DIY Hot liquor tank stirrer - build videos

[megabyte]

Hi guys, I've put together some videos of my new DIY HLT stirrer build for my HERMS rig.

My first video covers the need for stirring in my HLT. There are a lot of people saying convection is enough to even out the temperatures, but after poking around with a thermometer I was amazed to discover significant thermal stratification in my HLT (about 36f!) that explains why I was having difficulties getting my strike and sparge temperatures right.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYQ4Lmtv28A[/ame]

For the next video I built a tidy little HLT stirrer with parts mostly from eBay. I documented the build process along with the final results that I am very happy with.
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pngt93k7jw[/ame]

If you're considering stirring your HLT but concerned about adding more complexity to your brew rig I hope these videos come in useful!

 

[passedpawn]

Yes, no doubt about it, if you're hoping for HLT water of a regulated temperature, it needs stirring. I've seen some incredible gradients above my electrical element and below.

IMO, the easiest way to do this is by pumping air (aquarium pump) DOWN into the sight glass, or similar port into the bottom.Much easier than a propeller, though I commend the poster above for his effort and for documenting so well.

Cheers!

 

[day_trippr]

Lots of us pump the hlt for the same effect...

Cheers!