e-HERMS HLT design questions

[bisctboy]

This is my 2nd post after my introduction post...

I've got 2 all grain batches (3 total) under my belt using a couple SS pots and a diy 10 gallon igloo MLT. I have a couple sanke kegs in my garage and I want to build am e-HERMS HLT to upgrade my system. I want to know some design specifics from those who have experience building them:

• 25ft coil or 50ft coil?
• Total height of coil?
• Placement of the coil in relation to the bottom of the keg
• Placement of the heating element in relation to the HEX coil or the bottom of the keg
• Is this coil worthy? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-Sc...r-heater-element-15184/100129264#.UoLJo_kqhLg
• Is this coil worthy? http://www.homedepot.com/p/Camco-55...r-Heater-Element-15597/100150507#.UoLJ0PkqhLg
• Rough (or exact) placement of the HEX coil in the keg
• Placement/height of ball valve
• Should I recirculate HLT water somehow?
• Weldless vs welded fittings (leaning toward weldless for simplicity)

While I have the money to spend on a pre-made system, this build will be completely DIY including making the HEX coils from 1/2" copper. I love building things from scratch!

Assumptions about me include - I'm very handy, I have a MIG welder, I have many tools, I want the best, I am willing to work for the best, I am willing to take the long route to achieve the best, my system will evolve to include to include e-BK (maybe more), I want to do things DIY, I want the satisfaction of knowing "I built this", I will use a PID to control the heating element (maybe more control?), I am not a novice at electronics (not an expert though), and would rather spend more money on a DIY project than buying a completed system.

Finally, yes I have spent time (probably not enough though) looking for the answers on my questions in this forum.

In the end, I humbly ask for the assistance of the experts on this forum.

Thanks,

Marshall

 

[Begin2Brew]

I did the DIY on my EHERMS with a lot of help from this site.

http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/

 

[milldoggy]

Home depot has copper on clearance, I picked up 60 ft of 1/2 id forb35, normally 150. I would snag a coil.

 

[bisctboy]

I picked up 50ft of 1/2" at Home Depot today for $19.03...crazy cheap!

 

[bisctboy]

Does anyone have an opinion on the below?

• 25ft coil or 50ft coil?
• Total height of coil?
• Placement of the coil in relation to the bottom of the keg
• Placement of the heating element in relation to the HEX coil or the bottom of the keg

I was able to pick up some very inexpensive 1/2" copper coil to make the HEX out of and have plenty of it. Does a longer HEX coil necessarily mean it's better? Also, I'd like some input from those who built a keggle HLT on the placement of the element and HEX in relation to each others as well as the bottom of the keggle.

Thanks,

Marshall

 

[milldoggy]

I used a 50 ft coil. Placed it above the element. I used some 8 guage copper wiring and made a support to hold the coil off the element. I can give you measurements if you want

 

[milldoggy]

Double post

 

[bisctboy]

Yes, those measurements would be great to have...thanks.

Marshall

 

[milldoggy]

Will grab them tomorrow

 

[milldoggy]

4.25 liquid out
18.25 top recirc
4 bottom herms
13 top herms
4.5 element

Lq out at 12 o'clock
Herms at 10(would move to 11)
Site glass at 1
Element at 5

 

[milldoggy]

Photo

 

[bisctboy]

Perfect sir...thanks for the picture as well!

Marshall