10Kw element source?

[condensificator]

so, i am tooling up for my new rig. i have one of the new 26 gallon boilers on the way from KS, and the MK11000 controller from MK. i'd like to find a source for a single 10K or 11K watt element that i can just plug and play with either 1" thread or something that can be converted/fit into a 2" tri-clamp flange.

i can easily do two 5500w elements, but i'd prefer a single. any ideas?

[rubber duck]

Wouldn't it be better to run 2 ultra low density elements as to reduce the chance of scorching?

If you want to go 10kw would this do it?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Heating-Element-tan ... 3cb703e212" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow

[myles]

I have fitted 2 of 3kw to my keg, and think that there are all sorts of reasons for runing multiple elements.

Each element can have a lower watt density - this is always a good thing.

You have redundancy in case 1 element burns out mid run. You can keep going at lower power to finish the run.

With each element on a seperate circuit your wiring is less expensive. (you should run a 3kw element on a 45A cooker circuit. What do you need for a 10kW ceramics kiln, as that is the equivalent for your boiler, taking into account circuit heating due to extended run times?)

You can have 1 element on a switch and 1 on a controller for versatility.

Your controllers will be less expensive. (You will probably want to use 100A+ components for a 10kW controller.)

Individual elements will be less expensive. Or are you intending to use a 3 phase industrial element?

[condensificator]

yeah RD, i saw that one, but it is not a plug and play situation. i am currently planning for two 5500w elements, but i want to check into a single fatass.

myles: i am using the new MK11000W controller that runs on a 50a circuit. i already have a dedicated 50a service disconnect in my shop, so it works out perfect for me and my stilling environment. i hear you on the reasons for multiple elements...thanks for the input.

[Skoot]

Sounds like an "over-kill" in power to me. Making things happen faster isn't always better. You'd be better off with dual elements.

Skoot

[condensificator]

Sounds like an "over-kill" in power to me. Making things happen faster isn't always better. You'd be better off with dual elements.

Skoot

overkill for 26 gallons? my current MK5500W is just about perfect for my current set up in a keg. i charge with about 10 gallons. when i am potstilling, i run full power for the first 15 minutes or so, then bring it down to about half power until i get close to temp, then drop it down just a bit more for foreshots and heads collection. once heads clear, i crank it back up to about 3/4 power for hearts, then when i collect tails, i run 100%. with the design of the 26 boiler set up, i am thinking my charge will be 20 gallons...i still want to have that flexibility and control.

with the MK11000W controller, i will be able to run true 0-100%, whether i am running one 11,000w or two 5500w elements...no difference. it's all about control. just because your car has 500hp, don't mean yer gonna drive 200mph everywhere ya go!



reminds me of another of my all-time favorite sayings: it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. i use that one all the time!

[Skoot]

I run a MK5500 using a LD 5500W element with a 15 gal insulated SST keg and a combo Pot/Valved Reflux/Boka column. I rarely need to crank‘er up over half way. I keep a close eye on my output water temperature to maximize the still's efficiency. I finally got smart and rigg’d by outbound water to my sprinkler system to my flower beds.

[condensificator]

yep, with my 3"T column on the keg/MK5500W, i don't do as much fiddling with the heat control, and run it with a LOT less power, but, i still rip tails out at 100%.

again, it's all about control. i'd much rather have extra, than not enough. ...and in my mind, doubling the charge equates to doubling the power, whether i use/need it or not. i can run the MK11,000K at 10% and get the equivalent of a 1100W set up.


control? yes.

[Kentucky shinner]

yep, with my 3"T column on the keg/MK5500W, i don't do as much fiddling with the heat control, and run it with a LOT less power, but, i still rip tails out at 100%.

again, it's all about control. i'd much rather have extra, than not enough. ...and in my mind, doubling the charge equates to doubling the power, whether i use/need it or not. i can run the MK11,000K at 10% and get the equivalent of a 1100W set up.


control? yes.

I agree , I would rather have more than I need than not enough. The 26 gallon boilers are going to be a learning curve for all of us. I will be interesting to how long it takes for heat up. Running the heart I am sure you wont need much power, Stippin crank er up and rock and roll.
KS

[Cascade]

Wouldn't it be better to run 2 ultra low density elements as to reduce the chance of scorching?

This is the route I am going. I like the idea of running less power over more surface area. However, I am interested to see what you come up with for a single element design.