Plastic HLT question for da hommies...

[UhrigBrauer]

I'm currently working on my automated HERMS brewery system and going back and forth between going with stainless and using one of these:

http://www.minibrew.com/index.php?main_ ... ucts_id=14

They are made of HDPE plastic which has a melting point of ~130 C or 266 F. It's either this or stainless wrapped with insulation. I guess I'm worried of any plastic compounds leaching into my brewing water at temps up to 170 F. Anyone experience any problems with HDPE plastics at high temps?

For the curious I plan on using a 6000 watt heating element running on a PID loop using a Basic Stamp microcontroller. The plastic will allow me to hold heat alot better than stainless, not to mention increase the efficiency of the system.

BN OUT!
JC

[Bugeater]

This type of setup has been used for years in Great Britain and I have never heard of any complaints about it. http://www.thebrewmart.com/bruheat-mash ... 02071.html

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[UhrigBrauer]

Yeah.. alot of people are putting heating elements into Gott coolers as well. I just wonder if there are any compounds from HDPE plastics even if we can't taste them... I guess my wife got me thinking since she threw away all her #7 plastic bottles for leaching that booby cancer compound. I mean, I like my boobs too!

JC (to boobs!)

(I do like the idea from the link, very simple and effective)

[foomench]

$200? I think my Igloo Ice Cube cooler cost $25, $30 at most. PBA? I haven't died from it yet.

[Hammer]

HDPE I think it is stable chemically. Normally it is safe to work with at 230F for extended periods of time. Milk jugs, tupperware and a host of other food grade products are made with HDPE. I think you will be totally safe. Just my .02

[UhrigBrauer]

Thanks! That's what I was finding out when I looked at HDPE plastic properties. They say it can withstand 230 continuously so I'm sure I'm good at 170. At that same token, I'll consider 10 gallon Gott's for my HERMS since they are a hell of alot cheaper than the $200 job.

JC

[Thirsty Boy]

might I suggest this sort of plastic drum - drums of this type are the most common sort of homebrew fermentor used in Australia. I have been using an old one as an Electric HLT for years. They are generally made of HDPE and you can pick them up in sizes all the way up to 220L (55G) camping supply stores, army surplus stores etc etc

Cheaper than the Gott, lots cheaper than the minibrew and made of the same stuff. Just get a nice solid one so it doesn't go soggy when you heat it up.

Thirsty