Flo Through RIMS Element
 

Has anyone looked into using a heating element like this: http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Heater-Element-Flo-Thru-240V120V---LONG-LIFE-P799C707.aspx

I believe it is teflon coated and would be food safe. It seems that with this design, there would be better flow and no dead space at the ends. Possibly something like this (http://www.spadepot.com/shop/Heater-Manifold-Flow-Thru-2-x-15-P6594C202.aspx) could be used for the tube.

Am I overthinking it?

Good idea....it looks like it'd work....I'd just worry about the end caps.

I agree with Steve. I think the concept would work but those end caps worry me. Maybe worth a try if you don't mind springing for the parts.

You're right about those ends. I wonder if they might happen to be the right size for a triclover if I took the plastic part off. The heater tube I have now has a lip around the edge.

Found this thread searching and wanted to post a follow up for anyone that stumbles on it.

It works. See more details here:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/hot-tub-rims-tube-288299/

Thanks for the link. It looks like I was onto something.

I think the BrewersHardware RIMS is a better deal and it's rock solid construction.

I got the brewers hardware tube and love it. No question there

Better than free? ;)

I picked up my 2" Tri Clovers from BrewersHardware. They should be here tomorrow.