I tried a search within HomeBrew Talk and Google, but I could not find a good guide on how to select a RIMS Tube heating element. Let me know if you have a good link. Otherwise, my two major concerns are scorching or other flavor impacting issues, and the element touching the side of the RIMS tube.
I am using the Brewers Hardware tri-clamp RIMS Tube, which is a great design. However the tube is narrow such that the fold over element I tried touches the sides. I am not confident that any amount of bending the element would prevent it from going back to its original position.
Generally i would try to use the lowest watt density, but i am now avoiding the fold over elements.I ended up with a 13" element rated at 4500 watts 240V, running at 110-120V.
Has anyone tried different elements and watt densities in the same configuration to determine at what point the watt density causes problems. The information I have found is anecdotal at best.
I am using the Brewers Hardware tri-clamp RIMS Tube, which is a great design. However the tube is narrow such that the fold over element I tried touches the sides. I am not confident that any amount of bending the element would prevent it from going back to its original position.
Generally i would try to use the lowest watt density, but i am now avoiding the fold over elements.I ended up with a 13" element rated at 4500 watts 240V, running at 110-120V.
Has anyone tried different elements and watt densities in the same configuration to determine at what point the watt density causes problems. The information I have found is anecdotal at best.