Heat Loss
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:30 am
by bubbabrewer
I've noticed on my system that I lose around 15 degrees of water temperature just in the process of pumping water from my HLT to my MT. Does anyone else see this?
I pumped 208 degree water to heat up my MT and measured it at 190 in my MT with the same digital thermometer.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:37 am
by Mylo
I suppose that is possible if you have a long length of hard pipe
. I think Baltobrewer put some foam insulation on his copper to minimize that. I would highly suggest it - because otherwise the temp differential will swing widely with the ambient air temps throughout the year - and it will be impossible to factor that drop into your calcs.
Mylo
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 9:54 am
by baltobrewer
Armaflex works great to insulate pipe - I have it wrapped on both my hard and soft pipe.
Heh, I said wrap hard pipe...
Why though do you have 190 degree water in your HLT. That's waaaaaaay too hot. You'll extract tannins like a mofo and have astringent beer. 165 is more like it.
*edit...just saw the orig post...190 to heat up the MT. never mind...
<lick> on the window
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:45 am
by Push Eject
That seems like quite a drop. How is it getting from one to the other?
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:23 pm
by Pierre le Grand
I've had the same problem all along. I've insulated my hose, but still lose some heat. Not a big deal, I just up the temp in my HLT. This is just my system.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:28 pm
by Bugeater
The temperature drop will be a little different with everyone's system and processes. In my case I heat the water in my HLT up to 170°. I use a measuring pitcher to transfer it to my mash tun. By the time it all gets stirred in, the temperature will stabilize right at 150°. So what if that is a 20° drop. It is consistent. I use that as the base figure when I want a higher mash temp. I simply up the HLT temp by how many degrees warmer I want my mash.
Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company