Heating element question-yeah another

[rgarry]

I have a 13 gal boiler with a 5500 element hooked up 120v. I'm running a flute and it takes 2 hrs before I get a good reflux going. I will reflux for 1 hr before drawing product off. I'm trying to speed up the initial heat up and trying to see if I should just go the 220 route( should be pretty easy since I have an outlet I use for my generator already) or whether to add a second element or just be more patient. A full run takes me about 7 hrs for a 10 gal wash.

[Coaster]

@ rgarry,

A 220volt 5500-watt element connected to a 120volt outlet will only result in 1375 watts.

1375 watts will take approximately 2 hours to get a 10-gallon boiler charge up to temperature. 5550 watts should take about 45 minutes to get a 10-gallon boiler charge up to temperature.

Regards,
Coaster

[Prairiepiss]

Take the plunge to 220v. 1375w I can use for my pot still. But I need closer to 2600w to run my cm good. More would be better. So I'm surprised you can even run that flute with the one element at 1375w.

[MuleKicker]

You have the 5500w element, you have a 220v outlet. Bit the bullet and go 220. You will thank yourself.

[BigPa]

Step up to 240v You will see a big difference....

[moonshine guy]

Bite the bullet! My rig has one 5500 and one 2000 heaters, takes about 35 min to heat up! Both on controllers so do it right!

[rgarry]

Thanks, will make the change this weekend.