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dunleav1
Joined: 22 Mar 2013 Posts: 45
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Link Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2017 11:33 pm Post subject: Heating elements - teflon tape vs. food grade silicone |
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I replaced my elements today.
I did something a little different when reassembling them and wanted to get a few opinions on whether they will hold up.
My kettles have a tri-clamp fitting on them. My elements fit though an electric junction box and then are screwed into a tri-clamp fitting. Then the element tri-clamp fitting is attached to the kettle tai-clamp fitting.
When I built the original, I had teflon tape on the element threads and I didn't use silicone. It didn't leak, but I could see teflon tape on the inside of the kettle where the element screwed through the tri-clamp fitting.
This time I used the food grade silicone on the threads and the inside of the junction box.
I filled the kettles and let them sit for 4 days full of water, and no leaks. I then boiled for 30 minutes and let the water cool - still no leaks.
Has anyone used just the silicone installation procedure and does it hold up over time like the teflon?
Thanks,
JD
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kal Forum Administrator
Joined: 12 Dec 2010 Posts: 11122 Location: Ottawa, Canada
Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 12:00 pm Post subject: |
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I'd stick with the tape over silicone. Teflon tape is meant for this sort of purpose and will hold up properly.
Kal
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My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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dunleav1
Joined: 22 Mar 2013 Posts: 45
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Link Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2017 3:37 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks kal. Looks like I'm taking everything apart again.
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Tungsten
Joined: 06 Dec 2014 Posts: 318 Location: Buffalo, NY
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Link Posted: Mon Nov 27, 2017 8:06 pm Post subject: |
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Late to the party, but...
Why do you need tape at all? I don't believe Kal's instructions include any, and elements should be NPS (S = straight) not NPT (T = tapered), meaning no tape should be required. This is the same way the Blichmann Brewmometers, flare fittings on ball lock quick disconnects, and sanke couplers work - NO tape.
Don't get me wrong, I don't think you'll hurt anything, I just am not sure why this would be needed. I assume you're using a silicon o-ring at the base of the element threads anyway, which would (should?) prevent any potential leaks. Even the black stock o-ring that comes on most elements would probably work for that purpose.
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