where to mount the elements

layne · Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 3 Location: gonzales,Louisiana

I am building an electric brew rig....parts are in, hopefully putting it together this weekend.

How do you figure how high or close to the bottom to mount the elements?
I have a 15g blichmann MT with a 5500watt ULWD element, and all the mounting parts from the list on this site.
Also a 20g blichmann BK, also with a 5500watt ULWD element.

milldoggy · Joined: 23 Dec 2010 Posts: 569 Location: Pottstown, PA

most people would say low as possible. But you need to make sure it does not interfere with your pickup tube. I had my 1" coupler welder 1/2" - 3/4" above my 1/2" coupler. I also offset them, so it you think of a clock, the pickup is at 6, the element is at 11 or 10. Also, your Hex coil is going to be on top of the element, so again, the lower the better. so I think my 1/2" couplers were 3.75 from the bottom of the keg, but that lip is like 2.5, so I would say my element is going to be anywhere from 1.75 to 2 from the bottom. If you want, fill you pot up 1 gallon at a time. You element should at least be under the 4 gallon mark, I would think around the 2.5-3 gallom mark would be better.

still waiting for my kegs from the weld, so who knows how he really welded them Smile

layne · Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 3 Location: gonzales,Louisiana

Thanks for the reply.
I'm drilling and punching my kettles today after work, so I'm trying to get my head wrapped around this. You don't get a second try Smile

**kal** · Posted: Sat Jan 15, 2011 6:21 pm Post subject:

Layne: Did you read all the information I provided on this page about element placement?: http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/heating-elements?page=6

Kal

layne · Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 3 Location: gonzales,Louisiana

Thanks Hal.
I went in the this morning, because I knew it had to be there even tho I did not remember seeing it.
THANKS A MILLION!!