Boiler element given up, but 25L of hot wort...

[Brewedout]

Ok, the worst has happened as the title suggests the Boiler element has failed, and I have 25L of RIS wort at near boiling. I can't get a replacement element today, as its a backer element (older more powerful style) so should I refrigerate the wort and hope for the best??

 

[RobWalker]

sanitize your FV and dump it in there - make sure you rinse out any vwp or anything. it'll keep for a good while and boiling will drive off any bacteria etc.
i would think this weekend is gonna be cold enough for you to leave it in the garage...

 

[pittsy]

i feel for your pain , but you may be lucky if not left too long , here's hoping for you :pray:

 

[Jeltz]

I had the same with AG#1, faulty element only reached 96c before cutting out, I managed to get a replacement and boiled the wort 36 hours later but alas the finished beer had some off flavours where obviously some "nasties" had started working on the wort. In theory as people do no chill it shouldn't be a problem but it was for me.

That said all you are risking now is a couple of quid of yeast and some electricity!

How far into the boil did the element fail? If its had > 30 minuets I might just try fermenting it and dry hop it to make up for the any aroma hops that were missed.

EDIT: Maybe there is another local AG brewer who could lend you a boiler if you can't get a replacement element.

 

[hairybiker]

You MAY be lucky. Transfer the wort to a sanatized FV, apply an air lock.
COOL the element.
CLEAN the element.
Add some water to cover the element, and see if it works.

If it does then transfer the wort back and continue.

I had this and the element was basically crudded by beer stone. a clean with wire wool, pot scrubber, WHY go get it shinny again and see if it works.

 

[craigite]

I'm far more optimistic. Cool it down as much as u can and boil it tomorrow. Done it my self with not adverse results. Remember some mash over night :)

Or, into a big ban in batches and onto the kitchen cooker top. Done that too.

 

[RobWalker]

would campden not protect it for the next few days like it does with wine?

 

[Brewedout]

Thanks for all the comprehensive replies! When I drained it the element looked a little dirty so I gave it a clean and I thought I'd give it another go. It worked, great! Just about to put the hops in and it cuts out again!! It was overheating as you could smell the element when the wort was drained.

I took the element out for a closer look. Some parts scaled over underneath but the coating is coming off revealing the copper underneath. I'm hoping I haven't just wasted a day, and a load of grain. Grrrrrrrrrrr!

My advice to anyone building a boiler is to put 2 elements in, its what I'm going to do this week!

 

[craigite]

Thanks for all the comprehensive replies! When I drained it the element looked a little dirty so I gave it a clean and I thought I'd give it another go. It worked, great! Just about to put the hops in and it cuts out again!! It was overheating as you could smell the element when the wort was drained.

I took the element out for a closer look. Some parts scaled over underneath but the coating is coming off revealing the copper underneath. I'm hoping I haven't just wasted a day, and a load of grain. Grrrrrrrrrrr!

My advice to anyone building a boiler is to put 2 elements in, its what I'm going to do this week!

Or take the element out after each boil and scrub.
I had same issue in boiler no1, found that scrubbing with wire scourer did the trick.

 

[Brewedout]

New element fitted, and RIS wort still tastes good. I've converted this into a porter diluting it by 12 litres! I figured I'd sooner do the brew again for the RIS as I'm keeping it a long time, I don't want to wait 2 years to find its duff: