Boil kettle condenser - no overhead ventilation needed

[Goowa]

I have been running at 29% lately. I think if you sneak a quick peek at 40%, you'll see it's pretty violent in there.

For sure, had the table rocking. I wanted to make sure I got as high a boil off as possible cause it was my first biab and my PBV was a lot higher than I expected. Energy savings aside, and other reason to go lower?

 

[k-os]

I'm getting around 0.5gal/hr with my 5500W element set to 38% once the boil gets going. Exit water is around 120F and I believe the 9gph nozzle is installed.

 

[bleme]

Energy savings aside, and other reason to go lower?

I believe @mabrungard spoke on this subject at the last Homebrew Con. I wasn't able to attend, so this is second hand info, but I think he said that boiling too hard can hurt the longevity of a beer. Then they said he proved it with a bunch of sciency stuff. Hopefully he will pop in here to clarify.

 

[Bobby_M]

One reason I'm not a fan of filling the entire headspace with boil foam is that it deposits your precious hops on the sidewalls. Check on it a few minutes after a hop addition to be sure all the hops are not out of the boil.

 

[Franktalk]

I believe @mabrungard spoke on this subject at the last Homebrew Con. I wasn't able to attend, so this is second hand info, but I think he said that boiling too hard can hurt the longevity of a beer. Then they said he proved it with a bunch of sciency stuff. Hopefully he will pop in here to clarify.

Yes, this^^.

Apparently, heat stress from a too vigorous boil can result in many detrimental effects including, reduced head retention, color darkening, and less flavor stability to name just a few.

 

[processhead]

Yes, this^^.

Apparently, heat stress from a too vigorous boil can result in many detrimental effects including, reduced head retention, color darkening, and less flavor stability to name just a few.

How does the temperature of a boil exceed 212 degrees?
Clearly something other than heat, if in fact there are detrimental effects of a vigorous boil.

 

[Gravitysucks]

How does them temperature of a boil exceed 212 degrees?
Clearly something other than heat, if in fact there are detrimental effects of a vigorous boil.

This article gives some ideas on the thoughts on less vigorous boiling.
http://www.lowoxygenbrewing.com/uncategorized/low-oxygen-boiling/

 

[BrunDog]

Temperature doesn't need to climb, but pumping more heat into the wort will deteriorate it. You need just enough for a gentle simmer. The key is exposure with surface air to promote volatile transfer. Hence why some pro systems use calandrias.

 

[processhead]

Interesting reading. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ajoyce]

Just installed my steam Slayer as part of an expirimental system . Being that one of the frequent complaints of the low wattage all in one systems is the weak boil. Having a closed lid system seems like it would remedy that. Grabbed a non pump robobrew for a steal a few weeks ago and have been watching this thread, figure I'll guinea pig for those out there with these types of systems. Given the robobrew has a clamping lid, it should help provide a positive seal and ensure the vacuum for steam to exit. Still have a few items to setup for the system, but should get a brew done in week or two.

I am kind of confused on the right angle put fit valve connections to the spray head. I am building my own and that is the part i am confused on.

 

[Bobby_M]

I am kind of confused on the right angle put fit valve connections to the spray head. I am building my own and that is the part i am confused on.

Why is it confusing? You need a way to feed the cold water in so small diameter poly tubing is a nice lightweight way to do that. Right angle to keep the tubing from kinking. Valve so you can turn the water off right there. You don't have to do it that way.

 

[ajoyce]

Why is it confusing? You need a way to feed the cold water in so small diameter poly tubing is a nice lightweight way to do that. Right angle to keep the tubing from kinking. Valve so you can turn the water off right there. You don't have to do it that way.

Yeah I follow after looking at it again. Thanks. I just ordered the parts.

 

[matt_m]

Is the 1.5" version of this discontinued? I couldn't find it on BrewHardware.com until I did a Google search. Really debating between this and a new hood.

 

[Nemanach]

I don’t have an answer on the 1.5” version but this is way better than a hood. Quiet and no ductwork or holes cut in my house.

 

[matt_m]

Yeah, seems like a huge advantage. Just a little concerned about the the odor some have reported.

 

[Nemanach]

Well it isn't odorless by any means, you can certainly tell I'm brewing in the basement. My wife says she can smell it on the first floor as well but it isn't bad, I can't even tell up there. It dissipates quickly though.

 

[Goowa]

Well it isn't odorless by any means, you can certainly tell I'm brewing in the basement. My wife says she can smell it on the first floor as well but it isn't bad, I can't even tell up there. It dissipates quickly though.

I second that, but my experience is only on one brew with two ounces of hops.

 

[DexterBrewing]

Anyone know when these will be back in stock?

 

[RockfordWhite]

Bobby told me 3-4 weeks. However, in the order comments you can request a free 2-1.5 reducer and they’ll throw it in.

 

[Bobbybob]

So I just finished re-reading the whole thread and I have some thoughts...

1. This whole system works kinda like a hvac system. You expand a gas (steam) and then force a phase change to release the the unwanted heat.

2. As the steam expands it will cool due to it displacing other gas ( work). Could you increase efficiency with a concentric or even an eccentric reducer. This would have the added benefit of having your sprayer higher and no worry about water back flowing. It doesn’t seem to need it really.

https://www.brewershardware.com/Tri-Clover-Concentric-Reducer-2-X-1_5.html

https://www.brewershardware.com/Sanitary-Fittings/Eccentric-Reducers/

3. Some have reported Higher GPH sprayers reduce the smell? Has anyone tried to confirm this? Smell isn’t going to be an issue for me as the wife is pushing me to brew more. But lower exit temp may mean less aromatic undesirable released. I wonder if we are smelling some of the flavors of hops that normally get boils off like cheese, garlic, vegetal. Several people have reported burnt hop smell. Anyone want to make a malt liquor? I personally love IPAs but some make me gag because of a combo of hops taste like cat piss smells to me.

 

[Bobbybob]

Any idea when Bobby_M will be getting the 1.5” back in stock. It seems to be removed from the site just 2”. I can get to thru google but it isn’t listed if you go thru the drop down menu.

*edit* haha I didn’t see the three posts above mine sorry for a repeat.

 

[Bobby_M]

It's not really removed from the site but rather being hidden due to being out of stock. They are due back in a couple weeks. I mistakenly over ordered 2" and under ordered 1.5" based on how many inquiries I was getting on 2" before they were made. It turned out to be a lot of tire kickers in the 2" size.

 

[Bobbybob]

It's not really removed from the site but rather being hidden due to being out of stock. They are due back in a couple weeks. I mistakenly over ordered 2" and under ordered 1.5" based on how many inquiries I was getting on 2" before they were made. It turned out to be a lot of tire kickers in the 2" size.

I will take a 2 inch but I will need a reducer my kettle has 1.5” tc’s I will also need another integrated ripple element. Nothing like coming back to electric brewing and having all new parts to upgrade to. Expect a order as soon as I clear it with the boss.

 

[BrunDog]

Spike apparently liked the condenser to add it to their nano system: https://spikebrewing.com/pages/nano. I guess you can do 1 BB easily enough with it. Interesting they opted to call it "Our" condenser...

 

[gromitdj]

<snip>... Interesting they opted to call it "Our" condenser...

Especially since it's essentially what has been detailed here. Which is the first most of us had seen of the idea, I would assume.

 

[Bobbybob]

They have the defense of the “our” meaning there particular style of condenser. Considering you pioneered it at this scale, let’s hope their customers google “steam condenser”.

 

[BrunDog]

I guess. I’m not hating - I offered the design up freely to the community . If others want to make money on it... so be it. I just found “our” to be an interesting choice of words.

 

[Bobbybob]

I agree entirely. It is essentially poaching of the idea for scalable profit. unfortunately I think it will be everywhere at the next nano con.

 

[CodeSection]

I agree entirely. It is essentially poaching of the idea for scalable profit. unfortunately I think it will be everywhere at the next nano con.

Yes. With this recent addition, there are three companies that are selling a product with the design. Two companies have been selling it for awhile now.

 

[stevehaun]

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery...