Element clearance

[Slev]

Hi folks.

Would appreciate some input.
I have a 50l ss vessel, in which I'm going to install an element (got the 3kw ss element from brewbuilder) .
It has a skirt around its outer at the bottom.  This means that I will have about 35-40mm clearance from the bottom of the element to the base of the vessel (approx 60mm to top of element,  which will be about 6 litres to cover).   
Is this too far from the Base?  ie will it result in uneven heating?  Or am I over thinking this?
Also considering that I do mostly small batches (starting water volume of 24 litres,  biab method,  will I be losing too much if I also fit a false bottom to keep the bag off the element? (which is another question,  whether a it's needed with a lwd element?)

Thank in advance

Slev
 

[darren996]

Looks like a thermopot.  BB elements require a 32mm hole as far as I can remember.

You need to mark from the inside of the vessel.

I would mark from the inside of the pot,  give yourself just enough clearance to make handy to clean under the element.  I would install that element with the fold facing up,  like you have it in the pic.
Make a stencil, drill a pilot hole from the inside,  then you can finish the hole with a step bit from the outside.
If you are worried about the bag touching  the element then place a colander or false bottom over the element.   You can put some carriage bolts in the false bottom so it clears the element.

The BB elements are supposed to be the business, best of luck with it

[Slev]

Thanks for the tips.
They recommend a 32.5mm hole.  I thought(hoped)  they were giving the 0.5mm as clearance and that my 32mm bit would do the job.  But measured the thread on the element and it is 32.5mm, so may be threading the element in!

The issue with going lower than the 35mm is that I will need to cut a track in the outer skirt to allow fitting. Which is what I would like to avoid.  But if needs be...

Why the folds facing up? Most of the elements I've seen have the folds horizontal

[darren996]

Folds facing up for convenience when cleaning the element  that's just a personal thing really.

If you have to cut into the folds make sure that you place the oring on the inside of the pot to get a good seel.

[Slev]

Drilled the vessel.  Took Darren's advise.  Have 20-25mm clearance.  Enough for cleaning.  Not yet fully installed,  as the element is close to the full of the diameter, so have made up some silicone gaskets and a bit of sugru backing to keep things watertight. 
What's the view on plumbers tabe (ptfe tabe)?  Intend to use it on the treads for the lock nut (and to help seal around the threads along with the silicone gaskets)?  ie happy to have ptfe in contact with wort?

[molc]

I use ptfe on all my elements. CH has a good safe sealant that he can recommend as well.

[darren996]

Ptfe all the way,  instant seal

[Leann ull]

Not sugru use fernox lsx if you think you need a sealant but silicone washers and ptfe on its own should be fine

[Slev]

Thanks for the advice.
Using silicone (cut from a square section).  Using the sugru to form the shape of the vessel to the back of the silicone.  It won't be in contact with any wort (a fitted washer of sorts).
Will pack the treads under the silicone.  I have very little tread on the inside to play with (just the depth of the nut),  so need to shim the treads on the outside of the vessel.  Hence the sugru

[Slev]

Wasn't aware of the fernox  product.  Looks ideal for what I'm trying to do,  actually.  Is that something that is generally available?

[Leann ull]

Any decent plumbers merchant has it.

[Slev]

Will get some for the tool box.