Boiler advice

[Lobes]

Howdy folks,

The AG brewery is nearing completion! I'm a little concerned about the boiler though. Due to the curve of the bucket, the kettle elements don't fit too snugly. I'm worried the water's gonna leak. Any recommendations on what I could use to seal the gaps?

 

[Sean_Mc]

I used nylon washers, think I bought them in B&Q, but had to trim them down a little to get the correct fit

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

You got a pic of it?

 

[Lobes]

You got a pic of it?

I'll try and get one uploaded when I get back from work.

I used nylon washers, think I bought them in B&Q, but had to trim them down a little to get the correct fit

Looks like they might be the way forward to be honest. I'll post a pic later and double-check!

 

[Sean_Mc]

I did see some food grade sealant, but don't know if it was able to take rolling boil temps :wha:

 

[jamesb]

You could always get a sheet of silicone from ebay and make your own washers.

 

[homers brew]

You could always get a sheet of silicone from ebay and make your own washers.

Is a silicone baking tray from the supermarket the same?

 

[jamesb]

You could always get a sheet of silicone from ebay and make your own washers.

Is a silicon baking tray from the supermarket the same?

People have used them for that, yes. Personally I find think they're a bit thin. I prefer about 2mm.

 

[Tony]

Have you actually tried it to see if it does leak?

Nice to meet you lobes!
:

 

[Lobes]

Have you actually tried it to see if it does leak?

Nice to meet you lobes!
:

Not yet, but there's about a definite gap between the back of the element and the wall of the bucket. Didn't wanna risk screwing up the elements! Only an hr left of work, should have a pic up in a coupla hrs.

Nice to meet you too! :

 

[31bb3]

what size and dimension is the bucket also did you get the cheapo kettles

 

[Lobes]

Right, I've tried taking some pics but they've all come out really over-exposed and you can't really see anything!

I've also tested it with water......definite leakage!!

what size and dimension is the bucket also did you get the cheapo kettles

It's one of the Young's 25l fermenting bins and got 2 cheap kettles from Argos

Looks like the silicon washers could solve it

 

[31bb3]

did you use the rubber washers that were inside the kettle

 

[Lobes]

did you use the rubber washers that were inside the kettle

Er, not exactly! I definitely kept them when I took the kettles apart, but then when I came to fit the elements to the bucket (a couple of days later) they were gone. Now I know I kept them, and I know I'm not stupid enough to throw them away, but they were gone and I have no other explanation.

So I ordered some spare washers which fit fine, just not quite snugly enough with the side of the bin.

 

[31bb3]

try and source some knackered kettles and rob the rubbers

 

[Lobes]

try and source some knackered kettles and rob the rubbers

Will see what I can do, will the silicone ones not do it?

 

[31bb3]

as long as they will standthe rolling boil but im not sure

 

[Sean_Mc]

I'd buy some more kettles, then keep the elements as spares

 

[BigYin]

as long as they will standthe rolling boil but im not sure

the silicone seals from the tesco kettles have stood up fine on my boiler so far :thumb:

 

[Lobes]

I'd buy some more kettles, then keep the elements as spares

Sounds like an idea. I'll stop off at Argos on the way home tonight.

Cheers for the help guys! :thumb: