Electric Heating Element cleaning?

[30_Ounce]

I bought a used electric brewing system last year and have brewed several batches on it successfully. It has a RIMS element that has been scorched since I bought it but has not added any off flavors. Any recommendations on how to clean this? I have tried PBW, Barkeepers Friend, soaking in sanitizer but nothing has helped. Should I just replace it?

 

[Broken Crow]

Have you tried recirculating a hot citric acid solution through it?

 

[30_Ounce]

Nope, but I will.

 

[IslandLizard]

I wonder if the (black) oxide layer actually protects your element and even prevents further scorching. Many oxides are harder and more durable than the metal underneath.

If you prefer it shiny, perhaps scour the oxide layer off with BKF? Just be careful not to damage the element by exerted force on it.

 

[Ozarks Mountain Brewery]

oven cleaner

 

[Broken Crow]

I wonder if the (black) oxide layer actually protects your element and even prevents further scorching. Many oxides are harder and more durable than the metal underneath.

I never thought of it that way! Though I do wonder; As the blackness Is likely oxidation, wouldn't that cause it to become more reactive and perhaps lead to greater corrosion over time? I was just assuming some re-passivation and if needed followed by vigorous use of BKF and a scotch-brite and maybe another acid round might do the trick.
Now you've got me thinking a full oxide-coat might be useful...

 

[Skeeter686]

I had an element that got a bit scorched once. I let it soak in a PBW solution for a few days and that really helped to clean it up.

However, if the metal is actually discolored, I don't know if the PBW soak would help.

 

[Brewdog80]

What to do.... Let me see..... Brew more beer. It will NOT hurt anything at all. And oven cleaner? NO

 

[30_Ounce]

Tried vinegar water solution yesterday but it didn’t do anything. Brewing with it right now, 3 step mash, no problems.

 

[crazyjake19]

If a hot PBW soak hasn't helped that, I'd replace it. I've been using the same element in my kettle since 2017 and it looks as new as the day I installed it.

 

[Broken Crow]

Just out of curiousity; I notice the scorching is mainly on one side...was the RIMS mounted horizontally?

 

[30_Ounce]

Yes, it’s mounted horizontally. SsBrewtech 1bbl system…

 

[Broken Crow]

Wow! Impressive powerhouse unit, however: I not-so-humbly disagree with their design-governed choices in implementing the RIMS. It looks clear that they wanted to keep the overall height down and chose to stuff the RIMS in the space underneath but I don't like it: Gravity-fed input, temp sensor built in to base of element, output channeled directly to the pump. The scorch likely happened because the flow stopping...maybe the pump shut off, maybe a stuck mash..whatever: With the temp sensor in the middle of the element base and the significantly larger hot-zone across the top, by the time the temp rises enough inform the sensor, it's already scorched. Heat rises. With a vertical tube and a separate temp sensor mounted above the element at or ahead of the output, the higher temp is registered and element shut off significantly faster.
Can I save your picture to use as an example of why to mount RIMS tubes vertically? (It comes up on here from time to time)
Have you been able to clean it with any of the above suggestions yet, and/or; does it even make any difference?

 

[30_Ounce]

Wow! Impressive powerhouse unit, however: I not-so-humbly disagree with their design-governed choices in implementing the RIMS. It looks clear that they wanted to keep the overall height down and chose to stuff the RIMS in the space underneath but I don't like it: Gravity-fed input, temp sensor built in to base of element, output channeled directly to the pump. The scorch likely happened because the flow stopping...maybe the pump shut off, maybe a stuck mash..whatever: With the temp sensor in the middle of the element base and the significantly larger hot-zone across the top, by the time the temp rises enough inform the sensor, it's already scorched. Heat rises. With a vertical tube and a separate temp sensor mounted above the element at or ahead of the output, the higher temp is registered and element shut off significantly faster.
Can I save your picture to use as an example of why to mount RIMS tubes vertically? (It comes up on here from time to time)
Have you been able to clean it with any of the above suggestions yet, and/or; does it even make any difference?

Absolutely agree. Feel free to use the picture. It happened before I bought it but I think it was a stuck mash. The mash screen is a little concave too but neither the element or concave screen has caused issues. It has an interlock so the element won't work if the pump isn't on. I don't think the previous owner ever took the RIMS apart. It was a professional brewer's pilot system and they had a rigorous CIP.

 

[Broken Crow]

Thanks for the follow-up! Despite my design-concern that is one sweet looking system. Did you ever get the element clean or have you used it since and noticed if the scorching actually makes any difference?

 

[mabrungard]

What to do.... Let me see..... Brew more beer. It will NOT hurt anything at all. And oven cleaner? NO

Absolutely wrong!!!

While that scorched deposit doesn't look too bad to me, scorched wort on an element can and will eventually add smokey phenols to the wort and all the beers will be 'smoked' beers. A local (to me) brewer found this out the hard way after ruining dozens of 7bbl batches.

PBW, oven cleaner, or other caustic solutions ARE what a brewer should use to clean organic deposits from heating elements. Be aware that caustics will eat aluminum and some other metals, so don't leave them in contact with non-SST equipment for many hours. Do heat the caustic solution to increase the rate of reaction with the organics.

 

[30_Ounce]

Thanks for the follow-up! Despite my design-concern that is one sweet looking system. Did you ever get the element clean or have you used it since and noticed if the scorching actually makes any difference?

I have done 5 batches including a Pilsner and Kolsch, which I think would expose any smoky or ash flavors, and nobody in my home-brew club or guests have noticed any off flavors. It has been that way since I purchased it so all of my batches have been with that element. I'm going to try oven cleaner as mabrungard suggested and see if that works. That's the only thing I haven't tried. Also going to contact SsBrewtech about a new element. Thanks for all your help.

 

[BBBF]

I have done 5 batches including a Pilsner and Kolsch, which I think would expose any smoky or ash flavors, and nobody in my home-brew club or guests have noticed any off flavors. It has been that way since I purchased it so all of my batches have been with that element. I'm going to try oven cleaner as mabrungard suggested and see if that works. That's the only thing I haven't tried. Also going to contact SsBrewtech about a new element. Thanks for all your help.

I works until it doesn't and nothing is worse than scorching a batch. I've had good luck cleaning with 100% lye, added cool to warm water and bringing it up to temp. I use a weaker solution and more time that what probrewers would use for caustic cleaning, but when adding it is still in its concentrated form and dangerous. If you go this route, eye protection is a must. Never add it to near boiling water as the temp can increase to boiling temps. Have plan for every step, including what to do if it gets on you and you need to act quickly.

 

[30_Ounce]

I soaked it in oven cleaner overnight and it did not phase it at all. Sprayed it every hour until I went to bed. I guess mechanically (wire brush, sandpaper?) cleaning it would be the only way. I did order a new element last week. Should be here Thursday.

 

[Deadalus]

They sell this cleaner called Blue Wolf near me. It's very basic pH is 12.5. It works better than oven cleaner. It cleans soot really good.