RIMS 1500W heating element dies too fast

[Kbar]

I am on my 4th heating element (Standard 1500W Water Heater, Incoloy based element) on my RIMS tube. They just degrade. If I do not inspect it all the time, it is easy to add a nice metallic burnt flavor to my wort.

Has anyone else had this issue? Is it the amount of wort sugars and other grain derived particles with the low mash PH that is causing an issue?

If no issues, what elements are you using?

Any thoughts on the element pictured on the new Williams Counter top mash water heater? Have not seen that kind before minus in Omega Engineering for a lot of money.

Thanks!

[mabrungard]

What control circuitry are you using on your element?

[Kbar]

PID from an Ebay purchase. Works quite well. Type K thermocouple and the RIMS tube is from Brewer's hardware. Standard low flow March pump (809).

[mabrungard]

I use a 4500 w ultra low density element on my old RIMS and my new RIMS. The old one was on 120v, so the power density was very low. The new one is on 240v and I've still had no problem with it in the nearly 2 years its been in operation. Using Auber PIDs.

Maybe you should try an ultra low density element? I see no reason why your element should fail.

[Bad Goat Brewing]

I'm using a 240V 5500 watt element, but only supplying the element with 120V. It works out to 1375 watts this way. I can't say how long it will last, I've only done 12 RIMS batches so far though.

If you weren't a mechanical engineer, I'd assume that you were letting air get in the line. How hot is the output flow on your RIMS Tube?

[Kbar]

I think the combination of high duty cycle on step mashes, low flows to prevent stuck mashes and medium watt density heating elements cause their premature deaths. I am trying a new ULWD element soon. Thanks all!