Looking to build a HLT

[Wreck99]

I've been batch sparging for a couple of years now and wanted to attempt fly sparging again. I built this sparge arm about a year ago and tested it with a bottling bucket. It worked well, but I don't really have a good vessel to use as a HLT. That bottling bucket just didn't hold the heat. So I just went back to batch sparging.

I'm getting ready to purchase a new BK in a couple of weeks, so I don't want to buy another kettle as the HLT. I was thinking of trying another cooler similar to my Mash Tun, to keep down the cost. Maybe one of those Rubbermaid / Igloo round coolers I see people using and just add a valve?

I'm looking for suggestions. Thanks!

 

[Onkel_Udo]

Maybe one of those Rubbermaid / Igloo round coolers I see people using and just add a valve?

I'm looking for suggestions. Thanks!

The Cheap 48 qt Igloo rectangular coolers are cheaper and work just fine. Granted it is much easier when they have and existing removable plastic valve but I made and eHLT out of one that did not. 1/2" bulkhead fitting and valve in a 7/8" hole. Adding the heating elements was bit trickier but not hard.

 

[Brauer]

Igloo cooler $22.88 @ wally world
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-5-Gallon-Heavy-Duty-Beverage-Cooler-Orange/35520771

 

[Wreck99]

The Cheap 48 qt Igloo rectangular coolers are cheaper and work just fine. Granted it is much easier when they have and existing removable plastic valve but I made and eHLT out of one that did not. 1/2" bulkhead fitting and valve in a 7/8" hole. Adding the heating elements was bit trickier but not hard.

I was just going to heat up the sparge water in my BK and transfer it all over to the HLT. Temp should mostly hold I'd imagine. What heating elements were you suggesting?

 

[Onkel_Udo]

I was just going to heat up the sparge water in my BK and transfer it all over to the HLT. Temp should mostly hold I'd imagine. What heating elements were you suggesting?

Element is not required but sure is handy. I used the 2000W version of this...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060HN70M/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

but I have a dedicated 20 amp outlet.

 

[Wreck99]

Element is not required but sure is handy. I used the 2000W version of this...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0060HN70M/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

but I have a dedicated 20 amp outlet.

Not bad. So you drilled a hole in the side of the cooler and screwed it in as if water heater?

 

[Wreck99]

Igloo cooler $22.88 @ wally world
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-5-Gallon-Heavy-Duty-Beverage-Cooler-Orange/35520771

I might get the 10 gallon one just because 5 gallons would be filled to the brim occasionally, and in case I do bigger batches.

 

[Brauer]

I might get the 10 gallon one just because 5 gallons would be filled to the brim occasionally, and in case I do bigger batches.

Either way the lids are hollow. Get a can of that expanding spray foam. There is a little hole on the inside or rim of the lid, drill it out big enough for the straw on the spray foam. Fill that sucker full of foam. It will help maintain your temp.

 

[Onkel_Udo]

Not bad. So you drilled a hole in the side of the cooler and screwed it in as if water heater?

Nope. Drill the hole is right but you have to get the nut that is normally listed as an add-on (1" NPT cast nut) and I suggest the silicon o-ring though I am not sure they are required...I used one.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

Either way the lids are hollow. Get a can of that expanding spray foam. There is a little hole on the inside or rim of the lid, drill it out big enough for the straw on the spray foam. Fill that sucker full of foam. It will help maintain your temp.

Caution here!
That expanding foam, ( Great Stuff?) does not cure well in a void, as it needs some contact with the ambient humidity to fully cure!

This, I know from experience, and a big yellow puddle in my shop floor.

You could insulate the lid as such, but it will take "multiple" fill holes to do it........................