10 Gallon HLT heater element help

[baker7]

Hi guys,

I was doing some testing of my HLT at the weekend, and found that i could not get the temperature above 95^.
The current set up is, HLT with a Backer 3kw 11" immersion heater element, I have done away with the Stat and the reset so wired up the element direct. The PID monitors and controls the temperature. Once the temp has achieved around 95^ the water wont heat any higher but the element is still switched on(ie power still going to it).

Using this type of element should i be able to achieve and maintain a boil, or is the element designed in a way not to function above this 90-95^?

Or is it the case that the element is not powerful enough to heat 10 gallons to a boil, in which case can anyone recomend another element which is on a 2 1/4" flange.

Thanks for your help

Andrew

 

[beermaker]

I would have thought a 3kW element should be more than enough to bring 10 gallons to the boil, although I stand to be corrected. Is the PID firing continuously? Maybe try setting it to manual or even wiring the element directly to the power and trying it.

Cheers
Phil

 

[baker7]

Yep the PID is firing continuously.

Currently doing a test, wired direct to mains and using the PID to monitor the temp

A

 

[danb]

Is 10 gallon 50l? :wha: if so I use 2.4kw elements in mine and 1 holds a good boil.

 

[baker7]

10 galllon is approx 45ltrs.

May i ask how long it takes to get to a boils, i've had mine on for 2hours now and sitting at 95^ deg's

Ta
Andrew

 

[danb]

I've never gone from cold but after sparging it took around 45mins which is why i added another element to speed the wait up.

 

[baker7]

I take it that you nearly halfed the time when you added the second element?

A

 

[danb]

Yes mate maybe a touch less than half the time. Strike water is really quick as well with 2 elements have to be quick weighing grains now or waters done before me.

 

[Vossy1]

Just from a time perspective I'd be fitting 2 elements as a matter of course, unless it's not a problem for you :thumb:
Using a water heating calculator it says water from 10 deg c to 100 deg c with 3kw should take 95 mins.