. Li make this T Pipe without dampers because I think that is the main issue.  I could have left the exhaust damper but I don't use it so I had it removed also. It's not perfect and needed a couple of goofy mods for the time being, but after two roasts not a single bean stuck in the pipe and charging is way faster.

[edtbjon]

Wow, that's a first!
It wasn't too long ago it was reported that no exhausts could be delivered without a damper. I guess Mr. Li has had enough number of requests to reconsider his construction.
I see that you've adopted my funky aluminium top cap too.

[SusanJoM]

Wow, that's a first!
It wasn't too long ago it was reported that no exhausts could be delivered without a damper. I guess Mr. Li has had enough number of requests to reconsider his construction.
I see that you've adopted my funky aluminium top cap too.

I've got one of my J-pipes at the welder's shop right now having a port installed for some more Phidgets, and at the same time I'm having the damper flap removed.  It is definitely the appendix in the system; unnecessary for those of us who use an electric controller of some sort to adjust the fan.   Brilliant of you Wayne to have had Mr. Li do that for you. 

Was this a new/separate T that you ordered with the modifications ?  If so what did was the cost? 

[Wayneg1]

So far I'm very happy with it. That damper is definitely an issue with the beans deflecting off of it when charging.  I need to have a more professional style cap made next.  I'm also using the aluminum foil chute to block the exhaust side at charge.  You can see where the damper pins were when you look in the pipe.  He did a good job on the mod.  This was an additional T Pipe purchase; I still have the original T.  BTW it costs $42 plus shipping for this piece.  Cheers. 

[Brewzologist]

I just ordered my 500T and contacted Mr. Li to substitute the T-pipe without dampers in my order.  He did this without an additional charge.  Now I have to think of a better "cap" for the T-pipe!    I would appreciate any suggestions.

Steve

[Wayneg1]

I just ordered my 500T and contacted Mr. Li to substitute the T-pipe without dampers in my order.  He did this without an additional charge.  Now I have to think of a better "cap" for the T-pipe!    I would appreciate any suggestions.

Steve

I'm still using my tin foil cap.  It looks funky but it works fine. I'm hoping we can come up with a forum collaboration for something better.

[beananimal]

What about a piece of cork which is often used as a cap / plug on glas carafe (almost cylindrical, slightly conical). There might be versions which even fit in diameter.

Otherwise maybe you know somebody who could make it or adapt it  on a woodworking lathe. I am optimistic that wood could be used also.

[SusanJoM]

I'm wondering if a blind portafilter from an espresso machine might fit.  Usual sizes are 58 mm, 49 mm.

Like this:
https://www.espressoparts.com/stainless-steel-backflush-disk

[Wayneg1]

Portafilter might be an option and put a handle in the middle.  I thought about wood but it's so close to the heat I ruled that out.  I don't have any idea what the flashpoint on cork is but maybe that's an option too.  I think we're on to something here for the T pipe.

[SusanJoM]

I'm wondering if a blind portafilter from an espresso machine might fit.  Usual sizes are 58 mm, 49 mm.

Like this:
https://www.espressoparts.com/stainless-steel-backflush-disk

And what I meant was the blind backflush disc that goes into the portafilter.....excuse my mumble...

[beananimal]

Basically any plate or spherical could do it.
The ball / bowl should be just somehow bigger than the inner diameter,
the plate should have some groove or "terasse" to avoid easy slipping off.

[Brewzologist]

I measured the outside of the T-pipe and it's right at 51mm.  I have an espresso machine with a 53mm portafilter and the basket from it covers the pipe well.

This blind portafilter basket is 53mm and reasonably priced with free shipping.  I ordered it and will post an update once I test it.  I'll likely try to add a wood handle with the same stain as the Huky so it looks nice.

http://www.espressoparts.com/index.php/la-spaziale-blind-filter-backflush-back-flush-disk


Steve

[hankua]

Why not ask Mr. Li to fabricate a nice looking cap.

[beananimal]

I think I made my decision about the T-pipe cap:
I have the funnel normally on the T-pipe, as otherwise I'll searching for it most of the times.





Then I have a tamper, not really in use.





This is about 450ml of beans, which fits perfectly with my 330g batch.
At preparation I can pre-fill in the beans and then just pull the plug to drop them.
The tamper is heavy enough to rest. Maybe I will later adapt the tamperbase to the diameter of the funnel.
It feels a little bit like at a bigger roaster

[Brewzologist]

Here is my final cap for the t-pipe.  I had a bunch of washers lying around I added inside to give it some weight.  I provides a nice seal on the t-pipe and when used within the funnel too.  Repeating the link to the 53mm blind portafilter I bought.  Total cost with knob from HD about $9.

http://www.espressoparts.com/index.php/la-spaziale-blind-filter-backflush-back-flush-disk

Steve