Electric Element and PID Question
Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2018 6:59 pm
Hi All,
I've' spent a fair bit of time reading through the forums and I couldn't find a comprehensive answer, so I thought I'd see what the general consensus is.
Electric elements: any concerns with using a Camco 02965 5500w ULWD element in a still? According to the manufacturer the element is made from "high performance nickel-chromium stainless steel alloy" and the base is stainless steel (unlike some other hot water heater elements).
PID controlling an element: I understand that liquid temperature is not a good indicator of whether a still element should be firing or not. Also, from what I've read on the forum, "the only stable way to regulate the temperature of the element is to limit the electrical flow through the element". Certain PIDs (such as the Auber SYL-2352) can be put into a 'manual' mode where you set a cycle time (e.g. 1 second) and then use the controller up and down switches to allocate power to the element on a percentage of that cycle time (e.g. 10% power with a 1 sec cycle time) means the controller will be on for 1/10th of a second, every second (switching handled by a SSR). Is there any reason this couldn't be used effectively to regulate still output? I've noted its use on other distilling forums but given the misinformation that appears to be out there, I thought I should check anyway.
I own this element and PID for brewing and it would be easier (and cheaper) if don't need to buy alternative parts when I'm considering a sill setup, but I want to do it the right (safe) way.
Thanks,
Daniel
I've' spent a fair bit of time reading through the forums and I couldn't find a comprehensive answer, so I thought I'd see what the general consensus is.
Electric elements: any concerns with using a Camco 02965 5500w ULWD element in a still? According to the manufacturer the element is made from "high performance nickel-chromium stainless steel alloy" and the base is stainless steel (unlike some other hot water heater elements).
PID controlling an element: I understand that liquid temperature is not a good indicator of whether a still element should be firing or not. Also, from what I've read on the forum, "the only stable way to regulate the temperature of the element is to limit the electrical flow through the element". Certain PIDs (such as the Auber SYL-2352) can be put into a 'manual' mode where you set a cycle time (e.g. 1 second) and then use the controller up and down switches to allocate power to the element on a percentage of that cycle time (e.g. 10% power with a 1 sec cycle time) means the controller will be on for 1/10th of a second, every second (switching handled by a SSR). Is there any reason this couldn't be used effectively to regulate still output? I've noted its use on other distilling forums but given the misinformation that appears to be out there, I thought I should check anyway.
I own this element and PID for brewing and it would be easier (and cheaper) if don't need to buy alternative parts when I'm considering a sill setup, but I want to do it the right (safe) way.
Thanks,
Daniel