Shorter HERMS coil lengths?

nschoeneck · Joined: 22 Jan 2019 Posts: 2

I am looking to do 5-10 gallon batches like Kal, but am looking to save some space, and use 15 ga HLT and mash tons (still 20 ga boil kettle). One aspect I'm considering is how well a 50' HERMS coil fits in a smaller HLT. I found an interesting article that notes that while energy transfer is improved by a longer coil, there is an inflection point at around 25' where the additional resistance of the tubing reduces overall energy transfer from the HLT to the mash tun.

https://www.brewpi.com/what-is-ideal-herms-coil-length-theory-experiments/

Does anybody have experience with HERMS coils around 25' in length? Are they responsive "enough"? Or does this all live in the theoretical?

Thanks in advance for your input brewers.

**kal** · Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2019 2:01 pm Post subject:

Hi and welcome to the forum! Take a look here at this discussion on HERMS coil length: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=26335

The validity of that brewpi article is also discussed. ( Many would say that that experiment was flawed and therefore the conclusion meaningless )
Extra discussion here: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28112

Cheers!

Kal

nschoeneck · Joined: 22 Jan 2019 Posts: 2

Thanks Kal! I was an engineer at one point but now all that math makes my brain hurt. Will probably default to the 50' coil, even if some of it sticks above the waterline.

Another question:

Any concerns on the 15 gallon HLT/MT if I want to do 10 ga batches? I have brewed with my friend's keggle electric setup I help build (16.5 gallons), and have never felt the pinch on space except on the boil kettle. FWIW I have zero interest in very high alcohol beers.

**kal** · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2019 12:20 pm Post subject: