High Gravity SS heating element

[Bensiff]

I emailed High Gravity but never got a response...Does anyone know if their stainless elements have a stainless base or is it just the element portion? Any thoughts on stainless elements v the Camco lime life element?

 

[MDHarris]

I use the camco elements and do have rusting at the base but it hasn't affected my brew....that I know of. I have heard that a thin layer of silicone that we use on rubber o rings in kegs will keep it from rusting. I have also read that using a higher watt density element that is completely stainless will not rust or scorch your product.

 

[Bensiff]

Yeah, I have some Camco elements and some high temp silicone I planned on putting on the base; but, if the highgrav stainless elements have a stainless base as well, I would pay the extra coin to use those instead.

 

[huntb]

I would also like to know this although it seems like everything they sell is a bit overpriced so I doubt that is why they are more expensive

 

[kevink]

I have heard that a thin layer of silicone that we use on rubber o rings in kegs will keep it from rusting.

Don't use that! You want to use a silicone sealer that cures or hardens. The stuff you put on keg o-rings is just a lube that will end up in your wort.

 

[heckels]

Don't use that! You want to use a silicone sealer that cures or hardens. The stuff you put on keg o-rings is just a lube that will end up in your wort.

This. There's a kind of DAP 100% silicone that is food safe and heat resistant up to about 500F. It can be tough to find sometimes. The details about temp are hidden in the fine print on the back.

 

[MDHarris]

The silicone grease that I am referring to is petroleum jelly. I just read on Wikipedia that it is inert and safe up to 400℉. I think I will remove my elements and clean the surface rust off before applying. Then I will be able to speak from experience. If it is good enough to help lubricate your "equipment" while doing the dirty it is certainly good enough for my kettles. Good luck

 

[Bensiff]

The silicone grease that I am referring to is petroleum jelly. I just read on Wikipedia that it is inert and safe up to 400℉. I think I will remove my elements and clean the surface rust off before applying. Then I will be able to speak from experience. If it is good enough to help lubricate your "equipment" while doing the dirty it is certainly good enough for my kettles. Good luck

Do you want a petroleum product in your wort? Just because it is not harmful to your health doesn't mean having some oil in there won't have some negative consequences to beer production. I would highly recommend using a silicone that is NSF and temp rated and cures solid.

 

[Bobby_M]

It's weird when the appropriate response is "oh, oops, never mind" but you get something much more argumentative and defensive.

 

[MDHarris]

Haha. I use it on my silicone and rubber orings that seal the bulk head, temp probe and heating elements just like lots of others of us. Help me understand how it hurts when its on the element base but not when its on every o-ring in my kettle ,pump and keg. Maybe I'm using the wrong stuff but if there is something else that will help me not destroy a silicone o-ring while locking down an electric element in my kettles please let me know. Hey, no sweat either way. Good luck

 

[MDHarris]

Hey Bensiff. Sorry brother I just realized that I am totally hijacking your thread. Won't happen again.

 

[jsguitar]

Haha. I use it on my silicone and rubber orings that seal the bulk head, temp probe and heating elements just like lots of others of us. Help me understand how it hurts when its on the element base but not when its on every o-ring in my kettle ,pump and keg. Maybe I'm using the wrong stuff but if there is something else that will help me not destroy a silicone o-ring while locking down an electric element in my kettles please let me know. Hey, no sweat either way. Good luck

Did you not wash your vessel after installing your fittings? One wash and any surface lube is gone.

On a side note, I don't use any lube on o rings for weldless fittings and have never had a problem.

The silicone suggested to protect the elements from rusting is an adhesive/sealant. It bonds to the surface and cures to form a solid seal that liquid can't penetrate.

You'd have to apply your suggested lube for every brew only to see it wash away into your wort and still not provide any protection.

 

[Bobby_M]

You lube your gaskets so they seat properly. Check. You coat the element base with silicone caulk to create a robust and heat resistant barrier to keep it from oxidizing. Different products for different purposes even if the word "silicone" is found in both.

 

[MDHarris]

Ok guys I got it, thanks for the new info I have to checkout. Does anyone know anything about high gravity's elements? Are the bases stainless or just the element portion. Lots get back to Bensiff's question.