Heater element for RIMS

Sawdustguy said:

Funny, I did a Google search and had no trouble finding one. Here is the URL: http://www.plumbingsupply.com/elements.html. Google is your friend.

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ihomebrewing said:

First. Here's the reason why the power is 1/4:

Let's say you have a 240V 3000W element
P=VxI
3000W = 240VxI
I = 12.5A

To get the resistance, then:

V=IxR
240V = 12.5A x R
R=19.2 (this is a constant for the element).

Now, let's run the same element at 120V:

V = IxR
120V = I x 19.2
I = 6.25A (one half of the current draw)

P=VxI
P= 120V x 6.25A (One half the voltage x one half the Current)
P = 750W (1/4 the power at 1/2 the Voltage)

Secondly, I run my RIMS with a 3800W 240V, high density element at 120V. This gives me 950W of power. I do 10gal batches.

I have done extensive calibration and testing with it, and it performs fine for maintaining mash temps throughout the usable temperature range of enzyme activity.

with regards to step mashing:
To go from 120 to 140, takes 20min
140 to 154 takes another 20 min

I don't do step mashes, but if I wanted to decrease the lag time, I have a burner under the MLT.

Regarding scorching:

I brewed 2 consecutive 10gal batches of an American Pilsner. One with recirc and RIMS element, one with an insulated single infusion.

I compared wort colour, final beer clarity, colour, and tried to detect any scorched flavour.

I could not tell the difference between the two batches.

I hope this info helps you in your decision.

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