Would that heating element be ok?

[pjeterschornstein]

Hey all!

I've been meaning to build my first 2" boka for a while now but other projects came up.. I hope this time I can manage my time.
I have a normal size insolated keg.
I'm currently traveling in India and I thought I can gather a few things. I found this immersion element. It have 3x1KW heaters, all have separate connectors for a cable so I won't need to use a controller.
It's threaded and I can attach it but I guess I'll need another hole in order to thread it from inside and use it for cleaning?
Other than that what do you think? Any other co siderations or information I need about it?
https://files.shroomery.org/files/19-17 ... G_1160.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow
(Sorry about the link, I had trouble uploading it otherwise..)

[Kindafrench]

Hi,

more details needed.
Photos from keg, size. (What‘s normal size?), etc.
Diameter of heating element thread.
Voltage.

Boka is a reflux still. I think a controller for the heater will be a big plus.
Imagine 1/3 parts of your element putting out the heat or 3/3 parts.
There is a much bigger surface which heats the liquid when the whole element
puts out its power. Low density is the magic that will make you happy. The controller
will be one of the least expensive parts of your setup.

[NZChris]

It should be fine.

It can be configured to do 333W, 500W, 1000W, 1500W, 2000W and 3000W.

[Yummyrum]

For a typical 2” boka , 2000w will be about just right . 3000w is too much and it will flood .
1000w is going to make run time rediculously long .

Kimbodiuos runs his at 1800w and mine is closer to 2300w .
So you could just try it and see on 2000w and if its causing flooding then you could either reduce the amount of packing or how tight its packed or worry about getting a controller .

[Kindafrench]

It should be fine.

It can be configured to do 333W, 500W, 1000W, 1500W, 2000W and 3000W.

By connecting in serial instead of parallel? Didn‘t think of that, Chris. But isn‘t it simpler and still cheaper to wire up a controller? Just a thought.

[Yummyrum]

But isn‘t it simpler and still cheaper to wire up a controller?

Yup

[NZChris]

It should be fine.

It can be configured to do 333W, 500W, 1000W, 1500W, 2000W and 3000W.

By connecting in serial instead of parallel? Didn‘t think of that, Chris. But isn‘t it simpler and still cheaper to wire up a controller? Just a thought.

If a couple of those wattages are close enough for your needs, no. If you can use, say, 1500W for the run and 3000W for the heat up, all you have to do is sort the wiring to give you those two options. If you really need, say, 1800W, you're out of luck and have to use a controller .... or a second 3KW element then it really starts getting complicated.

[Kindafrench]

Is it that easy to run a Boka? Two switches and you‘re happy? Did not much research on Bokas, but will catch up on that subject. Sounds very interesting.

Edit: Wiki entry on Boka build / Heat source
„It is desirable to be able to be control heat somewhat finely.“
https://homedistiller.org/wiki/index.php/index.ph ... w_To_Build

I‘m pointing to this, as it seems to me, that the OP has not much of an idea about the build, the time he posted. So this leads to a small controverse.

What‘s the better choice for a newbie? Controller or fixed (2 way) power?

[NZChris]

I haven't used a controller on mine yet and I've been leaving the heat constant during the run, only fiddling with the deflag water and the output flow and getting very good and predictable results.

I want to experiment with a couple of hundred Watts less on my next trial and will have to use a controller to do that.

[NZChris]

What‘s the better choice for a newbie? Controller or fixed (2 way) power?

For a newbie, especially one with no sparky skills, a controller.

[pjeterschornstein]

Thanks for all the answers. If I'll get it and in the future I decide I would want to hook up a controller instead of 3 different plugs it'll be possible tho?

I also asked them if they have a controller but they only have a thermostat..

[pjeterschornstein]

From what I understand I can wire them up to one cable and then use a controler? Sorry if these are stupid questions, electrics are not my strongest side and it difficult to do proper research on the road on my phone with scatchy wifi.. If I can use a controller I'll try to see if they have one.
I guess that SCR is what I'm looking for?

[NineInchNails]

From what I understand I can wire them up to one cable and then use a controler? Sorry if these are stupid questions, electrics are not my strongest side and it difficult to do proper research on the road on my phone with scatchy wifi.. If I can use a controller I'll try to see if they have one.
I guess that SCR is what I'm looking for?

I can understand wanting to take advantage of the opportunity to snatch up as many inexpensive components as you can while in India, but I would resist the temptation. I doubt that element would be more ideal than a Camco stainless steel rippled fold back ultra low watt density element. Even if you got that element for free ... I'd just leave it in India.

As far as trying to find something 'good' in the way of a controller in India ... I wouldn't bother. SCRs are so cheap online that people always recommend buying 2 or 3 for when they fail (which I've read happens often enough). That's why I never bothered using SCRs. I made my own controller using a simple Potentiometer and Variable Solid State Relay from http://www.stilldragon.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" rel="nofollow. For added bells & whistles I added an Auber PID controller and an additional Solid State Relay. Now a days Auber sells electric controllers that function both like a PID controller as well as a variable power controller using a single Solid State Relay. Yeah it costs more than an SCR, but so does one meal when you go out to eat You get what you pay for.

Just take your time and learn wiring simple circuits. Talk to people who know how to wire circuits, switches, etc... It's really really easy, but I know it is intimidating at first, but so is everything until you know more. The more you know about something the less intimidating it is. Take your time and do it right. The alternative is buying some way overpriced controller that may or may not work they way you think it should.