Precooler Apparatus for Cooling Beerwort

Abstract

A precooler apparatus and method for using the same, used in combination with a downstream heat exchange system for increasing the speed of cooling beerwort and enabling a lower final temperature of the cooled beerwort. The precooler is a closable portable unit equipped with various potential configurations involving inlets, outlets, conduit, connections and valves. The precooler exhibits a chamber for holding cooling media, which may be readily recharged. The inlet to the precooler apparatus accepts a cooling water solution, which may be either passed through the interior chamber and through the cooling media or configured to bypass the cooling media within the interior chamber, before being routed to the outlet of the precooler apparatus and subsequently to a heat exchange system.

Claims

1. A precooler apparatus comprising: a body, said body equipped with an interior chamber disposed inside said body; an inlet, said inlet disposed on the exterior of said body, said inlet equipped with an inlet connector, said inlet in communication with an inlet extension, wherein said inlet directs water under pressure to said inlet extension; an outlet, said outlet disposed on the exterior of said body, said outlet equipped with an outlet connector, said outlet in communication with an outlet extension; an inlet extension having a first end and a second end, said inlet extension disposed inside said body, said first end of inlet extension in communication with said inlet, said second end of inlet extension in communication with said interior chamber; an outlet extension having a first end and a second end, said outlet extension disposed inside said body, said first end of outlet extension in communication with said interior chamber, said second end of outlet extension in communication with said outlet; a port on said body, said port configured to provide access to said interior chamber; and a lid, said lid configured to provide a watertight seal with said port.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one baffle is disposed in the interior of said interior chamber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inlet and said outlet are positioned at or above the maximum liquid level attained within said interior chamber.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one said inlet connector and said outlet connector are self-closing quick-disconnect valves.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein second end of said inlet extension is located at or above the top ten percent (10%) of maximum liquid level attained within said interior chamber; wherein second end of said inlet extension directs flow laterally along said interior chamber wall; wherein first end of said outlet extension is located at or below the bottom ten percent (10%) of maximum liquid level attained within said interior chamber; and wherein first end of said outlet extension is disposed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum possible distance from the second end of said inlet extension.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein second end of said inlet extension is located above the maximum level for solid ice within said interior chamber; wherein second end of said inlet extension directs flow downward along said interior chamber wall; wherein first end of said outlet extension is located above the maximum level for solid ice within said interior chamber; and wherein within the space above the maximum level for solid ice, first end of said outlet extension is disposed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum possible distance from the second end of said inlet extension.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said body has at least one drain valve in communication with said interior chamber.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first cylindrical protrusion disposed on the exterior of said body; a second cylindrical protrusion disposed on the exterior of said body; a stand having a first receptacle and a second receptacle; wherein said first receptacle is in rotational communication with said first cylindrical protrusion and said second receptacle is in rotational communication with said second cylindrical protrusion; and wherein said stand enables said body to rotate within said stand to facilitate removal of contents from said interior chamber through said port.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a manifold, said manifold comprising: a primary conduit, said primary conduit having a primary conduit inlet side and a primary conduit outlet side, said primary conduit having a primary conduit inlet disposed on the exterior of said primary conduit inlet side, said primary conduit having a primary conduit outlet disposed on the exterior of said primary conduit outlet side; a primary conduit inlet connector, said primary conduit inlet connector in communication with said primary conduit inlet, wherein said primary conduit inlet connector directs water under pressure to said primary conduit inlet; a primary conduit outlet connector, said primary conduit outlet connector in communication with said primary conduit outlet; a first conduit branch having a first end and a second end, said first end of first conduit branch in communication with said primary conduit inlet side, said second end of first conduit branch in communication with said inlet connector of said body; a second conduit branch having a first end and a second end, said first end of second conduit branch in communication with said outlet connector of said body, said second end of second conduit branch in communication with said primary conduit outlet side; a first valve, said first valve disposed within said first conduit branch; a outlet valve, said outlet valve disposed within said second conduit branch; and a bypass valve, said bypass valve disposed within said primary conduit, wherein said bypass valve is downstream of said first end of said first conduit branch and said bypass valve is upstream of said second end of said second conduit branch.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first valve and said bypass valve are variable valves and said outlet valve is a check valve.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a manifold, said manifold comprising: a primary conduit, said primary conduit having a primary conduit inlet side and a primary conduit outlet side, said primary conduit having a primary conduit inlet disposed on the exterior of said primary conduit inlet side, said primary conduit having a primary conduit outlet disposed on the exterior of said primary conduit outlet side; a primary conduit inlet connector, said primary conduit inlet connector in communication with said primary conduit inlet, wherein said primary conduit inlet connector directs water under pressure to said primary conduit inlet; a primary conduit outlet connector, said primary conduit outlet connector in communication with said primary conduit outlet; a first conduit branch having a first end and a second end, said first end of first conduit branch in communication with said primary conduit inlet side, said second end of first conduit branch in communication with said inlet connector of said body; a second conduit branch having a first end and a second end, said first end of second conduit branch in communication with said outlet connector of said body, said second end of second conduit branch in communication with said primary conduit outlet side; a first valve, said first valve disposed in communication with said primary conduit and said first conduit branch, wherein said first valve is a three-way valve, wherein said first valve moderates the flow of water through both said primary conduit to said primary conduit outlet and said first conduit branch to said interior chamber; and an outlet valve, said outlet valve disposed within said second conduit branch.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said outlet valve is a check valve.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said inlet connector is an inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve and said outlet connector is an outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve, further comprising: an outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve having a first side and a second side; wherein said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side is a hose connector; wherein said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side is in releasable communication with said inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve; an outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve having a first side and a second side; wherein said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side is in releasable communication with said outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve; wherein said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side is a hose connector; and wherein said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side may be released from said inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve and said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side may be released from said outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve and said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side may be subsequently connected to said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side thereby bypassing said body.

14. A precooler apparatus comprising: a body, said body equipped with an interior chamber disposed inside said body; a primary conduit, said primary conduit integral with said body, said primary conduit having a primary conduit inlet side, said primary conduit having a primary conduit outlet side; an inlet, said inlet disposed on the exterior of said body, said inlet equipped with an inlet connector, said inlet in communication with said primary conduit inlet side of said primary conduit, wherein said inlet directs water under pressure to said primary conduit inlet side of said primary conduit; an outlet, said outlet disposed on the exterior of said body, said outlet equipped with an outlet connector, said outlet in communication with said primary conduit outlet side of said primary conduit; a first conduit branch having a first end and a second end, said first conduit branch disposed inside said body, said first end of first conduit branch in communication with said primary conduit inlet side of said primary conduit, said second end of first conduit branch in communication with said interior chamber; a second conduit branch having a first end and a second end, said second conduit branch disposed inside said body, said first end of second conduit branch in communication with said interior chamber, said second end of second conduit branch in communication with said primary conduit outlet side of said primary conduit; a port on said body, said port configured to provide access to said interior chamber; and a lid, said lid configured to provide a watertight seal with said port.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one baffle is disposed in the interior of said interior chamber.

16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said inlet and said outlet are positioned at or above the maximum liquid level attained within said interior chamber.

17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein at least one said inlet connector and said outlet connector are self-closing quick-disconnect valves.

18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second end of said first conduit branch is located at or above the top ten percent (10%) of maximum liquid level attained within said interior chamber; wherein second end of said first conduit branch directs flow laterally along said interior chamber wall; wherein first end of said second conduit branch is located at or below the bottom ten percent (10%) of maximum liquid level attained within said interior chamber; and wherein first end of said second conduit branch is disposed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum possible distance from the second end of said first conduit branch.

19. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said second end of said first conduit branch is located above the maximum level for solid ice within said interior chamber; wherein said second end of said first conduit branch directs flow downward along said interior chamber wall; wherein said first end of said second conduit branch is located above the maximum level for solid ice within said interior chamber; and wherein within the space above the maximum level for solid ice, said first end of said second conduit branch is disposed at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the maximum possible distance from said second end of said first conduit branch.

20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said body has at least one drain valve in communication with said interior chamber.

21. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a first cylindrical protrusion disposed on the exterior of said body; a second cylindrical protrusion disposed on the exterior of said body; a stand having a first receptacle and a second receptacle; wherein said first receptacle is in rotational communication with said first cylindrical protrusion and said second receptacle is in rotational communication with said second cylindrical protrusion; and wherein said stand enables said body to rotate within said stand to facilitate removal of contents from said interior chamber through said port.

22. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a first valve, said first valve disposed within said first conduit branch; an outlet valve, said outlet valve disposed within said second conduit branch; a bypass valve, said bypass valve disposed within said primary conduit; and wherein said bypass valve is downstream of said first end of said first conduit branch and said bypass valve is upstream of said second end of said second conduit branch.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein said first valve and said bypass valve are variable valves and said outlet valve is a check valve.

24. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising; a first valve, said first valve disposed in communication with said primary conduit and said first conduit branch; wherein said first valve is a three-way valve; wherein said first valve moderates the flow of water through both said primary conduit to said primary conduit outlet and said first conduit branch to said interior chamber; and an outlet valve, said outlet valve disposed within said second conduit branch.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein said outlet valve is a check valve.

26. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said inlet connector is an inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve and said outlet connector is an outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve, further comprising: an outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve having a first side and a second side; wherein said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side is a hose connector; wherein said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side is in releasable communication with said inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve; an outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve having a first side and a second side; wherein said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side is in releasable communication with said outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve; wherein said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side is a hose connector; and wherein said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side may be released from said inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve and said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side may be released from said outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve and said outer inlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve second side may be subsequently connected to said outer outlet self-closing quick-disconnect valve first side, thereby bypassing said body.

27. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the volume of fluid flow through said primary conduit is greater than the volume of fluid flow through said interior chamber.

28. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the volume of fluid flow through said interior chamber is greater than or equal to the volume of fluid flow through said primary conduit.

29. A method for cooling beerwort by directing water from a water source through a first conduit into a precooler and then further directing that water from said precooler through a second conduit to a heat exchanger comprising: opening the lid of a port located on an upper face of said precooler; depositing cooling media through said port into said interior chamber until said interior chamber is filled to capacity with cooling media; closing said lid or said port; attaching a first end of said first conduit to said water source and attaching a second end of said first conduit to the inlet of said precooler; attaching a first end of said second conduit to the outlet of said precooler and attaching a second end of said second conduit to said heat exchanger; placing said heat exchanger in thermal communication with hot beerwort; initiating the flow of ambient temperature water at said water source and passing the ambient temperature water through said first conduit to said inlet of said precooler, the ambient temperature water flowing through said precooler partially bypassing said interior chamber and partially flowing through said interior chamber, within said interior chamber contacting the cooling media and thereby cooling said ambient temperature water by melting the cooling media to produce a lower temperature cooled water; mixing the water that bypassed said interior chamber and the water that passed through said interior chamber to produce partially cooled water, the partially cooled water exiting said outlet of said precooler and passing through said second conduit to the heat exchanger; circulating partially cooled water through said heat exchanger to absorb heat to produce heated water; and heated water exiting the heat exchanger to be discharged.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: pausing the flow of ambient temperature water at said water source; opening a drain valve to said interior chamber to allow water to drain and empty said interior chamber, therefore providing space for additional cooling media to be added to said interior chamber; closing said drain valve once the water has drained from said interior chamber; opening said lid of said port; adding cooling media through said port for continued cooling of ambient temperature water; closing said lid or said port; and initiating the flow of ambient temperature water at said water source and passing the ambient temperature water through said first conduit to said inlet of said precooler.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0035] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts a front and side view of an example embodiment of the present invention with standard male hose connections.

[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a front and side view of an example embodiment of the present invention with male barb connections, detailing the general path of cooling water throughout the apparatus.

[0038] FIG. 3 depicts a top view of two units of the present invention connected in series.

[0039] FIG. 4 depicts a front and side view of an example embodiment of the present invention, showing the apparatus on a stand with the ability to swivel. In addition, this figure shows the flow of cooling water and the movement of floating cooling media within the apparatus when equipped with a baffle.

[0040] FIG. 5 depicts a front and side view of an example embodiment of the present invention incorporating an external manifold.

[0041] FIG. 6A depicts a flow chart detailing the preferable process of assembly and use for the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 6B depicts a continuation of the flow chart shown in FIG. 6A.

[0043] FIG. 7 presents parameters that affect the relative pressure drops in the bypass path and the path through the precooler apparatus with resulting bypass percentage and outlet temperature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0044] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s).

[0045] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0046] The present invention is an apparatus for precooling inlet water, which is subsequently directed to a heat exchange system, either a cooling coil or other heat exchanger, during a beerwort cooling step of a process for producing homebrewed alcoholic beverages. The apparatus of the present invention is a portable enclosed container having an interior chamber (10), cooling water inlet (20), cooling water outlet (30), inlet valve (40), outlet valve (44), bypass valve (48), conduit (50) shown as an integrated pipe or tube, inlet conduit branch (210) shown as an integrated pipe or tube, outlet conduit branch (220) shown as an integrated pipe or tube, at least one port (60) for access to interior chamber (10) of the apparatus, and at least one drain valve (70) for draining liquid water from interior chamber (10) to the exterior of the apparatus as depicted in FIG. 1. The apparatus may be outfitted with structures or hardware necessary to accommodate carrying or mounting on a stand or frame. Such structures preferably include at least one handle (90) at least one mount (100) or both as depicted in FIG. 1. In addition, the apparatus may be constructed in a manner that allows it to stand freely on either the ground or other structure with a set of either integrated or attached feet (110). In the example embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is manufactured using high density polyethylene, stainless steel, or other durable material capable of operating in temperature ranges approximately between 32° F. and 212° F.

[0047] Cooling water inlet (20) is disposed on the exterior of the apparatus and allows liquid cooling water to follow a fluid pathway into interior chamber (10) of the apparatus at common household water supply pressures (i.e. approximately 40 to 80 psi) and temperatures (i.e. approximately 32° F. to 85° F.). In one embodiment, cooling water inlet (20) comprises a threaded cooling water inlet stem (120) with a threaded cooling water inlet opening (130) providing a fluid pathway into interior chamber (10) of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, where threaded cooling water inlet stem (120) is a threaded male connector sufficient to accept a corresponding threaded female connector found on one end of a typical garden hose. In another embodiment, cooling water inlet (20) comprises an unthreaded cooling water inlet stem (125) with an unthreaded cooling water inlet opening (135) providing a fluid pathway into interior chamber (10) of the apparatus where unthreaded cooling water inlet stem (125) is without threads as shown in FIG. 2 and serves as a post to which a hose may be fitted either by friction or by the use of a variety of one or more clamps. There are alternative embodiments employing several connection systems conventionally available on the market including, but not limited to, screw, flange, compression, and quick disconnect. In these embodiments, a hose is attached to cooling water inlet (20) as shown in FIG. 2, which serves as the source of inlet cooling water and is most often provided by a household water supply. In addition, the connection between the hose and cooling water inlet (20) remains sufficiently watertight under typical household water supply pressure. Cooling water outlet (30) is disposed on the exterior of the apparatus and allows liquid cooling water to exit interior chamber (10) of the apparatus at common household water supply pressures and at temperatures that are the same or lower than the inlet water temperature. The apparatus is designed so that the temperature difference between cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30) may be nominally selected by a homebrewer. In one embodiment, and similar to the cooling water inlet (20), cooling water outlet (30) comprises a threaded cooling water outlet stem (121) with a threaded cooling water outlet opening (131) providing a fluid pathway from interior chamber (10) of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 1, where threaded cooling water outlet stem (121) is a threaded male connector sufficient to accept a corresponding threaded female connector found on one end of a tube such as a conventional garden hose. In another embodiment, cooling water outlet (30) comprises an unthreaded cooling water outlet stem (126) with an unthreaded cooling water outlet opening (136) providing a fluid pathway from interior chamber (10) of the apparatus where unthreaded cooling water outlet stem (126) is without threads as shown in FIG. 2 and serves as a post to which a tube may be fitted either by friction or by the use of a variety of one or more clamps. In these embodiments, the tube attached to cooling water outlet (30) serves as the pathway for exiting cooling water to reach the inlet of a heat exchange system being used to cool hot beerwort. As with the connection between a hose and cooling water inlet (20), the connection between cooling water outlet (30) and a tube remains sufficiently watertight under typical household water supply pressure.

[0048] In one embodiment of access to interior chamber (10), separate from both cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30), port (60) is disposed on upper surface (160) of the apparatus as depicted in FIG. 1. Port (60) is wide enough to accommodate filling interior chamber (10) of the apparatus with cooling media transferred from the exterior of the apparatus. Typically, such cooling media is cube ice and is transferred into interior chamber (10), having the necessary volume to accept five (5), ten (10), or twenty (20) pound bags of cubed ice, which are readily available at retail establishments. In another embodiment, port (60) may be more narrow if it is used, together with a funnel, to accommodate the transfer of cooling media from the exterior of the apparatus to interior chamber (10). In one embodiment, port (60) is constructed with a port flange (170), which incorporates a threaded male connector (171) on the exterior side of port flange (170). Threaded male connector (171) is sufficient to accept a corresponding threaded female lid (140). Once attached, the contact between threaded male connector (171) and threaded female lid (140) is sufficient to maintain a watertight seal under typical household water supply pressures.

[0049] The present invention contemplates alternative embodiments employing several closure systems conventionally available on the market including, but not limited to, bolted flange, snap on, friction, and twist-locking systems. In these embodiments, the closure system provides ready access to interior chamber (10) for the homebrewer to add or replace cooling media. In addition, the closure system remains sufficiently watertight under typical household water supply pressure.

[0050] SCENARIO 1—First Embodiment: Precooler apparatus with an integrated manifold with three valves, two of the valves existing on the conduit branches, and one valve existing at the center of the conduit:

[0051] The precooler apparatus is a portable enclosed container that incorporates an interior chamber with an integrated manifold consisting of a conduit, conduit branches, and valves depicted in FIGS. 1-4. Conduit (50), shown as a pipe or tube but also may be constructed as an integrated flow chamber or other fluid pathway, is disposed between cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30). A first end of inlet conduit branch (210), proximate to and downstream from cooling water inlet (20), is attached to and in fluid communication with conduit (50). In addition, a second end of inlet conduit branch (210), positioned in the upper volume of interior chamber (10), is in fluid communication with interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. Also, a first end of outlet conduit branch (220), positioned in the lower volume of interior chamber (10), is in fluid communication with interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. Furthermore, a second end of outlet conduit branch (220), proximate to and upstream from cooling water outlet (30), is attached to and in fluid communication with conduit (50).

[0052] Inlet conduit branch (210) maintains inlet valve (40) proximate to conduit (50). Inlet valve (40) may be positioned in a manner that, when open, allows the inlet cooling water stream to be directed from conduit (50) through inlet conduit branch (210) into interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus, or, when fully closed, directs the inlet cooling water stream through conduit (50) on a path to cooling water outlet (30) bypassing interior chamber (10). Outlet conduit branch (220) maintains outlet valve (44) proximate to conduit (50). Outlet valve (44) is positioned in a manner that, when open, allows the cooling water stream to be directed from interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus, through outlet conduit branch (220) and into conduit (50) in order to be directed to cooling water outlet (30) or, when fully closed, prevents the cooling water stream from exiting interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. In addition, conduit (50) maintains bypass valve (48), positioned between inlet conduit branch (210) and outlet conduit branch (220). Bypass valve (48), when open, allows the cooling water stream to flow through conduit (50) from cooling water inlet (20) to cooling water outlet (30) or, when fully closed, prevents the cooling water stream from flowing from cooling water inlet (20) through conduit (50) to cooling water outlet (30). Inlet valve (40), outlet valve (44), and bypass valve (48) may be incorporated into the precooler apparatus as either a toggle valve with open or closed positions or a variable valve with adjustable open and closed positions in accordance with conventional valve structures. In another embodiment, inlet valve (40), outlet valve (44), and bypass valve (48) are all variable valves, which a homebrewer may manually adjust and tune to configure the operation of the precooler apparatus.

[0053] In order to operate this first embodiment of the precooler apparatus, a homebrewer connects a hose or other fixture to cooling water inlet (20). Most often, this connection provides a household water supply at a conventional household temperature and pressure. In addition, a homebrewer connects a first end of a tube or other fixture to cooling water outlet (30) and a second end of the tube or other fixture to the inlet of a downstream heat exchange system such as an immersion cooler or other conventional in-line cooler. This connection provides a path for the cooling water stream exiting the precooler apparatus to enter the inlet of the downstream heat exchange system. A homebrewer fills interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus with ice or other cooling media through one or more port(s) (60) as shown in FIG. 1, which are then secured with one or more threaded female lid(s) (140).

[0054] In order to cool the upper temperature range (i.e., while the beerwort is substantially hotter than the ambient cooling water stream, between approximately 212° F. and 110° F.) of the hot beerwort or “hot stage,” a homebrewer fully closes both inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44) and fully opens bypass valve (48). The cooling water stream is then allowed to flow through cooling water inlet (20) of the precooler apparatus. This initial valve setting establishes a “bypass configuration” by directing the cooling water stream through conduit (50) to cooling water outlet (30) without allowing the cooling water stream to enter interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. This bypass configuration allows a homebrewer to use only a relatively warmer household cooling water stream to cool the hot stage of the hot beerwort. Once the hot beerwort is no longer in the hot stage, a homebrewer fully opens both inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44) and fully closes bypass valve (48). This valve reconfiguration directs the cooling water stream from conduit (50) through inlet conduit branch (210) into the cooling media-filled interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. Once the cooling water stream enters interior chamber (10), it is further cooled by contact with the cooling media. Then, the cooling water stream exits through outlet conduit branch (220) into conduit (50) and subsequently through cooling water outlet (30). This configuration prevents the cooling water stream from passing straight through conduit (50) without first passing through interior chamber (10). If ice is used as the cooling media, the cooling water stream leaving the cooling media-filled interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus is at a nominal 32° F. Consequently, the cooling water stream entering the downstream heat exchange system has a significantly cooler temperature than household cooling water at normal household temperatures. As the cooling water stream entering interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus cools, cooling media within interior chamber (10) will melt or otherwise lose the ability to further cool the cooling water stream. As a result, a homebrewer may need to add additional cooling media to continue cooling the hot beerwort.

[0055] As this condition occurs, a homebrewer again configures the valves so that inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44) are fully closed and bypass valve (48) is fully open, which again establishes the bypass configuration for the inlet cooling water stream. At this point, the valves on both inlet conduit branch (210) and outlet conduit branch (220) are closed so no cooling water stream flows into interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus; however, the cooling water stream continues to flow to the downstream heat exchange equipment at ambient temperature. A homebrewer unseals threaded female lid(s) (140) and opens port(s) (60) allowing access to interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. The water remaining in interior chamber (10) may be removed in one of three ways in order to make room for more cooling media. One method is to open the drain valve (70) from interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus and allow the remaining water to drain. Another method is to tilt the precooler apparatus and allow the remaining water to exit port(s) (60), which provides an exiting fluid pathway for the water from interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. A third method for removing water or other cooling media from interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus is to swivel the entire precooler apparatus at both swivel connection one (240) and swivel connection two (245), which are engaged with and supported by stand (300), as depicted in FIG. 4. The precooler apparatus may be swiveled as far as needed until the remaining water or other media is capable of fully exiting through port(s) (60).

[0056] Once drained, drain valve (70) is closed and the precooler apparatus is returned to its operating position. Interior chamber (10), now with all or a portion of the water removed, is again filled with cooling media through port(s) (60). Port(s) (60) are then secured with one or more threaded female lid(s) (140). In order to continue cooling the hot beerwort using precooled water, the homebrewer again fully opens both inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44) and fully closes bypass valve (48). The valve reconfiguration directs the entirety of the inlet cooling water stream through cooling media-filled interior chamber (10) and subsequently to the cooling water outlet (30). The cooling water stream is then directed to the downstream heat exchange system to continue cooling the hot beerwort. This process of refilling interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus with cooling media may be repeated as many times as necessary to achieve the desired cooler temperature of the hot beerwort.

[0057] At certain times during the beerwort cooling process, a homebrewer may choose to either reduce the fluid flow or adjust the temperature of the cooling water stream exiting cooling water outlet (30). In order to reduce the fluid flow in the bypass configuration with inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44) closed, a homebrewer may partially close bypass valve (48) to adjust the flow of the cooling water stream to a desired lower flow rate. In the configuration where inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44) are both open, bypass valve (48) is closed, and the cooling water stream is flowing through interior chamber (10), rather than through conduit (50), a homebrewer may partially close either inlet valve (40) or outlet valve (44) in order to adjust the flow of the cooling water stream to the desired lower flow rate. In the configuration where the cooling water stream is simultaneously passing through both conduit (50) and interior chamber (10), a homebrewer either may leave outlet valve (44) open and coordinate the adjustment of inlet valve (40) and bypass valve (48) or leave inlet valve (40) open and coordinate the adjustment of outlet valve (44) and bypass valve (48) to adjust the flow of the cooling water stream to the desired lower flow rate.

[0058] In addition, a homebrewer may adjust the temperature of the outlet cooling water stream by adjusting the ratio of the amount of the cooling water stream passing through conduit (50) to the amount of the cooling water stream passing through cooling media-filled interior chamber (10). Since the cooling water stream passing through conduit (50) is nominally at a household temperature of approximately 70° F. and the cooling water stream passing through an ice-filled interior chamber (10) is approximately 32° F., a homebrewer has the option of selecting a cooling water stream outlet temperature anywhere between these two values. A homebrewer may select a warmer cooling water stream outlet temperature (i.e. a temperature closer to a nominal household temperature of approximately 70° F.) by partially closing inlet valve (40) or outlet valve (44) and increasing the opening of bypass valve (48). This configuration causes a larger percentage of the cooling water stream to bypass the additional cooling provided by cooling media within interior chamber (10). Conversely, a homebrewer may select a cooler cooling water stream outlet temperature (i.e. a temperature closer to 32° F. with an ice-filled interior chamber (10)) by partially closing bypass valve (48) and increasing the opening of inlet valve (40) and outlet valve (44). Consequently, this configuration causes a larger percentage of cooling water stream to enter interior chamber (10) and gain the benefit of additional cooling provided by cooling media present within interior chamber (10).

[0059] In this first embodiment, the locations of cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30) are near the top of the precooler apparatus. These locations minimize the release of any fluid contents from the precooler apparatus when hoses are disconnected from either cooling water inlet (20) or cooling water outlet (30). This allows a homebrewer to disconnect the apparatus from its connections and carry it to a different location for it to be emptied of water or filled with cooling media while at the same time reducing spills.

[0060] In this first embodiment, the placement of both the second end of inlet conduit branch (210) and the first end of outlet conduit branch (220) increases contact between the cooling water stream and any existing cooling media such as ice. The second end of inlet conduit branch (210) introduces the cooling water stream to interior chamber (10) at a location that directly impacts floating ice or other cooling media. Furthermore, the second end of inlet conduit branch (210) directs the cooling water stream parallel and proximate to both the side and top of interior chamber (10) to create rotational water flow (280), which facilitates mixing between the cooling water stream and any floating cooling media. The first end of outlet conduit branch (220) is located proximate to the bottom of interior chamber (10) diagonally opposite from the second end of inlet conduit branch (210). The positions of the second end of inlet conduit branch (210) and the first end of outlet conduit branch (220) are located to increase the distance between the two points within interior chamber (10). This creates lateral water flow (285) of the cooling water stream across interior chamber (10), which increases both the surface area contact between the cooling water stream and the cooling media and lengthens the time the cooling water stream remains inside interior chamber (10). These two conditions increase the cooling efficiency of the precooler apparatus.

[0061] The addition of baffle (290), depicted in FIG. 4, increases the agitation of the cooling water stream with the cooling media and therefore improves mixing. In addition, baffle (290) maintains the relative positions of the floating cooling media near the second end of inlet conduit branch (210). This allows the cooling water stream to make direct contact with the cooling media entrained by baffle (290) as the cooling water stream enters interior chamber (10). This contact increases the cooling efficiency of the cooling media.

[0062] In another embodiment, the precooler apparatus uses cooling media in the form of block ice pre-frozen within interior chamber (10) prior to use. In this configuration, the second end of inlet conduit branch (210) directs the cooling water stream parallel and proximate to the side of interior chamber (10) and downward from the top of interior chamber (10). Here, the position of the second end of inlet conduit branch (210) does not create rotational water flow. Rather, the cooling water stream is directed onto the top surface of the block ice to increase cooling efficiency. In addition, the first end of outlet conduit branch (220) is located proximate to the top, rather than the bottom, of interior chamber (10), but still diagonally opposite from the second end of inlet conduit branch (210). Although to a lesser extent, this configuration still creates lateral water flow (285) of the cooling water stream across the top of interior chamber (10). This lateral water flow provides substantial surface area contact between the cooling water stream and the block ice and serves to lengthen the time the cooling water stream remains inside interior chamber (10). As described above, these two conditions increase the cooling efficiency of the precooler apparatus when using pre-frozen block ice. The positioning of both the second end of inlet conduit branch (210) and the first end of outlet conduit branch (220) near the top of the interior chamber (10) avoids clogging both of those ends with a portion of the block ice as it is being pre-frozen in the lower portion of interior chamber (10).

[0063] SCENARIO 2—Precooler apparatus with an integrated manifold with two variable valves, one on the conduit inlet branch and one at the center of the conduit, and a single check valve on the conduit outlet branch:

[0064] In another embodiment similar to the first embodiment, the precooler apparatus incorporates a similarly situated portable enclosed container incorporating an interior chamber with an integrated manifold consisting of a conduit, conduit branches, and valves shown in FIGS. 1-4. As depicted in the first embodiment, conduit (50) remains disposed between cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30). In addition, conduit (50) incorporates: a similarly situated inlet conduit branch (210) maintaining a similarly functioning inlet valve (40) proximate to conduit (50), a similarly situated outlet conduit branch (220) maintaining outlet valve (44) proximate to conduit (50), and a similarly positioned and similarly functioning bypass valve (48) positioned in conduit (50) between inlet conduit branch (210) and outlet conduit branch (220). However, in this embodiment, the functioning of outlet valve (44) is distinct. In particular, outlet valve (44) is a one-way or “check” valve which allows the cooling water stream to exit through outlet conduit branch (220) into conduit (50) and subsequently through cooling water outlet (30) while at the same time restricting any reverse cooling water stream flow back through outlet conduit branch (220) and back into interior chamber (10).

[0065] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that a homebrewer maintains flow control of the cooling water stream using only inlet valve (40) and bypass valve (48). In this embodiment, outlet valve (44) is not used for any flow control since it is a check valve rather than a variable valve. Additionally, to cool the hot stage, a homebrewer fully closes inlet valve (40) and fully opens bypass valve (48). This hot stage valve configuration directs the cooling water stream from cooling water inlet (20) through conduit (50) and then through cooling water outlet (30) without allowing the cooling water stream to enter interior chamber (10) either through closed inlet valve (40) or in a reverse direction through outlet valve (44), which is a check valve. Once the hot beerwort is cooled below the threshold for the hot stage, a homebrewer fully opens inlet valve (40) and fully closes bypass valve (48). This reconfiguration directs the inlet cooling water stream through the cooling media-filled interior chamber (10) and through outlet valve (44) into conduit (50) and then through cooling water outlet (30). This valve arrangement establishes a cooling water stream pathway through interior chamber (10) rather than allowing the cooling water stream to pass straight through conduit (50). In the instances where a homebrewer needs to reestablish a bypass configuration, inlet valve (40) is again closed and bypass valve (48) is again fully opened. Outlet valve (44) requires no input since it remains a check valve. As with the first embodiment, in this embodiment, a homebrewer may choose to either reduce the cooling water stream flow or adjust the temperature of the cooling water stream exiting cooling water outlet (30). With inlet valve (40) closed and the precooler apparatus in the bypass configuration, a homebrewer may reduce the cooling water stream flow rate by partially closing bypass valve (48). The cooling water stream flow rate may be fine-tuned with incremental adjustments to bypass valve (48). In the configuration with inlet valve (40) open, bypass valve (48) closed, and the cooling water stream flowing through interior chamber (10), a homebrewer may reduce the cooling water stream flow rate by partially closing inlet valve (40). In this configuration, the cooling water stream flow rate may be fine-tuned with incremental adjustments to inlet valve (40). In the configuration where the cooling water stream is simultaneously passing through bypass valve (48) and interior chamber (10), a homebrewer may coordinate the positions of inlet valve (40) and bypass valve (48) to adjust the cooling water stream to a desired flow rate. In addition, as with the first embodiment, in this embodiment, a homebrewer may adjust the temperature of the cooling water stream exiting cooling water outlet (30) by adjusting the ratio of the amount of cooling water passing through bypass valve (48) to the amount of cooling water passing through cooling media-filled interior chamber (10). A homebrewer may select a warmer cooling water stream temperature at cooling water outlet (30) by partially closing inlet valve (40) and increasing the opening of bypass valve (48). As described above, this configuration causes a larger percentage of the cooling water stream to bypass the additional cooling provided by the cooling media contained within interior chamber (10). Conversely, a homebrewer may select a cooler cooling water stream temperature at cooling water outlet (30) by partially closing bypass valve (48) and increasing the opening of inlet valve (40). Also, as described above, this configuration causes a larger percentage of the cooling water stream to enter interior chamber (10) and gain the benefit of the additional cooling provided by the cooling media present within that space. In this embodiment, with each of these valve configurations, a homebrewer does not provide input to the outlet valve (44) since it is a check valve.

[0066] SCENARIO 3—Precooler apparatus with an integrated manifold with one three-way variable valve downstream from the cooling water inlet and one check valve on the outlet branch:

[0067] In other embodiments, the precooler apparatus incorporates a similarly situated portable enclosed container incorporating a similar interior chamber with a similarly located integrated manifold consisting of a conduit, conduit branches, and valves. As depicted in the first embodiment, conduit (50) remains disposed between cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30). Furthermore, conduit (50) incorporates: a similarly situated inlet conduit branch (210), a similarly situated outlet conduit branch (220) maintaining outlet valve (44) configured as a check valve and proximate to conduit (50), and a similarly positioned and similarly functioning bypass valve (48) positioned in conduit (50) between inlet conduit branch (210) and outlet conduit branch (220). In this embodiment, a single three-way inlet valve is disposed at the intersection of conduit (50) and inlet conduit branch (210). The three-way inlet valve, which replaces inlet valve (40) and bypass valve (48) described in earlier embodiments, allows the cooling water stream to be directed either through inlet conduit branch (210) into interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus or through conduit (50) on a path to cooling water outlet (30). The three-way inlet valve provides for variable cooling water stream flow control, which allows a homebrewer to select a portion of the cooling water stream to be directed into interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus and another portion of the cooling water stream to remain in conduit (50) on a path to cooling water outlet (30). This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment with two distinct differences. First, the three-way inlet valve simultaneously controls both the amount of the cooling water stream that flows through conduit (50) on a path to cooling water outlet (30) and the amount of the cooling water stream that flows into interior chamber (10). A homebrewer may choose to have the cooling water stream: entirely bypass interior chamber (10), entirely flow through interior chamber (10), or flow in each pathway according to a proportion established by the homebrewer adjusting the three-way valve. Second, the total flow rate of the cooling water stream through the apparatus is controlled using the flow control valve located at the upstream source of the cooling water stream prior to entering the precooler apparatus, rather than with any valves present within the precooler apparatus.

[0068] As with the first embodiment, in this embodiment, a homebrewer may choose to adjust the temperature of the cooling water stream exiting cooling water outlet (30). A homebrewer adjusts this temperature by changing the ratio of the amount of the cooling water stream passing through conduit (50) on a path to cooling water outlet (30) to the amount of the cooling water stream passing through cooling media-filled interior chamber (10). A homebrewer may select a warmer cooling water stream temperature exiting the precooler apparatus by turning the three-way valve toward conduit (50). This causes a larger percentage of the cooling water stream to bypass the additional cooling provided by the cooling media within interior chamber (10). Conversely, a homebrewer may select a cooler cooling water stream temperature exiting the precooler apparatus by turning the three-way valve toward first conduit branch (210). This causes a larger percentage of the cooling water stream to enter interior chamber (10) and gain the benefit of additional cooling provided by the cooling media present within interior chamber (10). In the first configuration of the present embodiment, a homebrewer does not provide input to outlet valve (44) since it is configured as a check valve.

[0069] SCENARIO 4—Precooler Apparatus with an external manifold with three variable valves, two valves located on the conduit branches and one valve located at the center of the conduit:

[0070] In another embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the precooler apparatus incorporates a similarly situated portable enclosed container but with an external, rather than internal, manifold consisting of a conduit, conduit branches, and valves as described below. As a result, cooling water stream flow control is accomplished on the exterior of the portable enclosed container.

[0071] External manifold conduit (350), shown as a pipe or tube but also may be constructed as another fluid pathway, is disposed between external manifold cooling water inlet (320) and external manifold cooling water outlet (330) as depicted in FIG. 5. A first end of external manifold inlet conduit branch (360), proximate to and downstream from cooling water inlet (320), is attached to and in fluid communication with external manifold conduit (350). In addition, a second end of external manifold inlet conduit branch (380) is attached to and in fluid communication with the exterior side of cooling water inlet (20) of the precooler apparatus. Within the precooler apparatus, a first end of cooling water inlet extension (325) is attached to and in fluid communication with the interior side of cooling water inlet (20). A second end of cooling water inlet extension (325) remains unattached, but in fluid communication with interior chamber (10). Also, within the precooler apparatus, an unattached first end of cooling water outlet extension (335) is in fluid communication with interior chamber (10). A second end of cooling water outlet extension (335) is attached to and in fluid communication with the interior side of cooling water outlet (30). A first end of external manifold outlet conduit branch (390) is attached to and in fluid communication with the exterior side of cooling water outlet (30) of the precooler apparatus. Furthermore, a second end of external manifold outlet conduit branch (370), proximate to and upstream from external manifold cooling water outlet (330), is attached to and in fluid communication with external manifold conduit (350).

[0072] External manifold inlet conduit branch (360) maintains external manifold inlet valve (340) proximate to external manifold conduit (350). External manifold inlet valve (340) may be positioned in a manner that, when open, allows the inlet cooling water stream to be directed from external manifold conduit (350) through external manifold inlet conduit branch (360), through second end of external manifold inlet conduit branch (380), through cooling water inlet (20), through cooling water inlet extension (325) into interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus, or, when fully closed, directs the inlet cooling water stream through external manifold conduit (350) on a path to external manifold cooling water outlet (330) bypassing interior chamber (10). External manifold outlet conduit branch (370) maintains external manifold outlet valve (344) proximate to external manifold conduit (350). External manifold outlet valve (344) is positioned in a manner that, when open, allows the cooling water stream to be directed from interior chamber (10), through cooling water outlet extension (335), through cooling water outlet (30), through first end of external manifold outlet conduit branch (390), through external manifold outlet branch (370) into external manifold conduit (350) on a path to external manifold cooling water outlet (330) or, when fully closed, prevents the cooling water stream from exiting interior chamber (10) of the precooler apparatus. In addition, external manifold conduit (350) maintains external manifold conduit bypass valve (348), positioned between external manifold inlet conduit branch (360) and external manifold outlet conduit branch (370). External manifold conduit bypass valve (348), when open, allows the cooling water stream to flow through external manifold conduit (350) from external manifold cooling water inlet (320) to external manifold cooling water outlet (330) or, when fully closed, prevents the cooling water stream from flowing from external manifold cooling water inlet (320) through external manifold conduit (350) to external manifold cooling water outlet (330).

[0073] A variation of this embodiment incorporates a similarly situated portable enclosed container with self-closing quick-disconnect valves at cooling water inlet (20), cooling water outlet (30), external manifold cooling water inlet (320), external manifold cooling water outlet (330), second end of external manifold inlet conduit branch (380), and first end of external manifold outlet conduit branch (390) of the precooler apparatus and external manifold shown in FIG. 5. In this variation both the household water supply hose that attaches to cooling water inlet (20) and the heat exchange equipment hose that attaches to cooling water outlet (30) terminate with self-closing quick-disconnect valves that are compatible with connecting to each other and the other self-closing quick-disconnect valves disclosed with the precooler apparatus and external manifold.

[0074] Use of the precooler apparatus and external manifold incorporating self-closing quick-disconnect valves remains the same as previously disclosed in this scenario except that the connections and disconnections can be made more quickly. In particular, the variable flow characteristics provided by external manifold inlet valve (340), external manifold outlet valve (344), and external manifold conduit bypass valve (348) remain as earlier described.

[0075] Furthermore, the precooler apparatus with self-closing quick-disconnect valves may be used in several configurations without incorporating the external manifold component. In the configuration with the household water supply hose attached to cooling water inlet (20) and the heat exchange equipment hose attached to cooling water outlet (30), the entirety of the cooling water stream passes through the precooler apparatus for full cooling effect. In the configurations where either the household water supply hose or the heat exchange equipment hose or both are not attached, the flow of the cooling water stream is suspended. In the configuration with the household water supply hose attached directly to the heat exchange equipment hose, the flow of the cooling water stream effectively bypasses any cooling provided by the precooler apparatus.

[0076] The presence of self-closing quick-disconnect valves in these configurations allows the homebrewer to quickly change between full-cooling, bypass, and no flow configurations with little interruption to the cooling process.

[0077] Finally, coupling the precooler apparatus with an optional external manifold allows it to be integrated into an “all-in-one” brew system with the necessary manual or electronic flow controls externally located. In such an arrangement, a similar number of external valves and connections may be incorporated to: 1) start and stop the cooling water stream, 2) control the total flow of the cooling water stream, 3) direct the cooling water stream around or bypass interior chamber (10), 4) direct flow through interior chamber (10), 5) control the relative flow of the cooling water stream through and around interior chamber (10), or 6) drain water from the cooling system.

[0078] As disclosed in this scenario, an external manifold component may be integrated with the components disclosed in scenario 2 and scenario 3.

[0079] SCENARIO 5—Fixed Temperature Precooler Apparatus with a manifold and no valves:

[0080] In another embodiment, the precooler apparatus incorporates a similarly situated portable enclosed container with an integrated manifold consisting of conduit (50) disposed between cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30), a similarly situated inlet conduit branch (210), and a similarly situated outlet conduit branch (220). However, in this embodiment the integrated manifold is without valves. Therefore, the cooling water stream simultaneously passes through both the entirety of conduit (50) and media-filled interior chamber (10) in a fixed ratio based on the relative pressure drop associated with the fluid flow through each pathway. As a result, this fixed ratio fluid flow produces a constant and predictable cooling water stream outlet temperature. A homebrewer may select a precooler apparatus without valves that is specifically configured to produce a narrow range of cooling water stream outlet temperatures.

[0081] The operation of this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that the only controlled variable is the total flow rate through the apparatus. A homebrewer accomplishes this flow rate control by adjusting a conventional hose valve, sink faucet, or other flow control valve at the source of the household cooling water. Since the cooling water stream passing through conduit (50) is approximately at a household temperature of 70° F. and the cooling water stream passing through interior chamber (10) is approximately 32° F., when ice-filled, the final temperature, after mixing these two portions of the cooling water stream, is between these two temperature values and determined by the relative flow rate of each portion of the stream. The result is that this embodiment provides a specific cooling water stream temperature at any value between and including a nominal household temperature of 70° F. and an ice-chilled 32° F.

[0082] In the various arrangements of this embodiment, the relative pressure drop is determined consistent with the principles of fluid dynamics. In an arrangement having a specific type of construction material and a particular total flow rate, the relative pressure drop is determined by: 1) the cross-sectional area for fluid flow in each pathway, 2) the total length of each pathway, and 3) the number and type of interruptions to the flow momentum in each pathway (e.g., direction changes, diameter changes, and obstructions). Any of these parameters may be used to control the relative pressure drop and the resulting outlet cooling water temperature.

[0083] In several arrangements of the embodiment, the precooler apparatus maintains conduit (50), inlet conduit branch (210), and outlet conduit branch (220) similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. In addition, these arrangements disclose a precooler apparatus constructed of high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”) and configured for three (3) gallon per minute (gpm) total flow rate. Furthermore, FIG. 7 shows certain parameters for determining the pressure drops in these arrangements of the embodiment. The figure illustrates: 1) a range of values for the ratio of the cross-sectional area for flow through the conduit pathway to the cross-sectional area for flow through the interior path of the precooler apparatus, and, 2) a number of values for momentum interruptions through the conduit pathway and through the interior pathway of the precooler apparatus. These two parameters primarily control the corresponding pressure drops and resulting cooling water stream outlet temperatures. In these arrangements of the embodiment, the relative lengths of the pathways do not significantly alter the pressure drops. Therefore, FIG. 7 shows that they remain constant.

[0084] In other arrangements of this embodiment the precooler apparatus may be constructed of high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”), stainless steel, or any other suitable material. Also, the precooler apparatus may be configured for any range of total flow rates suitable from a household source. However, in these arrangements, all of the fluid flow is directed through the interior pathway. As a result, there is no ratio of flow rates nor any momentum interruptions that affect the cooling water stream outlet temperature. Since all of the fluid flow is through ice-filled interior chamber (10), this arrangement produces the lowest possible cooling water stream outlet temperature of 32° F., which is the nominal freezing point of water.

[0085] These arrangements of this embodiment, together with the variety of arrangements of this embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, disclose several of a wide selection of precooler apparatus designs that can achieve a specific cooling water outlet temperature anywhere between the nominal household water temperature of 70° F. and the nominal freezing point of water of 32° F.

[0086] Consistent with the prior embodiments and their related arrangements, a precooler apparatus of any embodiment may be connected to another precooler apparatus of any embodiment in a series of more than two precooler apparatuses. In such a series, the cooling water stream exiting the outlet of one precooler apparatus serves as the cooling water stream entering the inlet to the next precooler apparatus in the series.

[0087] There are several reasons a homebrewer may desire to connect two or more precooler apparatuses together. First, if a homebrewer is making a large batch of beerwort, the additional cooling capacity of one or more additional precooler apparatuses may be necessary to reduce or eliminate reloading cooling media in a single precooler apparatus during beerwort cooling. Second, if a homebrewer connects two or more precooler apparatuses in series as shown, for example, in FIG. 3, one precooler apparatus may be reloaded with cooling media while any precooler apparatuses remaining connected in series may continue to cool the cooling water stream.

[0088] A subsequent embodiment of the precooler apparatus maintains two or more interior chambers and associated manifolds, valves and lids, within a single unit. This embodiment allows each interior chamber to be filled with cooling media and closed separately. The associated manifolds and valves allow the homebrewer to control the flow of the cooling water stream through or around each of the interior chambers individually. With this embodiment, the homebrewer can cause the cooling water stream to bypass or flow partially or completely through each individual interior chamber. Furthermore, the individual control of the cooling water stream through each interior chamber allows the use of one interior chamber while the other interior chambers are being emptied and refilled with additional cooling media. Despite being a single unit, this embodiment operates in a manner equivalent to two or more precooler apparatuses connected in series.

[0089] Additionally, the embodiments of the present invention may incorporate temperature and flow rate sensors together with corresponding local or remote displays. In an example embodiment, a temperature sensor and corresponding display measures and displays the temperature at cooling water outlet (30) to assist a homebrewer identify a desired outlet cooling water stream temperature or determine if the cooling media has been depleted. In other embodiments, both temperature and flow rate sensors together with corresponding local or remote displays are located at cooling water inlet (20), cooling water outlet (30), and interior chamber (10) to provide additional information to the homebrewer about precooler apparatus performance. Other embodiments of the present invention may employ a colorimetric device, including all or a portion of the portable enclosed container of the precooler apparatus. In such embodiments, the colorimetric device exhibits one color at room temperature and a different color when colder than room temperature. Such color indications allow a homebrewer to determine if the cooling media has been depleted.

[0090] Furthermore, the prior embodiments and their related arrangements may be preferably equipped with at least one transparent pane or panel to facilitate viewing inside interior chamber (10). This enables the homebrewer to quickly and easily determine if more cooling media is required. In some embodiments, threaded female lid (140) is transparent. In other embodiments, the entire apparatus is transparent.

[0091] Finally, the prior embodiments and their related arrangements may employ self-closing quick disconnect valves for the exterior connections to cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30). Such connection methods prevent spilling when hoses or lines are connected to or disconnected from cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30). As a result, there is no requirement for positioning cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30) near the top of the precooler apparatus to avoid spilling portions of the cooling water stream. In this embodiment, cooling water inlet (20) and cooling water outlet (30) may be positioned in any necessary and convenient location on the exterior of the precooler apparatus.

[0092] The preferable process of assembly and use of the precooler apparatus with any conventional in-line coolers, including, but not limited to, an immersion cooler, as similarly shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, is as follows: [0093] 1. The user unpacks the components of the present invention and ensures no pieces are missing. (400) [0094] 2. The user places the apparatus on a level surface such that it is supported by the attached feet located on the lower face and the port located on the upper face. (410) [0095] 3. The user attaches one end of a first hose to the household water spigot and the other end of a first hose to the precooler apparatus inlet. (420) [0096] 4. The user attaches one end of a second hose to the precooler apparatus outlet and the other end of a second hose to a conventional in-line cooler. (430) [0097] 5. The user places the in-line cooler in thermal communication with the hot beerwort. (440) [0098] 6. The user turns the valves of the precooler apparatus and establishes a bypass configuration. (450) [0099] 7. The user removes the lid of the port located on the upper face and sets the lid aside. (460) [0100] 8. The user places cooling media through the port, fills the interior chamber of the precooler apparatus, and secures the port with the lid. (470) [0101] 9. The user turns the household water spigot and causes ambient household water to flow. (480) [0102] 10. The water flows through the first hose to the precooler apparatus inlet and through the conduit of the precooler apparatus. The cooling water stream bypasses the interior chamber of the precooler apparatus and continues flowing through the precooler apparatus outlet into the second hose with the cooling water stream remaining at ambient temperature. (490) [0103] 11. The cooling water stream enters the immersion cooler at the ambient household water temperature, gathers heat, and exits as hot water to be discharged onto the ground or into a drain. (500) [0104] 12. Once the beerwort is cooled to approximately 110° F., the user reconfigures the precooler apparatus and removes the full bypass configuration. The user adjusts the valves of the apparatus to direct some or all of the cooling water through the interior chamber. (510) [0105] 13. Ambient household water now flows at least partially through the interior chamber, contacts the cooling media within, and is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature. (520) [0106] 14. The cooling water stream exits the precooler apparatus outlet, flows into the second hose, passes through the immersion cooler gaining heat, and discharges onto the ground or into a drain. (530) [0107] 15. As necessary, the user may observe the current amount of cooling media in the interior chamber through a transparent porthole in the precooler apparatus. (540) [0108] 16. Once the cooling power of the cooling media is consumed within the interior chamber, the user reconfigures the precooler apparatus to the bypass configuration. Once again, the cooling water stream bypasses the interior chamber of the precooler apparatus, remains at ambient temperature, and continues flowing through the precooler apparatus outlet into the second hose. (550) [0109] 17. If necessary, the user may open one or more drain valves to drain water from the interior chamber, which may provide space for additional cooling media to be added to the interior chamber through the port. (560) [0110] 18. The user accesses the interior chamber of the precooler apparatus and again fills it with cooling media in accordance with steps 6 through 8. (570) [0111] 19. The user positions the valves in accordance with step 12 to resume partial or total flow of the cooling water stream through the interior chamber. (580) [0112] 20. The user repeats steps 15 through 19 until the beerwort has cooled to the desired temperature. (590)

[0113] The in-series connection is shown in FIG. 3 as one way to connect two or more units together. Other similar connection methods could be used to connect multiple iterations of the apparatus of the present invention together in series or parallel, which could also include building a unit that has two or more chambers.

[0114] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0115] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.