black sludge

[FOAMIN]

Hi its all a bit of a strange one,will try to outline my system. Have set up a RIMS system with a 400watt towel rail element(sure the outer is ss steel put a magent on it did not stick) the element in a 15mm /15mm/22mm T, The element into 15mm compression on top/out let to mash tun is 15mm/ the main chamber 22mm. the temp controller on my first batch set at 71c which did very well. but noticed a black stain on my copper mainfold in mash tun! on further investigation found the same staining on the 15mm copper compression fitting where the towel rail element was!Is the mash liquior acting as an electrolite between the copper and the element giving this situation/
Cheers for any advice.

[Eric]

Could it be the towel rail is made of chromed copper pipe?
It seems the problem could be electrolysis as you suggest.

[FOAMIN]

Hi Eric, thanks for your suggestion, checked the towel rail probe,used sum fine emery cloth on, it does not appear to be sum sort of coating on it! think it is the senario of 2 dissimiller metals and acidic wort.Not sure how to over come it and not sure it will taint the brew as it is boiled after.Think its a copper prob maybe copper oxide!Any ideas ? The towel rail probe(element) is a snug fit in a 15mm copper tube, thought about slieving it in this but it will not be in direct contact with liquid,may burn out.
Cheers Paul.

[far9410]

cant see the towel rail being ssteel, more like copper/chrome.

[FOAMIN]

Though that too, but the copper did not appear after a good rub with emery cloth.May have to go to screwfix and ask who the manufacturer is and ask the question! Cos done sum digging on ss and copper they do not react even with low ph electrolite!Will try to find out,bit miffed cos i have just got this rims up and rinning, was so happy it did what it was suppose to and it kick me in the boll~~ks.

[far9410]

no but chrome and copper do, thats how chrome plating takes place

[FOAMIN]

Fair point, your saying the chrome is transferring over to the copper in the electrolite ie wort? sounds like an idea,like sulphur in lead acid batteries!Suppose a copper sheath over the element may be the way to go
Cheers,Paul.

[Eric]

I've but a vague idea about RIMS, so excuse my ignorance if I'm off beam here, but might it be possible to modify your setup to indirect heating?
Perhaps your heater could be used to heat water sealed in copper piping which in turn would heat the wort.

[FOAMIN]

Your right indirect heat is a possibility but more pipe work, and i have lots of that at the moment! Think i will try to find a replacement element in ss or even ceramic?
Thanks for your ideas.
Cheers Paul.