Ripple element touching itself?

[Thedutchtouch]

I sourced some triclamp elements from china- the element itself seems to be folded/crimped a bit tightly so it's in contact with itself in one area... Before I try to bend them apart a bit, does this even matter?

 

[passedpawn]

I'd bend it to avoid what you describe above. Pieces of malt can get stuck in there and burn. Will also make it difficult to clean.

 

[mabrungard]

That contact could create a hot spot that might cause the wire inside the element casing to overheat. In addition, I find that spreading the element helps create a better wort circulation. I would gently bend the element to correct that issue.

 

[Thedutchtouch]

ok. gentle bending... here i come. fingers crossed.