Electric Boiler

Post by **bourbonbob** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:05 am

Well after doing a run with my valved reflux, outdoors on propane and encoutering the elements, I decided to make an electric set up. 20 litre boiler with 1500w 240v jug element. I am in the middle of a run now and it is going fine except for being a liitle bit hotter due to the size of the element. I will put a smaller element in also. What would be a good size for the added element? would 800-1000w be sufficient?

CoopsOz · Post by **CoopsOz** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 1:26 am

I tried to run a 2.2kw through a 110v step down (producing about 550w) and it wasn't enough to keep things going. I then purchased a 1.3kw and in my opinion that's way to much as well, so without really answering your question I think either the 800 or 1k will do.

Or you could build some sort of control for your current element. If you work out how to do it simply (remembering I'm not a chemist, engineer or any other type of professional smart dude, like most of the others seem to be

), let me know how to do it!

vinifera · Post by **vinifera** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:37 am

I use a dimmer so I can control the power from 0-2200 W. Works excellent!

Hackers · Post by **Hackers** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:42 am

="vinifera"I use a dimmer so I can control the power from 0-2200 W. Works excellent!

The problem with using a dimmer is that you are creating cycling on and off which will create surging. to do the job properly you will need a triac controller

Post by **bourbonbob** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:48 am

I'm having second thoughts on the 2nd element now. I used a 60 litre drum as a resevoir and a fish pond pump, 8 frozen 2 litre milk containers. I only done a ten litre wash to see how it would perform and I'm quite happy. Start to finish, including initial heatup took 3 hours. I got 500m heads, 750m hearts, 250m tails. I had a small leak in the condenser housing so I probably lost 100-200m, I tried to flour paste the leak but no success, I will solder it permanently tomorrow.

vinifera · Post by **vinifera** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 2:57 am

The problem with using a dimmer is that you are creating cycling on and off which will create surging. to do the job properly you will need a triac controller

I thought all dimmers were using a triac. Mine is. Thermostats on the other hand cause problems.

Here's a huge thread about dimmers:
http://homedistiller.org/forum/viewtopi ... ght=dimmer