Suggestions to improve heating efficiency from propane burner

DannyK · 01-17-2012, 03:18 PM

I have searched up and down the forums and can't find the answer to my question. My brew rig takes a long time to get water/wort to temp. I have a low pressure Marshall Gas 150 propane regulator www.squibbtaylor.com/brochures/marshallgascatalog.pdf, a 6 inch (hurricane like) burner, under converted kegs. I think the burner is a cajun cookware http://www.amazon.com/Cajun-Cookware-Burners-Pressure-Burner/dp/B003GUAGE6 but mine has no markings.
It takes over an hour and a half to get 10 gallons from 68 to boiling. I have the vents wide open and everything appears to be functioning.
My questions.
Is this typical?
Can it be modified to increase the heat output?
How much effect does wind have on the process? Wind seems to sneak under the keg and blow the flame around even though the burner is level with the base of the keg. I am wondering if a better wind block would help.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Danny

vnakkar · 01-23-2012, 08:35 PM

Try a better wind block. I had great success by making one. Most hardware stores will sell small sheet metal for just a few bucks... buy some and bolt it on.

postal_penguin · 01-23-2012, 09:42 PM

Do you have the fuel air mixture set correctly with your little air shutter? It should be burning a clean blue flame with no orange or red. Opening it too much or too little will negatively impact the combustion and heat output.

**outside92129** · 01-23-2012, 10:14 PM

adjust the burner/pot distance:
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/kab4-stand-modificaation-251497/