HERMS Build Advice - Page 2

**rockytoptim** · 01-12-2010, 10:49 PM

I chose the smaller cooler becuase I was limited on the size of my element (3500W). I only have a spare 20 A 240V breaker for my garage. So I thought if I could fit the 3500W element in the smallest volume It would be easier to heat 2 gal than 5 or 6 gal with the same 3500W element. Your should be ok with the 5 gal. Many guys have them and they work fine. I plan on initially using a aquarium pump to aerate the HERMS tank. I may go to agitator but we will see how aerator does. I will update this once I get it up and running and let you know who it works.

Proetus · 01-13-2010, 01:45 AM

I am going to use a 1500 watt 120v element. Might take a little more time to heat up, but it can be done while heating my sparge water and all setting up. The water isn't going anywhere once its in there so once its heating its all set for the most part. Good luck with your build look forward to more pics.

DrKarma · 01-17-2010, 10:35 AM

Excellent write up regarding heat exchange theory can be found here

http://www.google.se/url?sa=t&source=web&ct=res&cd=1&ved=0CA0QFjAA&url= https%3A%2F%2Fwww.u-cursos.cl%2Fingenieria%2F2004%2F1%2FME43B%2F1%2Fma terial_docente%2Fobjeto%2F27858&ei=YfFSS7C_Fs_D-Qb8qLHUCA&usg=AFQjCNGe3KMQQLxBRkIjrreUt0kwwbhITA&s ig2=r3RGDDaoMDGnFE9wSOhRhA

EvilGnome6 · 01-17-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockytoptim

I plan on initially using a aquarium pump to aerate the HERMS tank. I may go to agitator but we will see how aerator does. I will update this once I get it up and running and let you know who it works.

I'm using an aquarium pump in my heat exchanger and it works just fine. It's pretty much the same as yours: 2 gallon cooler, 20' of 3/8" copper and a 1500W/120V heater element.

Flow rate isn't an issue at all with the 3/8" tubing, I seem to be more limited by my grain bed than anything else.

Bigscience · 01-17-2010, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Proetus

Glad to see someone else is going with a seperate Herms Hex! I am in the middle of building my stand/rig. I have the basic rig built and used it last weekend, will try to get some pics up of it later this week. I am planning the same thing with a hex. I currently have a 5 gallon cooler, now im wondering if its too big, but i think it should be ok. I am pretty much following This build as a guilde. But i plan to build the controller onto the cooler as i believe The Pol did. At least i think it was him, i have looked at so many dam rigs lately. I am also planning on incorporating a stirring motor to prevent stratification of the water.

Currently I have a HLT HEX but am also looking to do a separate HEX. For the chamber though I was looking to cut a 5 gal sanke in half (or so). I'd like to have the coil enter and exit through the sides though and not out of the top. I'm not sure if I can coil 1/2" stainless to a diameter of 7" though.