2kw heating element turned black

[xlev]

Hi guys

I have recently built a brew kettle using a 2kw heating element http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Silver-Tone-Tubular-Water-Heater-Electric-Tube-Heating-Element-AC-220V-2000W-/390850204594?pt=AU_Business_Industrial_Industrial_Supply_MRO&hash=item5b007cd3b2

I have used it 3 times. The first time was fine, the second time there was a bit of black residue left on the heating element, and the third time basically the whole heating element turned black, it got scorched.

I think I need to buy a new element. I was looking at the ultra low watt density ones, but they usually come in 3.5kw or more, which can't be run on a normal australian plug, we can run here up to 2400W. Does anyone know of a good heater (not too expensive) that would not scorch the beer?

I saw this one https://www.craftbrewer.com.au/shop/details.asp?PID=3853 but it doesn't seem to be low watt energy one, so Im afraid that it would do the same thing.

Does anyone have any suggestion?

Cheers

Alex

 

[xlev]

Also just to be clear, it did not turn black because it was turned on while not in water, it turned black during the boil.

 

[klangers]

What material is the element? It's not unusual for it to turn black - that's often an oxide layer which actually ends up protecting the element.

 

[sp0rk]

These elements are starting to get a really good name around here and on other forums
http://www.5stardistilling.net/2400w-heating-element/

I'll be buying 3 for my brewery once my tax return comes back

 

[QldKev]

The size of the original element you have, I think wold be pretty a decent watt density. Where is it mounted? Is it in contact with grain or anything? What temperatures are you mashing in at? You need a very low watt density for temps down at an acid rest range. Maybe a pic and more details could help us see what the issue came from.

The one from Craftbrewer I would not touch. Read this thread on those Keg King elements.

I have 2 of the 5star ones, and have had no dramas. But I don't think the heat density will be that greatly different from what you already had, so we need to work out what happened first.

 

[mofox1]

Any 15A sockets available? I've had good experience with the 3500w Camco elements. It is a foldback, ULD density element. And it starts off black.... h34r:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Q4CW4G

If you've only got 10A outlets, then this is me scuttling away...

 

[Eagleburger]

Did you clean the element after each use?

 

[roller997]

Depending on where you live, perhaps contact Romar Elements. I had them custom bend two low density elements to the size of my kettle and it was cheaper than buying a bendable element from another vendor.
If you want to contact them via email, Robert is the guy I talked to [email protected] and I believe these guys make elements. I suspect they are not as cheap as the Ebay elements you linked to but then they are probably going to outlast a number of the cheaper elements.
Here is a link to their bendable elements:
http://www.romarelements.com.au/?product_cat=diy-elements-commercial&paged=2

Cheers

Roller

 

[xlev]

Here is the picture of the element. The element is not in contact with the grain, because i put a metal mash/tray on top, so the grain bag never touches the element. I mash at around 66C, then I take the bag out and boil it for 1h.

I tried to clean the element, but it just turned black, and its really hard to get staff off.

Unfortunately I don't have a 15A socket available, so I can't buy bigger elements.

Just doesn't make sense though, I have been looking around and it doesn't seem to be a common problem, so not sure what is the issue here?

 

[xlev]

Here is the picture. The heating element is not in contact with grain, its separated by a metal tray. I mash at 66C, and then I take the grain out and boil for 1h using just the element.

I have been looking around, and it doesn't seem like other people are having the same problem, so not sure what is going on there.

To be honest I am not sure what is the material, I know that the tread is brass, but not sure about the rest of it.

 

[Maheel]

looks like burnt on crud ? or maybe the nickle / metal plating coming off ?

soak it for a bit and use a green scorer on it ? see if it comes off

warm up the soak to speed things up (even just add hot water)

i get a bit of muck on mine (same looking type element) and i just give it a rub after i empty out the boil during normal cleaning (i biab)

 

[QldKev]

It looks like protein has been burnt on the element. I'm not sure why.

 

[djar007]

Is it element earthed out?

 

[MHB]

Very clearly (from the pix) burned on crud, I'm surprised you cant taste burnt flavours in your beer.
The cause is too high a surface heat or too high a watt density to put it another way. You need a lower density element.
Mark