As per a previous post I have been banished to the Greenhouse by SWMBO.
So from I bought a BZ4 Steam Condenser and lid with a sight port in the lid, I thought it would let me see what was happening during the boil.
Anyhow I did a couple of 10L test boils with water today. to see how it performs.. All I can say is flippin eck this thing is a gamechanger.. !
I set the boiler up to use the built in sensor not the rapt temp probe
First run through I was messing with boil temps and heater power and I worked out it needs a target temp of 103C and heater power set at 45% (1080w). this gives a continuous very vigorous boil showing as 102C on the boiler bottom sensor. I could, if I choose, have a less vigorous boil setting at 40% power. I apreciate these settings may change depenent on the ambient temp out in the greenhouse.
RESULT 900ml / HR boiloff @ 45% power.... and not a single hint of steam on teh greenhouse glass.. what a difference I was losing 5.4L/HR.
Observations-
Bringing it up to the boil from 60C with the condensor in place on was frighteningly fast So Ill have to keep an eye out for boilover when I go live with it.
The 3" triclamp viewing port in the lid in viewing terms is as much use as an ashtray on a mortorkike. You cant see nothin.. However it doees provide easy access for dropping additions into the boil. Although its a bit of a faff getting the triclamp off as its flippin hot. Kegland could be doing with producing a silicone bung to make access easier and safer.
Im also thinking that cold water could be sprayed in the 3" hole to manage the hotbreak and prevent boilovers.
Next task setup my new kegland CF chiller and work out the flowrates I need to drop wort straight to the fermenter
So from I bought a BZ4 Steam Condenser and lid with a sight port in the lid, I thought it would let me see what was happening during the boil.
Anyhow I did a couple of 10L test boils with water today. to see how it performs.. All I can say is flippin eck this thing is a gamechanger.. !
I set the boiler up to use the built in sensor not the rapt temp probe
First run through I was messing with boil temps and heater power and I worked out it needs a target temp of 103C and heater power set at 45% (1080w). this gives a continuous very vigorous boil showing as 102C on the boiler bottom sensor. I could, if I choose, have a less vigorous boil setting at 40% power. I apreciate these settings may change depenent on the ambient temp out in the greenhouse.
RESULT 900ml / HR boiloff @ 45% power.... and not a single hint of steam on teh greenhouse glass.. what a difference I was losing 5.4L/HR.
Observations-
Bringing it up to the boil from 60C with the condensor in place on was frighteningly fast So Ill have to keep an eye out for boilover when I go live with it.
The 3" triclamp viewing port in the lid in viewing terms is as much use as an ashtray on a mortorkike. You cant see nothin.. However it doees provide easy access for dropping additions into the boil. Although its a bit of a faff getting the triclamp off as its flippin hot. Kegland could be doing with producing a silicone bung to make access easier and safer.
Im also thinking that cold water could be sprayed in the 3" hole to manage the hotbreak and prevent boilovers.
Next task setup my new kegland CF chiller and work out the flowrates I need to drop wort straight to the fermenter
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