Power Requirements?

[unsub]

I'm just about to embark on my bubbler journey and have pretty much got it sorted for a proper run, I have one question though. How much power should I be throwing at it? It's a 4" 5 plate job and it's sitting on a 50l keg with a 2400 watt element. Is the 2400 watter going to provide enough power or would installing another element be recommended?

cheers

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[Cane Toad]

Hi Unsub,I'd be throwing another 2400 watter at it mate hooked up with a voltage controller,that way you are gunna have a faster heat up time and finer control during the run :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[unsub]

Now for my next noob question :smile: Is that a voltage controller per element or just on the one? I already built a controller so I can put that to good use now.

[Cane Toad]

Just on one mate,leave one on flat and fine tune with the other :handgestures-thumbupleft:

[unsub]

Thanks for that. This hobby is starting to get very expensive! 8-}

[Cane Toad]

An not expensive.....addictive is a better word :laughing-rolling: :laughing-rolling:

[emptyglass]

You should be able to run on 2400w, but having another 2400 and a controller will give you what you want.

Boil up time on 2400w will be a while. Under full reflux, you might even find yourself running down as low as 1200w, with a controller. But for fast take off, some more heat will definatly help.

2400w will get you going for a bit of playing around until you get more sorted. It will take a bit longer to do a run.

[unsub]

Thanks empty I just saw your reply and I reckon you should be on the money because you built it :handgestures-thumbupleft: I have another element now and should be taking it out for it's inaugural run this weekend. Lets see how badly I can screw it up!

On a side note regarding the extra element, I did a stripping run of 40l UJ with my 2" pot still with both elements going and bloody hell, it heated up in no time and started absolutely pissing out and I had to quickly keep bumping up the water until it was running flat out and the leibig was still getting way too hot. I ended up having to turn one of the elements off. I'm going to look at upgrading the pot still to be able to use the product condenser from the column and see how much heat I can throw at it.

cheers

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[Jonno]

I'm glad I read this, got my mind set now on adding a shotgun to my pot still. Wanting to throw 6kw into my electric setup

[Brendan]

Hey guys,

Just reading through the older comments...I currently have what Cupcake mentioned ie. Two controllers with power controller on one...therefore can get anywhere from 0 - 4800W.

This setup is great for neutrals and clear washes, but I'm about to go all grain and I assume this would be a similar issue for rum washes.

I am thinking of setting up a second controller so that I can avoid scorching by running slowly. So that I never have an element on full blast, I can wind them up slowly and have both at say half power...less power for density and all that...

I know Mac said he hasn't had scorching issues, but think he has control over both elements? Or he just has a larger one?

[MacStill]

I know Mac he just has a larger one?

:obscene-birdiedoublered:

[Cane Toad]

Mrs Mac wishes :greetings-waveyellow:

[MacStill]

what it dont reach it'll spit at

[Brendan]

So it's not the size of the element that counts?

Just what gets drunken from it :drool: