I have a RiMMs tube system and I have been very happy with it. The heating element is 120v. I’m having issues with buildup on the element. It is a stainless steel element from brewhardware.com and I believe it is 1100w. What do you use to clean off the buildup? I don’t want to use a wire brush. PWB doesn’t seem to cut through all of it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
warm pbw soak and green scotch scrubbie.
I thought about the green scotch pad but isn’t it too abrasive?
I’ve been using it on my elements every few batches (since 2012) when you get that buildup and haven’t noticed any issues.
cant you just wipe it off after every session?
I wish, it becomes very crusty and hard thru the mash cycle
If you are looking for low effort, you could try something a bit more caustic. Maybe alkaline brewery wash?
Denny knows a rep over at Craftmeister. Maybe he can get you in touch for a sample packet or recommendations on the best product for your needs.
Thanks, Denny? Anything?
Hard and crusty??? Any film on my elements is soft and easily removed with a scrubby. How are you controlling the power delivered to your element and how are you monitoring the temperature of the wort coming out of the RIMS tube?
I have a digital temperature controller (Inkbird I think) that activates a relay which sends power to the heating element. I will post some pictures later tonight when I get home from work.
That looks like scorching. What is the wattage of your element? What is the watt density? Where are you measuring the mash temp?
With the temperature probe in the well that turns the heat on/off as well as at the output and a Brinkman mash temp thermometer in the side of the mash tun. I use the Brinkman and the temp well probe for mash temp measurement.
I don’t understand, but the best place for the probe is the output side of the tube. Is that where you are measuring?
Again, what is the wattage and watt density? You might be using more power than needed. This could be addressed by adding a method to limit the power, or by switching to a lower wattage element.
The probe is on the output side of the tube. It’s a 2000 watt, 120 volt, 60 watts per square inch. Not sure about density, unless you meant watt/sq.in.
Those numbers aren’t out of line. Are you noticing a scorched flavor at all?
On a couple batches. I’m working on getting the black stuff removed then see how things go.
Well, got all the black stuff removed, did a batch and had the same results with black buildup. I have the pump output closed about half way during the mash, if I open it anymore I’m afraid it will be too fast for the liquid to get through the grain bed.
OP, what size batches are you brewing and what kind of time are you looking at to heat your strike water and get to a boil?
5 gallon batches, usually heat the water up to 124, then dough in with a 15 minute protein rest, then 10-15 minute rise to mash temp assisted with gas, then the same 10-15 minute rise to mash out of 168. I don’t use the rims tube for boil, only direct fire gas.