Temp probe position

[taylorj29]

Firstly I'd like to say a big thank you to all the guys : on the forum without whom my nano HERMS would not exist. Your 'How to's' discussions, tips and tricks have me fascinated most days which in turn leads me to neglecting my day job.

Now onto the questions:

I lose about 3.5L in the boil due to evaporation, which doesn't sound a lot but when I only want a 9.5L batch so I think it's way too much. I've postioned the probe on the opposite side to the element, is this wrong cos the boil is really fierce, should I have near the element?

Also I read a lot about HSA and that it must be avoided at all costs, however, if the boil is very rapid won't that cause it as well?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[31bb3]

your probe is in the right place how many elements do you have and what wattage are they also what size pot you may find the element is to big wattage wise for the boiler and it is causing a very fierce boil i have 2 2.75kw elements in a 70l pot and can switch the one off if the boil gets to fierce

 

[taylorj29]

I have only a 16L pot with a tesco kettle element in it. Too higher wattage would explain the fierce boil, maybe I'll look for a regulator to keep it under control.

Any suggestions?

 

[Vossy1]

Don't worry about HSA, seriously, there are more important things to think about
The title of your post is regards a probe position in the boiler....why are you worrying about it...if it's boiling it's boiling :hmm:

I have only a 16L pot with a tesco kettle element in it. Too higher wattage would explain the fierce boil, maybe I'll look for a regulator to keep it under control.

You need something like a burst fire controller IIRC, basically it allows you to vary the power to the element...have a look here :thumb:

 

[simonranson]

I think probe level in the HLT is more important than the boiler. If I was making my HLT again I'd make sure the temperature probe is mounted at a level just higher then the top of the element so that I can drain down the water without uncovering the temp probe. I guess this is still applicable to the boiler - just need to make sure that the probe wont get uncovered due to evaporation losses.

Simon

 

[The Goatreich]

Presumably the best location for the probe would be just near the tap?

 

[Vossy1]

I'm guessing the probe will be required as using an immersion chiller and wanting to know temp of wort pre pitching :hmm:

 

[taylorj29]

Thanks for the replies. If HSA isn't a huge worry then I'm not worried about how hard it boils, just means a little extra cleaning up. :cry:

 

[Fil]

my basic water treatment involves a boil of my hlt water which i then let cool down to strike temp. the water in the hlt seems to stratify in that its colder at the bottom and warmer at the top.. i have since added a stirrer based on a microwave turntable motor, but my new elements are obstructing my current paddle so i am considering pumping/recirculating the hlt water to ensure an even temp throughout.