HERMS coil size

[Arbe0]

I have a 10 gallon HLT pot that I converted to electric. I want to put in a HERMS coil. I do 5 gallon batches.
Looking at HERMS coils there seem to be two different sizes. from Amazon they have a "Coldbreak" 50' 1.2 inch 12" diameter HERMS coil which I think it would fit in my pot (my pot is 13" I.D and 17" depth, but with the element would be only about 14" (with 1 inch away from the element) I am thinking that it would be too big and I would loose a lot of wort in the coil.)
there is also the Blichmann coils. One is large the other is called small. Right now I am leaning on getting the small Blichmann Coil (25", 1/2 inch NPT, 7.75 inches tall, and they include the fittings for it.
looking for advice from other HERMS brewers that know more than me.

 

[Dustin_J]

I use a 1/2 barrel Sanke (15.5 gallons) as my HLT, primarily doing 5 gallon batches. Based on this (https://www.brewpi.com/what-is-ideal-herms-coil-length-theory-experiments/), I went with a 25' x 1/2" OD copper HERMS coil, exiting through the bottom, and constantly recirculating/whirlpooling the HLT water. The exit/flow direction and recirculation are intended to provide additional help with heat transfer efficiency.

 

[Arbe0]

I got a smaller HERMS coil. It seems like it would be the best fit for me.
Thanks for the info

 

[Staticsouls]

I have the cold break 50 ft in a half barrel sanke, and it works great! If i were in your position i would get a smaller coil, since you have a smaller hlt. The wort should drain out of the coil so there shouldnt be huge losses.

 

[Staticsouls]

Here is a pic

 

[Arbe0]

I installed my 25 Ft. HERMS coil today. after a few leaks I finally got everything leak tight. I Will water test it tomorrow. Never used one, it seems to be a great way to keep temperature and even step mash.

 

[Staticsouls]

Yes they are the best! You can use them for cooling too with ice.

 

[Arbe0]

I have a friend that uses it to cool the wort also, just takes a bit more time then my plate chiller which gets from 212 F to 69 F just in the times it takes to drain the wort into the fermenter.