Are these immersion heaters suitable?

[Matilda]

Hi all,

I'm looking at converting a keg into a still using the Boka method.
I'm struggling to find a suitable heater to put into the keg to boil the wash.
I've found these, but they only state a max temp of 70... http://www.wickes.co.uk/heating/immersi ... mmheaters/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow are they no good?
Any advice on where I can find a suitable heater at a good price? It appears to be the main thing holding me back at the moment!

Thanks in advance

[kungpo]

It should be fine - the temp refers to the thermostat built in to it (which you will need to bypass). Suggest you also look at getting some kind of heat controller so you can adjust the amount of power sent to the element.

[OBX Phantom]

Your best bet is to have a 1" bung welded into the keg as close to the bottom as you can get it, then get a regular 5500 watt hot water tank element, and a power controller to control the heat.

[Matilda]

Your best bet is to have a 1" bung welded into the keg as close to the bottom as you can get it, then get a regular 5500 watt hot water tank element, and a power controller to control the heat.

Isn't 5500 watt a bit much?
Also, I can't find them at a good price?
Also, the heat (power) controller will be more expensive with the extra wattage?

I'm on a budget really, and as my first ever build I'm hoping to keep it cheap.

I have the keg which I've opened and removed the spear etc and it's ready for a clean and then to be drilled and welding for the heater.

I'm thinking that once the heater is installed, that's it...it's ready? Just need the copper bit!

[OBX Phantom]

Irealize that a controller is a bit of an expenxe, but you can buy a do it yourself kit from http://www.stilldragoncom" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow for I think it is around 40 dol. It includes everything but the wire and plugs. And no 5500 watts is not too much,even on high it will take an hour to an hour and 15 to heat up a full keg charge. And you can buy the element at Lowes or Home Depot for around 18 dol.

The elements that you are looking at are not powerful enough, 70 deg. WILL DO IT!!!!. and you have no control over the amount of heat they are putting out, And I would imagine that it would several hours to get up to that 70 deg.

[OBX Phantom]

Sorry but I just realized that you are not in the US.

[Matilda]

Sorry but I just realized that you are not in the US.

That's the problem! :/

[pounsfos]

you can always go the 5.5kw route at a later date

I run a 2kw element, which runs fine on a 240 volt system (standard 10amp house fuse so plug and play)
I now have a controller as well, but they are optional really

cut a whole in the side, weld a bung on, insert element, wire it up to a connector... donre
(refer to my signature for my build info if you want)

[kungpo]

How are you getting on with this? If you remove the element thermostat you can use a cheap controller from eBay to control how much power is given to the element. It's not hard and well within your capabilities (and is pretty cheap too).

[Matilda]

That's where I'm up to.
I have a 3kw heater, a keg, and a flange. Just waiting for an email back about having it all welded.
My next venture is the controller... It's tricky as I'm in uk...

[pfshine]

Just solder it on. No need to weld.