KevinP
Well-Known Member
I can see lwd/ulwd being desirable in a rims tube or in the mlt but is it really needed in a boil kettle?
anywhere the wort touches the element its better off being an ULWD element since it is not as hot because of the increased surface area... this reduces the likelyhood of the wort being scortched as soon as it comes into contact with the element surface... I believe if the wort is constantly being stirred a regular element might be ok but I bet it also depends on whats in the wort.I can see lwd/ulwd being desirable in a rims tube or in the mlt but is it really needed in a boil kettle?
That's interesting, have you done the math to figure out how many watts per square inch? My 4500W, 240V unit was about 220W/sq inch. I believe the Camco ripple I use now is supposed to be like 50.Just my experience, I have used HWD elements, 2000w 120v for years, too any batches to count.
Scorched one batch where I paused the boil after collecting the wort. I believe all the trub settled and scorched bad.
Other than that. No problems. Still using HWD.
Wilserbrewer
Http://biabbags.webs.com/
Because you can't find a good ULWD that fits your pot? I have a Mega Pot 1.2 8 gal, and it's only 12.5" in diameter. I've been watching all the threads related to this for some time, and LWD is as good as it gets in this length.Perhaps the better question is why NOT use ULWD elements when they are generally available for not much more money than HWD? A scorched batch is worth $30 plus time you won't get back.
unless you mount them in the bottom of the pot.Because you can't find a good ULWD that fits your pot? I have a Mega Pot 1.2 8 gal, and it's only 12.5" in diameter. I've been watching all the threads related to this for some time, and LWD is as good as it gets in this length.
Then they stick out the top. The ULWD is still too long.unless you mount them in the bottom of the pot.
also I have found the elements can be bent.
You're not looking hard enough. Lowes Utilitech 5500 watt, measures 9.5" and is a full foldback LWD, Camco's 2932 is also 5500 watts and is a little lower in density at 12.25" installed. Those are just two that I have here for samples and I'm sure you'd find more.Because you can't find a good ULWD that fits your pot? I have a Mega Pot 1.2 8 gal, and it's only 12.5" in diameter. I've been watching all the threads related to this for some time, and LWD is as good as it gets in this length.
How small is that pot? I cant make head or tales of "1.2 8" If it were me I would put spending the $50 for a bigger pot on my wishlist... You'll likely want to upgrade anyway... This is why I try not to spend a lot on hardware like this myself... I already want to go bigger than the $70 stainless 13gallon pot I have now...Then they stick out the top. The ULWD is still too long.
Bending is an option, but you risk damage or early failure.
Perhaps the better question is why NOT use ULWD elements when they are generally available for not much more money than HWD? A scorched batch is worth $30 plus time you won't get back.
I'm not looking for LWD, those are a dime a dozen. I don't see how the Camco qualifies as ULWD. If it has 11" of heated length, times 4, and about 3/8" dia, it's 52 sq in. At 5500 watts, that's 106 w/in2. That's LWD territory. The Ripple elements are down around 50.You're not looking hard enough. Lowes Utilitech 5500 watt, measures 9.5" and is a full foldback LWD, Camco's 2932 is also 5500 watts and is a little lower in density at 12.25" installed. Those are just two that I have here for samples and I'm sure you'd find more.
"Mega Pot 1.2 8 gal, and it's only 12.5" in diameter" If you've never heard of the Mega Pot I guess you have a point, but 8 gal and 12.5" are pretty obvious.How small is that pot? I cant make head or tales of "1.2 8" If it were me I would put spending the $50 for a bigger pot on my wishlist... You'll likely want to upgrade anyway... This is why I try not to spend a lot on hardware like this myself... I already want to go bigger than the $70 stainless 13gallon pot I have now...