Great Expectations!

[Mash Monster]

Looking for help with steam condenser set up.
I currently brew in a Dark Farm Brew Tank and have just about got to grips with it. As I brew in a garage I decided to buy a steam condenser and although I have extraction installed it isn’t ideal.
I decided to put this new shiny bit of kit through its paces. My initial thought was to connect up my old redundant brewzilla Gen3 and pump the water through the spray nozzle but soon realised that it wasn’t powerful enough and steam was escaping through the condenser and out of the drain pipe . I then connected it up to my outside tap and all seemed Ok. I ran the Brew Tank on full power with just 20L of water and found that my boil off rate was 4L p/h opposed to my usual 6 L p/h with the lid off. Does this seem to be about right? I have seen other forum members claim far less boil off. Has anyone experimented in nozzle sizes ? Maybe that’s the way to go? all suggestions gratefully received

 

[MashBag]

Why does an extractor not work well?

 

[Mash Monster]

The extractor is a bathroom ceiling type which doesn’t pull enough air through plus it drips constantly.

 

[MashBag]

Can you not take it off the boiler sideways.

I have a vented lid with 2m length over silver hose with a fan in the far end. Stunning. Plug and play every time. Designed to prevent boil overs. I fit it at 70c ish, and then walk away until first hop at 15 minutes in.

I am not against condensers but I really do think its an overthink.

Do you want some pics?

 

[Mash Monster]

A picture would be helpful thanks

 

[MashBag]

Do you have a door or window your can put a pipe out of?
(same as a portable air con)

 

[MashBag]

This is the prototype, but it was sooo successful it didn't progress to a full build.

The size and quantity of holes are calculated to deliver the same volume as the 100mm hose. This is what stops boil over.

Like my lid, it has a tag on the inside, so you rest it on the lip of the kettle.

I would not use the T piece next time, that was there for a doser.

It's two mins to setup. Push hose on and tighten two jubilee clips, plug in. Done.

There is a pic of it on the BM around here somewhere but I can't find it at the moment. And I can't retake in as the kettle is currently fermenting.

 

[Mash Monster]

The only door is the up and over but that would work.
Thanks for the pics

 

[MashBag]

I run the pipe immediately down the sure of the kettle and across the floor and crack open the outside door.

The biggest issue is finding the bowl that fits to make the lid. Depending on the size of the kettle.

Just remembered ... My first go was aluminium wok lid. This is a stainless army washing up bowl.

 

[Deej]

This is the prototype, but it was sooo successful it didn't progress to a full build.

The size and quantity of holes are calculated to deliver the same volume as the 100mm hose. This is what stops boil over.

Like my lid, it has a tag on the inside, so you rest it on the lip of the kettle.

I would not use the T piece next time, that was there for a doser.

It's two mins to setup. Push hose on and tighten two jubilee clips, plug in. Done.

There is a pic of it on the BM around here somewhere but I can't find it at the moment. And I can't retake in as the kettle is currently fermenting.

Nice work, looks like a brilliant solution and much cheaper than a condenser. Also avoids chucking so much water down the drain.

Did you weld it up yourself?

I assume the fan is designed for very high moisture levels?