Two elec heating elements

Simple pot still distillation and construction with or without a thumper.

Moderator: Site Moderator

Post Reply
alohashine
Novice
Posts: 56
Joined: Tue Aug 30, 2016 3:40 pm

Two elec heating elements

Post by alohashine »

My current copper pot still is a 6 gallon rig with thumper and worm. I run it with a single 1500w elec heating element. Works great, just takes over an hour to heat up and start producing.

Can I install a second 1500w element in the still and use that to just bring it to boil, then shut it off and do my run with just a single element? Or is that overkill for a 6 gal rig? I don't have access to 220v so I cannot use a 4500w element.
User avatar
dieselduo
Rumrunner
Posts: 714
Joined: Fri Feb 17, 2012 11:36 am
Location: Florida

Re: Two elec heating elements

Post by dieselduo »

a 1500 w on 6 gal should probably be enough. I wouldn't opt for another. You don't need to bring it up to temp that fast
User avatar
NZChris
Master of Distillation
Posts: 13062
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:42 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Two elec heating elements

Post by NZChris »

I use two in a 9 gallon still, sometimes running them in series instead of using a controller.

The advantages are having the option of running them in series at 750W, which should be enough to finish the run of you blow the controller and being able to finish a run if you blow an element.

If you are making flavored products like rum, halving the warm up time might give you less esterification. I like to let mine take at least an hour before removing a foreshot.
User avatar
mrjames680
Site Donor
Site Donor
Posts: 8
Joined: Wed Feb 11, 2015 2:16 pm
Location: Deep South

Re: Two elec heating elements

Post by mrjames680 »

Try insulating your boiler firts. May be surprised how much tha helps.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
Don't sweat the petty stuff and dont pet the sweaty stuff
User avatar
shadylane
Master of Distillation
Posts: 10364
Joined: Sat Oct 27, 2007 11:54 pm
Location: Hiding In the Boiler room of the Insane asylum

Re: Two elec heating elements

Post by shadylane »

When it comes to heaters, If one is good enough, two must be better. :lol:
2 heaters adds more complexity and possible drama
On a 6 gallon pot, 1 heater should getter done
As mrjames680 pointed out, insulation helps
User avatar
HDNB
Site Mod
Posts: 7360
Joined: Mon Feb 17, 2014 10:04 am
Location: the f-f-fu frozen north

Re: Two elec heating elements

Post by HDNB »

i have my original hot plate that i use to help bring it up to temp and then use the internal for the run. i figger what the hell, the kettle needs to sit on something other than concrete and my original collection stuff is set up for that height anyway.
I finally quit drinking for good.

now i drink for evil.
User avatar
NZChris
Master of Distillation
Posts: 13062
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2013 2:42 am
Location: New Zealand

Re: Two elec heating elements

Post by NZChris »

I'd have a hard time describing having two elements as complex and the only drama I've ever had was when one blew and I was able to finish the run with the other. If you don't have what it takes to wire up two sockets to one plug to make a series adapter, bribe a Sparky at your local pub to do it for you.
Post Reply