Hello Colleagues,
I have a 15 BBL electric element HLT that runs off 3 220w 9000V heating elements. I have luckily been able to source inexpensive replacements, but I seem to only be able to get between 8-10 months life span out of them. The casing around the coils seems to burst from use over time. They never run dry, and I rarely ever have the water below the float valve. It definitely seems like more of a corrosion issue that causes the casing to stress and burst over time.
Our electrician recommended placing a magnesium rod in the HLT like a lot of house hold water heaters have to attract the calcium and other salts to attach to the magnesium instead of the heating elements. The thought is that the "medium hard" water we have here in Golden Co is degrading the casing around the elements due to it being a lower grade stainless steel. I attached a couple of photos of the element damage.
Has anyone done something similar or have any other ideas to get a few extra months out of these elements? Also would the magnesium at all effect the quality of the brewing water over time? I know it's great for yeast health but wonder how much could be detrimental.
Cheers!
------------------------------
Chris Munda
Head Brewer
Barrels and Bottles
Golden CO
chrisbarrelsandbottles@gmail.com(719) 209-8595
------------------------------