How many watts?

[IdahoStiller]

My question is for the folks that have 4500+ watt elements and sweet controllers in their 15.5 gal keg boilers. I understand that you go full power to get up to temp and then back it down for the run. When you back it down about how many watts of power are you using? The reason i ask is that my element is only 1500 watts and it cycles on/off unless i crank it up all the way to 11 on the dial. (yes, it goes to 11 for all you Spinal Tap fans) If i leave the power cranked up during a run will i be over driving the (2 inch) column and what are the signs of over driving?

[Prairiepiss]

Sounds like you have a mile high boiler and element. With probably a mile high still head?

How big is the boiler? This can have an effect.

For a 2" pot still. 1500 w would or could be to much. So you would need the ability to properly turn it down.

For a reflux still. 1500w Kent enough to get full potential out of a 2" reflux still. So full power will work the best for you. 2000 to 2400 watts would be optimum.

Please see the Why you need a controller thread. In the must read new distiller reading lounge. And if you have the still I mentioned above. Check out the cm mod thread. Link in my signature.

[IdahoStiller]

I have a home built job, boka, 15.5 SS keg and a Heet-o-matic 305MP i bought from fleabay (pics in my hello thread). I'll probably run in pot still mode most of the time and reflux the feints. I have to use 120V so that limits the wattage. I will update with a controller at some point but it is a cash flow thing at the moment. Gonna read that controller thread now.

[Prairiepiss]

Check out the harbor freight router controller two element thread while you are at it.

[firewater69]

You can get a 120v 20 amp variac on flea bay for around 100.00

[Prairiepiss]

You can get a 120v 20 amp variac on flea bay for around 100.00

You can get a harbor freight router controller for under $20. And many other controllers on flebay for much less the $100.
For $100 I could set up for 220v.

[IdahoStiller]

Lots of good reading in that thread. Thank you

[S-Cackalacky]

If you go with a two element setup as suggested by Mr. P, put a couple of 220V 5500W elements in your keg to run on 110V with either the Harbor Freight controller or a Chinese controller form eBay. I use the 220V 10KW SCR controller from eBay that I run on 110VAC. A single 5500W element will deliver 1375W when run on 110VAC (1/4 of the rated power). Two of those elements would give you a max of 2750W on 110VAC which should be enough to run your 2" reflux column.

But, if you buy the 10KW controller ($20 w/free shipping) and have access to 220V service, then you would only need one 5500W element. You can buy a decent fold-back ULWD (Ultra Low Watt Density) element from Lowe's or Home Depot for about $15.

I would also suggest that with the 5500W elements installed in your keg, you MIGHT be able to run without a controller in pot still mode. It's not inconceivable that 1375W can do both stripping and spirit runs for a pot still. I do stripping runs with my 5 gallon pot still with a 1375W element running at full power plugged directly into 110V power service. I plan to try the same with my next spirit run and check the output rate. If successful, I don't need no stinkin' controller.

[firewater69]

I'll have to check into that as im helping my brother with a keg build now. Thank for the info Prariepiss