steam injection

[nigel_c]

So I'm looking into updating my setup in the new year and just started doing some research. I have a decent sized steam cleaner at home that just doesn't get much use. Bit of a pain to move around so i think its going to be frankensteined into my new setup.
Anybody done anything similar?

My findings so far.
It takes 80 seconds to raise 2L of water 10 degrees.
so aprox 13 mins to heat 20L by 10

This might be a simple solution to step mashing and temperature correction. If i fit a manifold similar to the basic figure of 8 used in most cooler conversion it should give a pretty even distribution of heat and could even be automated with the addition of an atc.

I was thinking of a simple RIMS system but I'm looking to keep the footprint as low as possible but still get a bit more control to the setup. Plus you can never go wrong with gadgets. 

All comments and advice welcome.

[donnchadhc]

Could you use this in a HERMS type system as opposed to a direct injection type system? Use the steam to raise the water in the heat exchanger. By injecting it into the water you'd get the added benefit of agitation of the water ensuring consistent temps (i.e. no stratification). The heat exchanger couldn't be a closed pot though

Sorry, I know you're probably thinking direct injection, just the above thought hit me when I read your post.

[AJ_Rowley]

I remember reading a thread on one of the uk forums about this. One of the issues was the steam adding water to the mash and thinning it down a bit

[nigel_c]

Id say the water added my the steam would be negligible.
I feel test number 2 coming on. 

[nigel_c]

Ok quick test.
2 L of water again.
Pot on scales and zeroed.
Steam applied and temp raised by 10 degrees.
Steamer heads removed and scales read 31g.
Apply this to 20L batch and works out aprox half a pint.
Not enough to thin out a mash.
This I suppose is for one mash and if doing 2 or 3 mash steps hose half pints would add up but its something I'm gonna look into more.

[Will_D]

If you did two step raises of 5C then you would still only add 31 gms

Its really about how much you want to raise the temperature by!

[nigel_c]

Very true.

[magnethead]

Hi Nigel,
That's a great idea with the steam injection(Latte maker) to raise the MASH temp....I found a link to an article on it here

http://morebeer.com/brewingtechniques/library/backissues/issue2.4/jones.html

Do you think your steam cleaner will output as much steam as a pressure cooker? THis might depend on the reservoir size or something?

Can you post a pic on your setup?

[nigel_c]

My first small scale trials are promising. Have yet to try it out on a full brew. I'm rebuilding my setup at the moment and the steam will be getting incorporated into the new setup so when that's all done and tested ill post some pics and proper results.

[imark]

Is the output from a steam cleaner food safe?

[Ciderhead]

Jesus I've turned into the Food Safe Police, boring!..
I have done 5 or 6 developments on steam cleaner and or instant boiler applications for showers, v small vessels, lots of pressure, chemically resistant yes (Chlorine in Mains water supply), high boil and steam temps bring the worst out of plastic.
Food safe grades, absolutely not none of them were    

Big debate in our industry at present after the baby bottle fiasco 4 years ago about the food steamers and volatiles given off in both the black plastic bases and or transparent containers that hold the veggies, and you thought you were being healthy!

And sure 40 years ago Cigarettes weren't going to do you any harm and you got a pint for donating blood

[imark]

Magnethead's mention of latte steamer sounds like it should be food safe though I'd imagine?