Electric Hot water tank with a Ranco controller as an HLT?

[promontory]

I just came across a smaller electric hot water tank. I am double checking make and model to confirm size but it looks like 15-20 gal at least.

It also has a Ranco Controller attached to it. I can pick it up for $50, which as far as I know is at least the cost of a Ranco anyways.

I am doing Extract brewing but really want to jump into All Grain. Can I setup this Hot water tank as my HLT? Is there any cleaning or anything I should do assuming everything works as it should? I mean I only need 170' water most of the time if my reading is correct.

I am in the US so I think that means the tank is Glass lined?


Thanks so much... Thoughts?

 

[Bryggehus]

Does it go as high as 170F? If so, you could use it but I'd be concerned with cleaning it out (sight unseen of course).

 

[ezzieyguywuf]

I just went by a super small-scale local micro-brewery the other day that does just that.

 

[promontory]

Any ideas how to clean it? I think the temp issue should be fine and the ranco is $50 anyway.

My thought was just to run a starsan/water mix through it...

thoughts?

 

[ezzieyguywuf]

I dunno, I forgot to ask them how they clean theirs But your way sounds good.

 

[promontory]

Cool. I am picking it up next weekend. I'll post pics when I do... Electric HLT into a cooler Mashtun to retain heat.

thanks for the advice.

 

[nkryptit]

I just went by a super small-scale local micro-brewery the other day that does just that.

Roth Brewing? I noticed that when I was there too. I guess they must be overriding the default thermostat, because those things are only supposed to go to about 125 F.

 

[promontory]

You can see pics at http://promontorybrew.com

 

[RegionalChaos]

Where did you find the tank? Looks like a nice setup.

 

[promontory]

A local Seattle guy that has random equipment at random times. It isn't very complicated though. The Ranco is wired in just like the normal controls would be.