dulavjo

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what's the best way to ground the two wire heating element

Layne

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Thundercougarfalconbird

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I had a few technical questions and since this thread is MASSIVE. I figure someone can help me long before I find it.

1. What does the PID control exactly? The pump or the element? Is the one that isn't controlled on all the time?
2. How do you clean the inside of your RIMS tube (I'd rather not spend 150+ on a Triclover version)
3. How do you prevent overly compacted grainbeds? I figure you need to have the valves open full force to keep things from catching fire and whatnot.
4. With so much water flow how do you prevent channeling? Again, I feel like the grainbed will be very uneven (maybe this doesn't matter with a false bottom)
5. If someone could direct me towards a nice simple cheapo 120v cheapo style toolbox build I'd really appreciate it.

__________________
-Jack Kerouac

Coldies

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stlbeer

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The PID controls the heating element. The pump runs for the duration of the mash.

These are easily cleaned at the end of the mash by recirculating a PBW solution through it. Hot PBW performs better. I run it up to 130*F.

Compacted grain beds can be controlled by limiting pump throughput and by using rice hulls. Rice hulls keep the mash loose and prevent compaction. The valves do not need to be fully open. I run mine about 35-40% open. If the mash gets stuck and there is no flow through the tube, then the wort will heat up and the temperature probe/PID will not allow the temperature to go over the set point on the PID. It will heat up rather quickly though given the small volume of liquid in the tube. The heater element should be of a extra or ultra low density type - <50 watts / square inch of element surface area. These have not been known to scorch wort.

I have simply laid the hose on the top of the grain bed and for a 30 lb grain bill I have not had serious channeling. Several folks will sprinkle the wort on to the grain bed with a circular tube that has lots of holes drilled in it. Similar to a mash tun manifold.

I've seen some folks do this with the toolbox RIMS systems. Search for that and you'll find what you're looking for.

Good Luck!

Thundercougarfalconbird

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I have a Kal style sparge hose in my tun, it seems like my grainbed is very uneven after recirculation. Perhaps I'm running my pump too fast?

__________________
-Jack Kerouac

Frogger42

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Has anyone used the following eBay components? Looks like I can save a lot of coin, but I am always reminded of the age old adage "you get what you pay for"

1. PID - $28 delivered (eBay Link)
2. SSR + Heatsink - $12 delivered (eBay Link)
3. Thermocouple - $10 plus Shipping (eBay Link)

phoenixs4r

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How wide is everyone elements? Can I fit one in a keg dip tube?

klyph

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You can fit an immersion element in a keg with a diptube, you cannot fit the element inside the diptube itself. You could fit a thermocouple probe in a diptube, but it would cause a serious restriction and give you nothing but headaches.

__________________
10 gallon electric system
Stovetop 110v single vessel 5 gallon system

Primary: saison
Secondary: nada
Conditioning: macaroon stout
Drinking: store bought

phoenixs4r

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Bummer. Trying to find something to do with these dip tubes lol