National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: RichC on May 19, 2014, 01:53:28 PM

Title: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: RichC on May 19, 2014, 01:53:28 PM
I have a 40L buffalo for a few years now. I'm finding lately that it doesnt boil as vigorously as it used to and I'm wondering should I need to change the element. It looks OK. Could one of you buffalo users please measure the resistance across your element so that I can compare mine, just want to check if something funny is going on with the element? Its 2.2Kw I believe

Thanks

Richard
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: johnrm on May 19, 2014, 03:08:04 PM
Does this have a flat bottom or an exposed element?
Whichever form, ensure that the heat source is kept clean.

Have you insulated your boiler?
If not, do. You should get to the boil quicker, and have a more vigorous boil once you get there.

If your Insulation is removable, all the better if you are dropping in an Immersion Chiller as it will lose heat a little quicker.
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: Tom on May 19, 2014, 04:58:36 PM
AFAIK beer stone can make the boils a little sluggish. It's a sort of calcified deposit on the boiler (again, only vague recollections of reading about this). Could also be this?
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: RichC on May 19, 2014, 06:30:48 PM
Its a concealed element which is spotlessly clean guys. I BIAB so its always been well lagged. I suspect the element is on the way out so I'd like to compare its resistance to one that's functioning properly. I'm assuming that the element resistance changes as its output deteriorates
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: Greg2013 on May 19, 2014, 07:02:42 PM
Quote from: RichC on May 19, 2014, 06:30:48 PM
Its a concealed element which is spotlessly clean guys. I BIAB so its always been well lagged. I suspect the element is on the way out so I'd like to compare its resistance to one that's functioning properly. I'm assuming that the element resistance changes as its output deteriorates

http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=42675

Scroll down that page.  ;D
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: Sorcerers Apprentice on May 19, 2014, 07:22:21 PM
An element will work or not work particularly if it's external,  I 'd check the stat first chances are it's cutting out too soon.
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: RichC on May 19, 2014, 08:23:24 PM
Thanks Guys,
@Greg I actually remember that thread now as I trawled JBK when doing my mods! Thanks for that. I'll put my meter on it and see what I get.
Ive removed the boil dry switch but I never removed the therostat thats connected to the side temperature nob but I did physically place it much further from the element assuming that it would never reach cutout temp that way. maybe I should double check.
I'm hoping its not the elemnt cos theyre fairly pricey, seeign them for about £50+delivery.
Thanks, I'll post back my results!
Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: Sorcerers Apprentice on May 19, 2014, 08:27:45 PM
There are moving parts in the stat, plus a bi metal strip which can become strained overtime, once there isn't a build up on the element, then the element should be fine.

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Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: Sorcerers Apprentice on May 19, 2014, 08:58:32 PM
Sorry didn't see Greg's link :-0

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Title: Re: Buffalo boil not vigorous enough
Post by: Greg2013 on May 19, 2014, 09:37:04 PM
Quote from: RichC on May 19, 2014, 08:23:24 PM
Thanks Guys,
@Greg I actually remember that thread now as I trawled JBK when doing my mods! Thanks for that. I'll put my meter on it and see what I get.
Ive removed the boil dry switch but I never removed the therostat thats connected to the side temperature nob but I did physically place it much further from the element assuming that it would never reach cutout temp that way. maybe I should double check.
I'm hoping its not the elemnt cos theyre fairly pricey, seeign them for about £50+delivery.
Thanks, I'll post back my results!

Are you sure on that price, i thought they were more like £20 plus shipping ?