StrngBrewer
Member
Long time lurker, first time poster...
I've recently switched my 2 vessel electric system to a single vessel eBIAB. I never had any issues with scorching with my original element (LWD 4500W 240V). But that burned out in the middle of a boil last fall (not sure what happened), so I ran out and just got a replacement at the local hardware store to finish the beer (Surly Darkness clone). Didn't get any time to brew over the winter.
First spring brew day I brewed a 10 gallon batch that I split into an IPA and an Amber Ale, and had terrible scorching issues. I thought it was a mix-up at the LHBS w/ the smoked malt because they both were undrinkable. Next batch, tried a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' clone, same problem. At this point, I started to suspect the cheap-o replacement element, so I ordered a new 304 SS, 4500W, ULWD ripple element and tried again.
During the brew, I went upstairs for 5 minutes during the boil and coming back down caught the very noticeable smokey smell. After transfer to the primary, noticed the milk chocolate colored gunk on the element. And, I just opened the primary to transfer to secondary and it smells like an ash tray.
I've verified supply voltage is within a couple volts of 240V. The element was clean or brand new with all of these. I have a PID controller (Omron E5CK) with on/off control of an SSR only (no PWM), but this has never given me a problem before.
I have no idea what could have changed... or apparently how to fix it. Any ideas?
I've recently switched my 2 vessel electric system to a single vessel eBIAB. I never had any issues with scorching with my original element (LWD 4500W 240V). But that burned out in the middle of a boil last fall (not sure what happened), so I ran out and just got a replacement at the local hardware store to finish the beer (Surly Darkness clone). Didn't get any time to brew over the winter.
First spring brew day I brewed a 10 gallon batch that I split into an IPA and an Amber Ale, and had terrible scorching issues. I thought it was a mix-up at the LHBS w/ the smoked malt because they both were undrinkable. Next batch, tried a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' clone, same problem. At this point, I started to suspect the cheap-o replacement element, so I ordered a new 304 SS, 4500W, ULWD ripple element and tried again.
During the brew, I went upstairs for 5 minutes during the boil and coming back down caught the very noticeable smokey smell. After transfer to the primary, noticed the milk chocolate colored gunk on the element. And, I just opened the primary to transfer to secondary and it smells like an ash tray.
I've verified supply voltage is within a couple volts of 240V. The element was clean or brand new with all of these. I have a PID controller (Omron E5CK) with on/off control of an SSR only (no PWM), but this has never given me a problem before.
I have no idea what could have changed... or apparently how to fix it. Any ideas?