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Open for commentary, PVC-caged heating element

James_81273

I have been kicking around DIY'ing the heating element... and here is my 2nd try at getting it right. 2" PVC pipe, threaded insert to mount your typical Camco element. While I think the design is structurally sound, but I am wondering about the heated PVC releasing contaminants into the bath. Then if something is in the bath, can it get through the sous vide bag. I have tried to search around for some answers, but haven't found good answers so far.

Please feel free to comment on my design.

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Johan_Edstrom_5586

I think that is a @Chris question. I don't think from what I know about construction that it will in short amount of times.

If I were going for a longer time, personally I'd go look for a metal person and a welder. I also think you should have

an immersion propeller in there (that is probably close to patent rights)

James_81273

I do have a idea on how to cover the "cage" idea to make it metal that can be down at home with a drill press and some HD sheet metal and rivets.

As for the circulation aspect, I have been thinking about how to test the real need for an impeller. Since water conducts very well (the basis for sous vide) I believe that circulation can be done with a small pump. Drawing from one end of the bath and depositing in the other is likely to keep the bath +/- 1 degree across the whole bath... but I haven't tested my estimation. I haven't read up on the matter... but I bet it is covered by others.

I do know that after 20+ hours of cook that the PVC show no sign of degradation, though a small amount of shrinkage I believe. The joint have gotten a little tougher to separate. At 190°F I have tried to crush the cage with my bare hand with no success.

The experiment goes on.

Brendan_Lee_56950

The pump is the bane of all DIY'ers existence. Finding a suitable option that will tolerate the heat level is the biggest hassle out of the whole ordeal. I burned through too many to justify the cost of any more R&D and parts and just ponied up for a real machine.

Johan_Edstrom_5586

Water in a large enough diy bath actually doesn't conduct extremely well.

You need the circulation to avoid pockets or standing heat, it is also very easy to go towards a

boil without good circulation.