Whirlpooling in kettle with electric element

[Paco]

Anyone had success in this situation?

Here's what my kettle look like.

So far I only used a stainless steel scrubby at the end of the pickup tube but I stumble on hop pellets that are shredded a bit more fine and it clog the pickup tube to the point of only dripping when cooling. I can't adjust to just this particular batch of hop. They pretty good anyway. I need a more versatile solution as I want the freedom to brew with whatever I have.

I need to find a solution to separate the trub and hops from the wort. I've considered the hop bag but with the presence of the element(s), it's risky to burn them. I believe that if I try to get the hop bag(s) out of the way of the elements, I will restraint the hop/wort contact which is not good. Also, the hop bag does't take care of everything; the hot break. A bit in the fermenter is Ok but too much is to avoid if possible.

At this point, I'm open to any suggestions and ideas.

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[walther]

Yes, I have.



Let me know if you have any questions,
Walther

 

[CodeRage]

Paco,

I use a hop sack with my electric elements, at one time it was a big wavey 4500W ULD element which came close to the sack. Never had an issue, I just clipped it to the keggle wall as far away from the element as possible and just deep enough to suspend the hop particles.

With that said, I whirl pool as well but I use a pump to drive it. Trying to stir it with the element in there would be difficult.

 

[Paco]

Hmmm... I guess I didn't whirlpool with enough conviction...!?

Thanks!

 

[Paco]

Updates.

I decided to conduct a simple test tonight to see (keyword here) if I could whirlpool in my kettle and how well the particles pilled up in the center.

I filled the kettle half way and I throw a handful of oatmeal flakes. Then I start whirpooling with the plastic spoon for a couple of minutes then let sit for 10-15 minutes. I couldn't take pictures because the mixture was blurry but with a light, I could see the flakes have piled in the center.

The true test is still be with hot/cold break and hop trub though... sometime, it's far from just a handful.

On the next brew, I will whirlpool even more intensely and will let it sit and decant for 10-20 minutes before gradually pumping.

 

[Paco]

But wait. Here's pictures. I accidentally bump the kettle while the volume was low. The flakes were more concentrate in the center.

 

[CodeRage]

Looking at that and how your pickup is oriented. I think you will be very happy with the results on brew day.

 

[Paco]

Follow-up