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Falling Temps while BK Element is On

 
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Walts Malt




Joined: 27 Sep 2013
Posts: 119
Location: Farmington, MN

Drinking: Two Hearted Clone

Working on: Planning my Fall Brewing Schedule


PostLink    Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:45 pm    Post subject: Falling Temps while BK Element is On Reply with quote


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During my last few brew days, I have had instances where the temp in my BK will start to drop while it’s going up towards boiling. On my last batch it was about 180F and it suddenly started dropping back down towards 170F. At that point, I turned off the element and turned it back on and it started to climb and went all the way to a boil. From that point on it performed as expected.

Any thoughts what could be causing this and whether I need to start thinking about replacing the element (or something else)? The elements were purchased here, pre-assembled with a tri-clamp fitting. I have about 60 batches on the system.

The BK is due for a heavy cleaning as the element is getting somewhat corroded.

I know I probably need to provide more information, so let me know what your questions might be.
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2023 3:57 pm    Post subject: Re: Falling Temps while BK Element is On Reply with quote

Do you mean the BK temperature is dropping even though you have the BK set to heat?

You likely have a bad connection somewhere or a part that is failing. You'll have to troubleshoot to pinpoint. This should help:

https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pages/control-panel-troubleshooting#My_heating_element_isnt_firing_or_firing_continuously

Most likely not the element. They should not corrode or deteriorate. If it's due for a cleaning then it likely has lots of built-up on it, but that won't stop it from firing. See our cleaning guide on the main site.

Kal

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Walts Malt




Joined: 27 Sep 2013
Posts: 119
Location: Farmington, MN

Drinking: Two Hearted Clone

Working on: Planning my Fall Brewing Schedule


PostLink    Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Yes, BK temperature is dropping even though I have the BK set to heat. PID set to 212 and switched to on.

I'll walk through the troubleshooting and see if I can find where the problem may reside. Like I said, it worked as normal after switching it off and then back on again.
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Definitely step through and see what's going on. This'll help you figure out if there's a defective part or if it's process related.

Just out of curiosity, why set to 212F? If you want to go to boil, use MANUAL model and set it to 100%.

Kal

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Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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Walts Malt




Joined: 27 Sep 2013
Posts: 119
Location: Farmington, MN

Drinking: Two Hearted Clone

Working on: Planning my Fall Brewing Schedule


PostLink    Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kal, that's a very good question? Embarassed

Asking for a friend, but should that be their standard practice during the boil (and ramping up to it)?
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

When mashing or doing anything where you need to hold at a specific temperature, you need to use AUTOMATIC mode where you get to choose the exact temp.

When it's time to go to boil I recommend using MANUAL mode where you set the power from 0-100%. Set it to 100% to get up to the boil, then turn it down to whatever % you need to boil at the vigorousness you prefer.

More in our BREW DAY STEP BY STEP that walks you through exactly what button to press when and why: https://shop.theelectricbrewery.com/pages/brew-day-step-by-step

This guide also explains how to set temp when ramping to boiling in order to avoid boilovers as I'm usually distracted when getting to boil because I'm cleaning the mash tun. Up to you. I do use this all the time myself by setting the temp to 208F (just below boiling) and turning on an alarm when the temp is reached. Boil kettle then gets to 208F and holds while the alarm goes off telling it's close to boil. Once the alarm sounds, I switch over to manual mode at 100% and watch carefully, stirring as needed. See the guide for the step by step.

Kal

_________________
Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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View user's photo album (21 photos)
Walts Malt




Joined: 27 Sep 2013
Posts: 119
Location: Farmington, MN

Drinking: Two Hearted Clone

Working on: Planning my Fall Brewing Schedule


PostLink    Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2023 4:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks, Kal. Appreciate the response and I will revisit the brew day step-by-step as I might pick up some other tips that I somehow missed when I first purchased my assembled panel.
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