55 Gal Blichmann on Bayou KAB6?

[bluelakebrewing]

Ive maxed out my system and Im looking to upgrage to large mashtun and kettle. I was looking at something like this:

http://morebeer.com/products/blichm...rew-pot.html?gclid=CPKcrvvQgLkCFchxQgodlh0Aug

my question is, would I also need to upgrade my heating element? I currently use the Bayou classic KAB6 for 12 gallon batches no problem, however, would it hold up for a 40 gallon brew? It has been rated anywhere from 85k - 210+ btu's by different sources. Here it is:

https://www.annapolishomebrew.com/p/1798/cooker-kab6

If this wont work, does anyone have a recommendation of what would?

 

[SpikeBrewing]

We've heard lots of issues with trying to heat larger kettles with propane. A lot of the time you'll get a boil on the bottom half of the kettle but not the top. A RIMS or HERMS system may work better.

 

[bluelakebrewing]

Hmm, maybe Im missing something, but would stirring not distribute the warmer liquid below to mix with the above wort to even the temperature and eventually bring the entire amount to a boil?

 

[MidTNJasonF]

I have personally witnessed a Blichmann 55 gallon kettle full nearly to the top at a nice rolling boil on the standard Blichmann burner. The burner linked to above looks to have the identical center (burner) section so I would say it is entirely realistic that it would work. I will say however that I would not trust the structure of that burner (the frame) to support the kettle and 50+ gallons. The Blichmann is far more robust in build and material. The 55 gallon kettle was perfectly stable on the Blichmann burner (short legs not the extended length legs).

 

[bluelakebrewing]

Nice, that gives me hope. What was brewing with the 55 kettle like?

 

[mblanks2]

It would take 48,640 btus to raise 40 gallons of water from 60* to a boil. Wort would take a little longer due to it being heavier. If your burner were 210,000 btu's and would deliver 100% of that heat into the kettle (which it won't) it would raise that 40 gallons to a boil in approx. 14 minutes. Assuming you would get 75% efficiency from your burner to the kettle you could achieve a boil in 18.5 minutes.

 

[bluelakebrewing]

damn dude sweet math, thats awesome. thanks!

Mblanks2 - you seem like a math guys, which clearly I am not, so I have another question for you. I bought a large pot which the seller thought was 55 gallons. Im curious as to its actual size? its 17.75 inches diameter and 44 inches tall. Is there a way to calculate the volume in gallons using those measurements?

Thanks yall

 

[bluelakebrewing]

i calculated 183 gallons, but like i said, im mathtarded

 

[StoneHands]

I get about 47.1 gallons

 

[bluelakebrewing]

dang thats a big difference

 

[bluelakebrewing]

ahh you are right. I was putting in 17 for the radius which is actually the diameter

 

[orangehero]

It would take 48,640 btus to raise 40 gallons of water from 60* to a boil. Wort would take a little longer due to it being heavier. If your burner were 210,000 btu's and would deliver 100% of that heat into the kettle (which it won't) it would raise that 40 gallons to a boil in approx. 14 minutes. Assuming you would get 75% efficiency from your burner to the kettle you could achieve a boil in 18.5 minutes.

More like 20-25% efficiency. It's nowhere near 75%.

 

[mblanks2]

Quote:
Originally Posted by mblanks2 View Post
It would take 48,640 btus to raise 40 gallons of water from 60* to a boil. Wort would take a little longer due to it being heavier. If your burner were 210,000 btu's and would deliver 100% of that heat into the kettle (which it won't) it would raise that 40 gallons to a boil in approx. 14 minutes. Assuming you would get 75% efficiency from your burner to the kettle you could achieve a boil in 18.5 minutes.

More like 20-25% efficiency.

I did say assume and I would assume a little higher efficiency than 25%, but I have a shielding built around my burners to allow only minimal heat to escape.