Tangential heating elements to allow better trub formation during whirlpool?

[Compacto]

Starting in on an electric BK and thought of offsetting the heating elements (2 2000w 120v elements) to not interfere with the trub formation during whirlpooling. Basically the same idea as a tangential whirlpool inlet only two TC ferrules for the elements. Two questions...

1. Those of you that use an element and whirlpool, how much do you feel the element gets in the way? Basically is this a solution in search of a problem?

2. Any foreseeable issues with having the two elements tangential to the BK (obviously not completely tangential but enough so to keep it far from the center, they're both 8" elements and will be able to hug the side of the kettle pretty well.)

 

[mswebb]

I use 2 5500W elements in a 1 Bbl system. They are installed at roughly 10 and 2 and pointing towards the center. One is installed about an 1" higher than the other as they overlap. I have also bent the wavy element, separating the two layers horizontally and vertically. They are installed above the point where the trub cone forms. They don't interfere with the whirlpool or cone formation. My kettle has a nice dished bottom which keeps the cone below the elements and much lower than the kettle outlet.

 

[Bowtiebrewery]

I think this would be OK, but not optimal. My concern would be that when the elements are on it would send the boiling wort up and towards the sides of the kettle rather then at the center of the kettle and dissipating outward. I think you would be off-setting that with the two like you have there, but still the effect would be noticeable.

Additionally, I think the gains that you are trying to accomplish for better hop/trub cone formation from whirlpooling is going to only be slightly improved, and in my opinion probably not worth the additional cost for tangential element installation.

 

[NathPowe]

Another option to consider is getting two of BrewHardware's HotRod heatstick assemblies. They come with hardware that allows you to secure them to your kettle. They can then easily be raised up after the boil and are out of the way of your whirlpool.

I do this with 2x 2000W elements for 5 gallon batches and it works well.

Cheers.

 

[dyqik]

A third option would be a Blichmann boil coil. Probably cheaper to buy and install a boil coil DIY than to get the parts made and fitted to install tangential water heater elements.

 

[drez77]

I have an element in the center and have no issues with a trub cone formation.