Element help!

[aarons8181]

Need advise and or some suggestions.Was given a 15 gal keg for my build and I want to use element with a controller for heating my boiler,plan to run a ccvm reflux and possible change to pot still on occasions.My issue is only have access to a 20amp 120 volt outlet.so what options do I have?

[Expat]

Short answer is limited options.

If you're truly restricted to a single 120v outlet @20a, then at most a 2000 watt element is all you can use. Heat up times are going to be very long e g. 2+ hours. You'll need to insulate everything very well and limit the diameter of the column.

For reference, in continuous operation you shouldn't exceed 80% of a circuit's rated capacity: 80% of 20a is 16a and 2000w/120v=16.6a is at the limit.

Other options as I see them are find a way to get 240v, or find a second 120v circuit and use two elements; else move outdoors and use a gas burner.

[still_stirrin]

...only have access to a 20amp 120 volt outlet...so what options do I have?

...find a second 120v circuit and use two elements...

I have two elements in my keg boiler. Each is on a separate circuit. The elements are 4.5kW/240VAC running on 120VAC which draws about 9.375 amps per circuit, giving me about 1125 watts of heat input each, or slightly more than 2.2kW total when on full. But, I have controls on each element so I can reduce heat once the boiler starts to produce.

With the boiler charged with 12 gallons of (8-10%) wash, it will take 90 to 105 minutes to start producing. Once I get the vapors to start dripping at the spout, I’ll reduce power input slightly and let the still stabilize (reflux) for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps to “stack the column”.

I do use both elements on 120VAC rather than a single element on240VAC because it further reduces the watt density from the ULWD elements, that is - the power is distributed over the surface area of both “foldback” elements such that local surface temperatures are less concentrated, thereby reducing the propensity to scorch cloudy washes.

So, dual elements IS a viable solution. And 2kW is acceptable power input to run a still, although it will take a little longer to come online. For either a potstill or reflux column (2” ID nominally), 2000 watts will work for you acceptably. In fact, you’ll still likely need to control the heat input to get stable production. And if you use elements rated for 240VAC, if and when you have 240VAC power available, you can still use the boiler with one or two elements! Keep in mind that controller modifications will be required when changing from 120VAC circuits to 240VAC.
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[aarons8181]

Would propane heat as quick as a element at 240v proper sized? And thanks for replys thus far..still_stirrin and Expat

[Expat]

No experience with gas as I run in a basement space.

[Tummydoc]

10 gallons of water boils 20 min sooner in my keggle with a 5500W ULD element at 240V compared to propane. But my burner is a turkey fryer burner so not the most efficient.