Maxi 310 condensation

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Secla
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Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Secla » Wed Sep 27, 2017 4:41 pm

I use my maxi cooler for controlling ferment temps ! But when it comes to crash cooling I seem to end up with it sitting in a puddle.
Which isn't great for something electrical !

I can only assume it's condensation as it doesn't leak at ferment temps and the inside of the case seems dry. But it doesn't seem normal for a unit that's made to run 24/7

Anyone else have these issues ?

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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by jaroporter » Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:22 pm

not experienced it myself, but how do you crashcool? what temperature is the resevoir?
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Secla
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Secla » Wed Sep 27, 2017 5:27 pm

I get the beer down to 4 degrees. Not sure what the actual reservoir temp is

Fil
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Fil » Wed Sep 27, 2017 8:35 pm

if condensation you should be able to apply insulation to the feed and return pipes to stop the problem. the waterbath should already be insulated sufficiently. just eliminate any cold condensation inviting surfaces. And lagging the feed pipes should also have a positive effect for your hex too.
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
Conditioning: nowt
Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

Secla
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Secla » Thu Sep 28, 2017 1:24 am

the water seems to be coming from underneath the unit not from the pipes. i may have to get it lifted up on something and see if i can see where its actually coming from

guypettigrew
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by guypettigrew » Thu Sep 28, 2017 10:35 am

My Maxi 110 does the same thing. A small pool of water collects at the side of the unit. It condenses on the side of the unit and then runs down. Plus there's some condensation from the tubing which also runs onto the shelf with the Maxi on.

The Maxi is in the garage where the air is very damp. I don't bother about the condensation--just mop it up as necessary!

Guy

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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by PeeBee » Thu Sep 28, 2017 12:17 pm

I use a shelf-chiller (like a Maxi) to control fermenter temperature and I'm already planning to lag the pipes to prevent condensation and growing puddles. I got suitable pipe lagging from EBay. The chiller water bath grows an "ice wall" so liquid pumped through the "python" supply or through the "product coils" will get pretty chilly (perhaps down to 1-2C) when operating correctly.
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Fil
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Fil » Thu Sep 28, 2017 2:38 pm

As my shelf chiller is only ever run mid summer on warm days, its not a problem i have ever encountered.

thinking about it though the only exposed cold metal should be ,the python/recirc tubes and perhaps the case sheet where they pass through.
the Heat generated by the compressor should maintain a condensation free warm dry environment within the case, even with a damp atmosphere feeding the cooling air flow in and out of the case.

So I would try short lengths of 3/8" ID armoflex split tube insulation to cover the expose recirc tubes within the case (if any accessable lengths are there, And between the extending connections and the case on the outside too.

If you can trace the cold surface against which the condensation is occurring you can attempt to limit its impact by spreading a few mm of bathroom or kitchen silicone over the surface perhaps?
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
Conditioning: nowt
Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

Secla
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Posts: 637
Joined: Thu Dec 04, 2008 1:26 am

Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Secla » Thu Sep 28, 2017 4:02 pm

Yeh it's odd. I can't see any water in the actual casing.
Perhaps it is a leak but can't see why it would just be at colder temps

guypettigrew
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by guypettigrew » Thu Sep 28, 2017 4:21 pm

This is what my Maxi 110 looks like at the moment. It's in a garage at 21.2 C with a humidity of 54%. The condensation on the outside should be easy to see. The condensation drips down and then I wipe it up. Not often enough, though, as you can see from the state of the shelf!

Guy
Condensation on the maxi (2) 28.09.2017.JPG
condensation on the Maxi (1)29.09.2017.JPG

Fil
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Fil » Thu Sep 28, 2017 4:32 pm

been a while since i peered inside my chillers boxes but i have pics

Image
Image

the former type with uber thin n brittle vacuum moulded waterbath I could easily believe could spring a leak a sharp jolt could lead to it..
the latter a branded maxi chiller has a much more substantial ?blow molded? waterbath.. and would imho be less prone to a leak.

condensation could be occurring between the waterbath and case walls, gunking up when dry with bathroom silicone again may seal it off to the damp air on the inside at least?

Guy just posted while i was typing ;) that sure looks like the waterbaths insulation could do with an upgrade...
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
Conditioning: nowt
Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

guypettigrew
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by guypettigrew » Thu Sep 28, 2017 9:27 pm

Fil wrote:
Thu Sep 28, 2017 4:32 pm

Guy just posted while i was typing ;) that sure looks like the waterbaths insulation could do with an upgrade...
Thanks Fil. Excellent thought.

My assumption was that all Maxis did this. Mine was bought 'reconditioned', so I had nothing to compare it to.

Once the current brew is out of the fermenter I'll take the lid off the Maxi and have a look.

Do you know what the insulation is, please?

Guy

Fil
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Fil » Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:23 pm

pretty sure its an expanded foam insulation within a plastic molded case, access to between the waterbath and steel case will be very limited as the recirc and product coil ports are sealed in place through both walls.
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
Conditioning: nowt
Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

guypettigrew
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by guypettigrew » Wed Oct 11, 2017 6:47 pm

Fil wrote:
Fri Sep 29, 2017 1:23 pm
pretty sure its an expanded foam insulation within a plastic molded case, access to between the waterbath and steel case will be very limited as the recirc and product coil ports are sealed in place through both walls.
Yup, just had a look inside. Virtually impossible to improve the internal insulation.

Would it be a good idea to insulate the outside? A Celotex casing for the maxi, perhaps.

Guy

Fil
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Re: Maxi 310 condensation

Post by Fil » Thu Oct 12, 2017 5:32 am

i think you could get away with a much thinner option, perhaps a sheet of thin packing foam sandwiched under some good ol sticky backed plastic ??
its more about keeping damp air off a cold metal surface..
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
Conditioning: nowt
Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

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