HERMS coil in HLT v HERMS coil in separate heat-ex kettle

[dennisdk2000]

Having the HERMS coil in the HLT vs having the HERMS coil in separate heat-exchange kettle - which is better?

Pros and cons of each system?

What do people use, recommend, and why?

Discuss!

Dennis

 

[brewtim]

Having it in a heat exchange kettle means you are only heating a couple of litres of water vs 30+ litres. Temp changes are quicker in 2 litres vs 30+ litres for recirculating, stepped mashes, mash-out etc.

 

[Kevin Wood]

Yep, the smaller the volume of water around the heat exchanger the faster it can respond and the more accurately it'll control the temperature. :thumb:

I can't really think of a downside of having it in a separate kettle apart from a little extra space and expense. It only takes a £5 supermarket kettle and a coil of pipe, though.

 

[Vossy1]

All good advice

 

[djcorbetto]

Sorry to hijack this post but I was going to ask the same questions. Do you guys reckon Theres a maximum size of "external boiler" before it stops becoming efficient anymore? I want to be continually circulating water between the liquor tank and this external system with a pump and a pid to control temp and then a coil inside the external heater so that wort can flow through it circulating through the hot water

 

[dennisdk2000]

This is pretty much what I expected, but as I see a lot of people use the HLT for the heat-exchanger, I wondered if I was missing something. Thanks for the feedback!

Dennis

 

[evanvine]

I see a lot of people use the HLT for the heat-exchangers

You sure about that Dennis, it really is a non-starter! :wha:

 

[Vossy1]

It's quite popular in the states Jim.

 

[evanvine]

I've no doubt you're absolutely right JP, but to my mind it gives little or no control.
Am I missing something?

 

[dennisdk2000]

To be honest, I'd seen the designated heat exhanger model on here before I knew much about HERMS or brewing, but then came across quiet a few using the HTL as the heat exchanger - any from the States. I quite agree that a designated heat exchanger makes more sense in that it gives more control. Also, how I am suppose to heat sparge water in the HTL whilst trying to maintain the right temperature in the mash tun?

Dennis

 

[Vossy1]

Nope, not missing anything Jim, as for Dennis's points I just don't get them unless they have massively over rated burners...and even then I'd want to see it in action to be convinced.

 

[evanvine]

how I am suppose to heat sparge water in the HTL whilst trying to maintain the right temperature in the mash tun?

I think the penny is beginning to drop!