Gas Burner Output, Boil Time, Regulators?

[steve71ni]

Hi all, I bought this burnerhttp://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/L ... tml#aHA316 from Hamiltons Gas. I wasn't sure about the associated hardware so I just took what they recommended which was a http://www.gasproducts.co.uk/acatalog/L ... lator.html regulator. I got a standard patio propane gas cylinder (11.5kg) which fits the regulator.

I gave the rig a trial, boiling just water. Starting temp was around 15 degC. Volume 30 Litres. It took around 55 mins with everything cranked to the max.

According to the spec this burner can deliver 8.8 kW. Using the calculator on the JBK site the estimate for 8.8kW would be a boil time of 20 mins. Using the same calculator my boil time equates to an output of around 3.2 kW.

It would seem I am not getting anywhere near the full output of this burner with the cylinder/reg I have. Does anyone have any experience with higher rated regs etc.

cheers,
steve.

[boingy]

I opted for the fixed 50 mBar reg. Others use the variable 2 to 4 Bar reg (which seems like a big leap to me)

Before you get too carried away, where were you boiling and did you have the lid on? If you were outside then even a light breeze will extend the boil time considerably. Likewise, no lid will mean lots of heat going up, up and away. Also, some of the heat energy from a gas flame will miss the pan and just run up the sides.

Finally, remember that your starting temperature will be around the 60 to 65C mark assuming you start the boil immediately after the sparge.

[steve71ni]

I was boiling outside with the lid on. Yeah I realise there will be quite a difference between the theory and reality. Was really wondering what to realistically expect and whether I am using the optimal set-up. Thanks for the reply.

steve.

[GrowlingDogBeer]

I use the same Gas Ring as you, but I also have a fixed 50mBar regulator, which I have on a 19Kg Propane bottle.

I boil inside the garage and usually manage to get 60 litres of wort from about 60 degress up to boiling in about half an hour, without having the lid on.

[fisherman]

I have the same setup as you steve and I boil in my detached garage with a windbreak to cover the up and over door it takes a time to get to boil but I am in no hurry. One thing I do like is its quite a gentle flame no boil overs. If you want more power give Rob the malt miller a ring he has a different regulator and can make his brews jump out of the pot if he wants to for the last 15 mins. He's a nice chap no secrects with him.
Best of luck