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**bendiy** · 12-20-2011, 04:12 AM

No, not that thread again.

Has anyone used a hot tub
Heater Assembly for a RIMS tube?

Punx Clever · 12-20-2011, 04:26 AM

I just picked up this:

VersaTherm Universal Heater Assembly 240v/120v

Waiting on some fittings (coming from Derrin at Brewer's Hardware) to finalize the setup then do a test run on an IPA. If I can find a couple CPVC 2"-1/2" NPT bushings locally, I might slap something together to make hot water before my stainless gets in.

Just looking at the part and technical drawings for 2" tri-clover fittings, it should hook up to the flanges on the end no problem. Also have a 1/8" RTD probe coming, it will screw into the pressure taps on the tube.

Lucky_Chicken · 12-20-2011, 12:04 PM

Love it! i didnt even know these existed... let me know how it works... i may have to shamelessly steal your idea.

**bendiy** · 12-21-2011, 01:36 AM

I ask because I've acquired this:

It's an electric control panel for a hot tub / spa with an 4000W 240V heat tube attached.

It's 15" long:

2.75" in diameter:

With a temperature senor attached on the outside:

It also has a pressure / flow sensor that I think it uses to ensure water is flowing through the tube before turning the heating element on:

Here's the inside. It needs a good cleaning:

Here are the electronics:

Side Ports:

**bendiy** · 12-21-2011, 01:44 AM

Does anyone make a 2.75" Tri Clover fitting?

Do you think a 3" Tri Clover fitting could work on this?

jusware · 12-21-2011, 03:07 AM

Awesome find!! Get ahold of darrin at brewers hardware, he would probably be able to answer your question as well as find a part for you. That's alot of electronics in there .. what are the labels on the plugs on the bottom pic. I've got an electrical engineering degree and I'm very curious .. If I lived closer to you I'd love to come over and play with that. I currently have a RIMs based off theelectricbrewery.com design. Once you go RIMs .. you won't go back

**Skagdog** · 12-21-2011, 03:19 AM

Truly intrigued. My wife and I bought a house recently and it came with a hot tub with a severely cracked hottub....

I never saw the brewplication of it.

Punx Clever · 12-21-2011, 04:44 AM

I saw lots of used heaters on eBay... didn't pounce because the thought of using a heater that used to make human stew bothered me.

Either way, those are the same measurements as mine, and I think that 2" trial clovers will fit. Remember, fitting sizes are based on the size of tube, not the size of the fittings.

**bendiy** · 12-21-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Punx Clever

I saw lots of used heaters on eBay... didn't pounce because the thought of using a heater that used to make human stew bothered me.

Either way, those are the same measurements as mine, and I think that 2" trial clovers will fit. Remember, fitting sizes are based on the size of tube, not the size of the fittings.

Good to know. I haven't ever used tri clovers. If that's the case, it should work fine as is.

I got it from the in-laws 10 year old jacuzzi that broke and froze up, so it's used, but at least I know where and by who. The heating element can be replaced, a little bar keepers friend and it's like new.

Punx Clever · 12-21-2011, 04:21 PM

The only thing I can see going wrong with it is that the control panel probably has an upper limit of 115 F or so.

I've never used tri-clovers before either, but drawings of the fittings from McMaster give me a little more than hope.