HERMS HLT Kettle Set - 85L

This set includes an 85-litre HLT (Hot Liquor Tank) with bottom drain, heating elements, and accessories for building an indirectly heated HERMS brewing system. The kettle can be used either in a traditional three-vessel system or as a combined boil kettle and HLT in a two-vessel HERMS system.

In a HERMS system, the wort is circulated during mashing through a stainless steel coil installed inside the HLT. The heated water in the HLT transfers heat to the wort flowing through the coil. Combined with a suitable temperature controller, this allows stable mash temperatures and multi-step mash programmes.

Craft Hardware no longer sells HERMS coils and does not offer a drilling or installation service for the kettle.

The following work must be carried out by the customer before the kettle can be used as a HERMS HLT:

• purchase a suitable high-flow HERMS coil for the 85-litre kettle separately,

• drill or punch the required openings in the kettle wall yourself,

• install the coil and the required fittings yourself.

The kettle is supplied without holes for the HERMS coil. The exact hole positions depend on the coil used and must be determined from the dimensions of the actual coil you purchase.

A detailed guide covering suitable suppliers, required tools, hole sizes, and installation steps is available here:

Guide: Installing a HERMS Coil in an HLT Kettle

The 85-litre kettle requires the high-flow HERMS coil described in the guide. It uses larger connections and different hole positions from the standard coil intended for 40- and 60-litre kettles.

Scope of Supply

The set includes the products listed below. A HERMS coil and the tools required to make the openings are not included.

Qty.		Product
1		Kettle Bottom Drain - 85L
2		Heating Element 3.2kW Tri-Clamp
1		Whirlpool Arm Without Accessories
2		HERMS Coil Kettle Adapter Tri-Clamp 1,5" x 1" Female
1		Butterfly Valve DN 40 Tri-Clamp with Trigger Handle
1		Thermowell Set Screw 13.5 cm Tri-Clamp 1.5"
5		Tri-Clamp 1.5" Clamp
2		Power Supply Cable 3m H07RN-F 3G1.5
1		Whirlpool Arm Extension Tube - 6 cm
1		Silicone Gasket Tri-Clamp DN 40

On request, we can supply the set with a butterfly valve with ball handle instead of a pull handle, and with EPDM gaskets instead of silicone gaskets.

Because pump, hose, and external connection arrangements vary, the set does not include every component required for a complete brewing system. The exact configuration depends on factors such as your brewing stand, the pump used, and the preferred hose routing.

System Planning Notes

• In a three-vessel system, circulating the water in the HLT is recommended. The set includes a whirlpool arm for this purpose. The same pump can then be used for sparging.

• In a two-vessel HERMS system, separate circulation of the HLT water is generally not required. The included whirlpool tube can be used to refill the kettle during lautering.

• A valve is required downstream of the pump outlet to regulate the flow rate. If the pump does not have an integrated outlet valve, one must be added separately.

• During sparging, the hot water can be routed through the HERMS coil to rinse it at the same time.

• Silicone hose and hose barbs are generally the simplest option for external connections. For the 85-litre kettle, we recommend 1-inch hose barbs and suitable fittings with 19 × 30 mm silicone hose.

• If the brewing stand has a closed worktop, suitable kettle leg extensions or an opening beneath the kettle are required to access the lower Tri-Clamp connection.

• Due to the larger volume, this set includes two heating elements. In a complete three-vessel HERMS system, this increases the requirements for the brewing controller and electrical installation.

• Automatic temperature control is required. Manually switching the heating elements on and off is not suitable for reliable mash temperature control.

Electrical Connection

Each heating element is supplied with a three-metre power cable and SCHUKO plug, but is not pre-wired. The electrical connection must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

Suitable residual-current protection and circuit breakers rated for the relevant electrical load must be used.