Heat Exchanger Recirculation - Page 2

**bull8042** · 03-31-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cape Brewing

Ahh... gotcha.

The one thing I really don;t know at this point since my rig is only two batches old now... is how long steps would take. I'm not sure how efficient the heat exchanger is and you don't want to jack up the temp in the HLT over your target or that defeats the purpose.

Then again... do you REALLY need to use step mashing these days with the malts that are available??

I think the answer to that question is "no". Steps are really not necessary unless you find some unmodified malts somewhere.
As for the steps, I use a Chillus CFC as my heat exchanger and recirculate both water and wort constantly. The 7.2kW element in the HLT will raise the temp in 12 gal of water within a few minutes, but the HLT is MUCH slower to respond. It takes 15+ min to go from mash temps to mash-out in my system.

**Cape Brewing** · 03-31-2009, 03:33 PM

Yeah, I have a Shirron plate chiller that I was going to use at the exchanger (still might someday) but that would require another pump and some more solenoid valves (I have freakin' nine already).... so I just mounted the coil in the HLT.

I assumed that steps would be a little tough but.. again... I'm assuming I'm not going to be doing a lot of them.

JayB240 · 08-27-2011, 01:09 AM

How about a better Heat Exchanger ?
I bought a heat exchanger from a neighbor who just happens to have a Heat Exchanger Company. I've been using the new exchanger all summer...... 3 to four passes will take 5 gal 200 degree wort down to 70 degrees against 48 degree well water. All stainless construction tig welded together...... A real brick

And the kicker.... Ryan's company builds all size exchangers.

http://carlsonhx.com
303-431-1180
303-431-1937

Jay

Irish Ale on tap
Dead Guy Ale on deck
Tommyknocker Imperial Brown Maple ale tomorrow

millaj92 · 10-04-2011, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bull8042

As for the steps, I use a Chillus CFC as my heat exchanger and recirculate both water and wort constantly. The 7.2kW element in the HLT will raise the temp in 12 gal of water within a few minutes, but the HLT is MUCH slower to respond. It takes 15+ min to go from mash temps to mash-out in my system.

This sounds like the system I am building with the only difference being I'll be using a plate chiller as a heat exchanger instead of a CFC. I'm a little confused by "The 7.2kW element in the HLT will raise the temp in 12 gal of water within a few minutes, but the HLT is MUCH slower to respond." Are you saying that although the element heats up the water in the HLT quickly, the mash temp doesn't respond similarly?