HLT Temp Probe location

So I looked through the forums and was only able to find information on Temp probe location when using HERMS or a RIMS setup.

I have an all electric brew rig consiting of two 10 Gal SS kettles (BK and HLT) and one Orange round 10 Gal cooler. I do not have a HERMS or RIMS setup. I have one pump that is connected to the HLT that pumps the hot water up to the MT. Currently I have a temp probe in my HKT almost in the center above my valve. I want to move the temp probe much lower so when the water level goes lower than 3 gallons, my PID can still sense the temp and fire the heater in the kettle.

I was about to put the sensor probe at the same level as the drain valve using a weldless kit but read that some people install a T on the drain valve to install the sensor to read the temp of the water as it's being pumped into the MT.

Question is, if I put it in a T past the valve, how will I read the temperature of the water prior to start pumping it into the MT? I understand it's best to read the water temp as it's being pumped through but I would like to know when the Strike temp is reached prior to pumping.

Is it best, with my setup, to install the temp probe in the kettle wall or in the T past the valve? Or, should I install two sensors and just switch the cables from the sensor in the kettle wall to the T once I reach the strike temp?

Thanks,

Steve

To measure the water temp with the probe in a "T" you must continually pump the water out and back into the top of the HLT. This method also prevents temp stratification by keeping the water moving.

So it's best to have it in a T rather then in the wall of the kettle?

Good question. I'm also wondering the same thing. I'm about to come to a conclusion that it's a personal preference.


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If you recirculate the HLT water continuously, it shouldn't matter too much where your temp probe goes, but you will likely get a more accurate readout putting it in the plumbing.

And anyway, what would be the point of only measuring the water temp on its way to the MLT? Really the easiest thing to do would be add a $3 tee toe the HLT out and install a temp probe there. Pump continuously while the water is heating up, and when it's ready transfer to MLT.


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The temp probe in my boil kettle goes through the side and I've seen the temp decrease up to 5 degrees Fahrenheit if I stir the wort while waiting for it to boil. I want better accuracy in my HLT without constant attention so for me having the probe in a "T" with constant circulation is better.

Thanks everyone. I have a 2" long RTD sensor now in my HLT and since I am going to install a T (which will eliminate a need for punching out a hole in my Kettle) I had to go and purchase another shorter RTD sensor (1.5" in case anyone was curios). The 2" Inch sensor I can use on my MT which does not have a sensor at all. I can install the T on the MT in a different way. I'll post pics when I get all my material in I just ordered.

Just put the probe along the long arm of the tee, and put the water out on the side arm.

dyqik, that's exactly what I am doing on the MT. Since I had to buy an additional sensor (I was short one) I purchases the shorter one for the HLT and I am installing the longer one on the MT as you described.

Hate to necro an old thread, but I am building, albeit slowly, a PID controlled system and a HLT with a temp probe that will send signals to the controller to turn off or on the heating element etc etc. I don't want to recirculate the water, so would placing the temp probe in the side of the pot be a waste of time? I'd have to constantly stir the HLT to make it accurate and that is kind of a pita

Shwagger said:

Hate to necro an old thread, but I am building, albeit slowly, a PID controlled system and a HLT with a temp probe that will send signals to the controller to turn off or on the heating element etc etc. I don't want to recirculate the water, so would placing the temp probe in the side of the pot be a waste of time? I'd have to constantly stir the HLT to make it accurate and that is kind of a pita

Click to expand...

it will be close but yeah unless you give it a stir it may be a few degrees off at least thats what I find.... I just stir mine up at its getting close to strike temp which is the only time it matters.. sparge temps can vary as long as their lower than 170 it really makes no difference..

Shwagger said:

Hate to necro an old thread, but I am building, albeit slowly, a PID controlled system and a HLT with a temp probe that will send signals to the controller to turn off or on the heating element etc etc. I don't want to recirculate the water, so would placing the temp probe in the side of the pot be a waste of time? I'd have to constantly stir the HLT to make it accurate and that is kind of a pita

Click to expand...

I don't think there's enough info here to answer your question. What are you using the HLT for? The need for accuracy, and the determination of wasted time, depends on the answer to that question.

Strike and sparge water.

I am now curious what else a HLT can be used for...

Shwagger said:

Strike and sparge water.

I am now curious what else a HLT can be used for...

Click to expand...

In a HERMS you'd use the HLT to regulate mash temp.

Not getting that fancy

Is it ok to use a Home Depot plastic cord grip to hold a K-type temp probe in a T fitting on the whirlpool recirc loop before the ball valve of the HLT?

Mhakala said:

Is it ok to use a Home Depot plastic cord grip to hold a K-type temp probe in a T fitting on the whirlpool recirc loop before the ball valve of the HLT?

Click to expand...

If you mean something like this... That's what I use. Hasn't melted yet