Simple Brutus 10 HELP

[BC2]

Howdy folks,

I know these types of questions get pounded into the ground everyday, but I have had a little trouble figuring out a solution to my newest project.

I have been fabricating simple brutus type systems for a while now, but up until now they have all been simple, manual gas fired up to 45 gal. The current system I am putting together must be electric, as it is in the basement of a brewpub with minimal ventilation. The issues I am facing are these:

1) the service available is 220v 20amp. The kettles will be keggles, can I boil 10 gallons on this service?

2) will I be able to run the HLT and kettle simultaneously? He could probably pull HL from his 10bbl HLT and maintain temp with a 110v element.

3) would the pumps have to be running off of a separate breaker? (I assume so)

I guess my biggest concerns are if I can get 10 gal to a boil on a 20 amp breaker, and if I will be able to run both kettle and hlt elements at the same time. I am thinking a very basic PID controller for both elements.

I apologize if these are ignorant questions, and yes a professional will be doing the wiring.

Thanks

Travis

 

[Cevan]

1 5500w element pulls around 23amps, that's what I use in my 20 gallon kettles.
You will definitely need at least a 30 amp service and you could run one element at a time with pumps, but you still won't be able run both elements at the same time.

 

[BC2]

Thanks for the reply Cevan

Would a 4k or 4500w work under 20 amps? He is not concerned with reaching boiling temps fast because he has many other tasks that would be taking place during pilot brews.

 

[Cevan]

Amp = Watt \ Voltage ... So a 4500w element pulls around 19 amps. It would work and should boil 10 gallons, but I'm afraid to advise you that would be acceptable under electrical code. I wait for someone to chime in with a better knowledge of how much you can load a circuit safely.

 

[BC2]

Correction: it is 240v. With a single 4k element that would put it at 16.6 amps. Is this an acceptable draw on a 20a breaker?

 

[jeffmeh]

Correction: it is 240v. With a single 4k element that would put it at 16.6 amps. Is this an acceptable draw on a 20a breaker?

Yes. My understanding is that you should not exceed 80% of the breader rating for continuous loads (over three hours), but a brewery heating element does not constitute a continuous load.