MacStill wrote:Here's how I'm looking at setting mine up vertically (inlet is the lower hose barb) for my next AG whisky, only where the thermometer is I'd put a thermocouple for the temp controller, and the valve is for the final sparge once switching the element off.
The one thing I'd be concerned with regarding your vertical set up, is that with the element at the top, it will be the first thing exposed if air enters the system for any reason. Also if the liquid reaches boiling point the element could also be exposed due to the steam rising upwards. A kinked hose, flow rate slowing due to a stuck sparge etc will easily and rapidly cause the liquid to boil. :crying-blue: Whereas if it were at the bottom, gravity will keep it covered for longer, before the liquid boils off. This doesn't fix things, but does give the brewer a bit more time to notice any problems and address them before scorching occurs. A non-return valve on the inlet, with the element at the bottom would be ideal I guess. That way any steam would be pushed out the outlet, keeping as much liquid over the element as possible.
Having said all that, my own setup is horizontal. And I'm seriously considering modifying it to drop the element end a bit lower, now that I've thought about it more.
Sorry MacStill, I don't mean to poke holes in your prototype! Mine is just one opinion and others may feel my concerns are unwarranted.
With a 2400W element, this unit *seems* to be aimed at batch sizes of 25 - 50L?
It looks awesome BTW! Seems very much fit for the purpose. Food grade, magnetically coupled pumps are much better value for money these days too, making RIMS much more attractive.