benbradford

Recipes 

I haven't seen this exact kind of setup on hbt...

I am thinking about building this soon, and have put together some diagrams, but would like someone to show me a system like this to confirm that it works...

I am planning on two 1500w elements in my bk.

__________________
I think it's too bad that everybody's decided to turn on drugs, I don't think drugs are the problem. Crime is the problem. Cops are the problem. Money's the problem. But drugs are just drugs.
Jerry Garcia

kappclark

Recipes 

I have tried 2kw 120v, and it does take alot longer...

You would have 50% more watts,

but I know I will be making the step to 220 .. right now I do the mashing indoors, then boil on the propane ...The automation appeals to me..for the bk, 2000W just doesn't seem to be enough (I can get a boil, eventually, but it takes forever)

I think 1500W is close to the limit for a 20 amp 120 circuit. You would still need 2 circuits

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Bill Clark
Windham, VT

CoalCracker

Recipes 

I am doing this same thing. Although i am using two elements in a keggle. 2x 2000w. On separate 20a circuits. I'm hoping to be able to test it soon. I just need the pump and the tubing and I'm done. Money is tight right now so the pump will have to wait. Two elements should get your to boiling a bit quicker.

bull8042

Recipes 

First off, using two 1500W elements in the calcs....

Current at 115VAC = 26A (this is 87% load on a 30A circuit. you should stay below 80%, best practice)
So, I am assuming that you want to use 2 elements so you can put them on separate circuits to eliminate this issue.

To boil 7 gal with 3000W, it will take approximately 50 minutes to get it there from 70°F assuming 95% efficiency. You will also have to take into account your elevation if your "location" is correct in your user info.

Just some food for thought.

__________________
"I brew with a water cooler and some part from the toilet." - JohnnyO

"I do gravity feed the last gallon or two through my Therminator, but I expect you could suck start a Volkswagen before you could suck start one of these. - GilaMinumBeer

"..... Bull was right." - TXCurtis

ReverseMonk

Recipes 

I am in the process of building a single pump, 2 vessel, HERMS, but mine will be 240v. Right now my main hold up in money as I will have to hire an electrician to install the circuit properly.

Other than that, I only have to build out my control panel. everything else is sitting on my porch waiting to be brewed with.

Search for "simple brewing" and you'll find a great thread on a 120v system.

addis29

Recipes 

I use two 2000w elements on seperate circuits to boil. I always make 10 gallon batches and have no problem boiling 12 gallons of wort. My kettle is well insulated. I never go from 70 to boiling, from sparge to boiling doesn't seem to take that long.

bull8042

Recipes 

Why is it I am picturing a worn-out sofa and refrigerator right there too?

__________________
"I brew with a water cooler and some part from the toilet." - JohnnyO

"I do gravity feed the last gallon or two through my Therminator, but I expect you could suck start a Volkswagen before you could suck start one of these. - GilaMinumBeer

"..... Bull was right." - TXCurtis

benbradford

Recipes 

I do boil at 195 degrees, so I thought that this would help shorten the time period...I will be boiling indoors, and in my kitchen, so I kind of thought that a little help from the seven gallon on the stove could be used if necessary.

Is anyone doing a two vessel herms one pump design?

__________________
I think it's too bad that everybody's decided to turn on drugs, I don't think drugs are the problem. Crime is the problem. Cops are the problem. Money's the problem. But drugs are just drugs.
Jerry Garcia

ReverseMonk

Recipes 

I'm not quite that ghetto. The couch remains inside, as does the kegerator. I have a screen porch that doesn't get used much, so my wife is kind enough to let me keep my "brewery" out there.