I use a s/s braid for plugs but not for pellets. It's extremely effective for plugs but nearly always clogs when using pellets. I've found it depends on the amount of pellets - anything over 80g (5oz) has caused me problems.
The way I have my boiler set up is threaded brass protruding to about 1/3 the way to the centre of my boiler and a compression fitting with 1/2" copper pipe curving around to the edge of the boiler and angled down to where the base meets the side. The s/s braid is attached to the pipe using a hose clamp and crimped at the other end. This is then curved around the base of the boiler. My boiler is keg so it's base is concave and I find the flowers will sink to the lowest point.
When using pellets, I simply change the fitting to a short piece of pipe (3") that extends to the centre of the boiler and is angled down to extract as much wort as possible - no filtering is necessary with pellets. At flameout, whirlpool and allow to sit for 10 mins. Then run off the first 300ml or so until it runs clear. You may still get some break material and hop debris coming through but it's nothing to worry about. It will settle out in the fermenter.
Regards
Steve
