HERMS HLT Kettle Set - 40L

A 40L HLT (hot liquor tank) with bottom drain and accessories for indirectly heated three-vessel HERMS brewing systems. The kettle can also be used as a combined boil kettle and HLT in a two-vessel HERMS system.

In a HERMS system, the mash is circulated by a pump through a HERMS coil installed inside the HLT while it is being heated. Combined with a suitable controller, this allows precise mash temperature control and the automatic execution of multi-step mash programs.

Note regarding the current version: The currently available 40L kettle model has two factory-installed front ports for mounting a HERMS coil. No drilling is required for this version. The coil is attached to these ports using suitable HERMS coil kettle adapters. The HERMS coil-to-Tri-Clamp adapters are included in the set.

Set contents

Qty.		Product
1		Kettle Bottom Drain - 40L - 5 Ports
1		Heating Element 3.2kW Tri-Clamp
1		Butterfly Valve DN 40 Tri-Clamp with Trigger Handle
2		HERMS Coil Kettle Adapter Tri-Clamp 1.5" x 1/2" Female
1		Whirlpool Arm Short Without Accessories
7		Tri-Clamp 1.5" Clamp
1		Thermowell Set Screw 5.5 cm Tri-Clamp 1.5"
1		Tee Tri-Clamp 1.5" x 3/4" Short
1		Whirlpool Arm Extension Tube - 12.5 cm
1		Power Supply Cable 3m H07RN-F 3G1.5
2		Silicone Gasket Tri-Clamp DN 40
1		Silicone Gasket Tri-Clamp 1.5" x 3/4"

Because of the wide range of possible installation and connection configurations, the set is supplied without some of the components required to complete the brewing system. The choice of brewing stand, for example, affects how the pumps are mounted and connected to the system. The shop offers the additional components needed to configure the brewing system to suit your requirements.

System planning notes

In a three-vessel brewing system, the water in the HLT should be circulated to maintain an even temperature throughout the kettle. The set includes a whirlpool arm for this purpose. The same pump can later also be used for sparging.

In a two-vessel system, or HERMS Duo system, a second pump is generally not required. In this case, the limited benefit of separately circulating the HLT water usually does not justify the additional cost. The included whirlpool tube can instead be used to refill the kettle during lautering.

If one pump is used for both circulation and sparging, the flow rate must be controlled on the outlet side of the pump. The Blichmann Riptide pump already has an integrated outlet valve. With an MP-15 or similar pump, a separate valve must be installed downstream of the pump outlet.

During sparging, the clear hot water can be pumped through the HERMS coil. This also helps rinse the coil at the same time.

External connections are easiest to make using silicone hose and hose barbs. For 40L and 60L kettles, we recommend 3/4" or DN15 hose barbs and matching fittings together with 14 × 24 mm silicone hose. Suitable hose clamps should also be included in the system design.

The lower kettle connection must remain accessible for circulation. When using a standard tabletop, kettle leg extensions are required. Alternatively, an open brewing stand can be used.

Electrical connection and control

The heating element included in the set is supplied with a 3 m connection cable and SCHUKO plug, but the cable is not prewired to the heating element. The connection must be carried out by a qualified electrician.

The power supply must be protected by a suitable residual-current device and a circuit breaker rated for the applicable electrical load.

A suitable temperature controller is required for operation. The heating element should not be switched on and off manually, as this can result in substantial temperature overshoot.

With an optional EINBREW controller, up to nine mash steps can be programmed and executed automatically. Continuous wort circulation helps maintain stable mash temperatures. For a 40L three-vessel HERMS system, we recommend the EINBREW 3V2P.

Further recommended additions can be found in the “Frequently bought together” section.

System design

The lower Tri-Clamp port must remain accessible for circulation. When using a standard table as the brewing stand, this can be achieved with separately available 14 cm leg extensions.

Please note that tables with a height of 80 to 90 cm may already be too high for comfortable kettle operation. Alternatively, the kettle can be mounted directly on the floor using 45 cm or 65 cm leg extensions and foot plates.

With a suitable pump bracket, the pump can be mounted directly to the kettle legs. Alternatively, you can build your own brewing stand from aluminium profiles or use a ready-made Craft Hardware brewing stand.

A temperature sensor for controlling the HLT water temperature is not included. It should be installed in a thermowell inside the T-piece at the inlet of the sparge arm on the mash tun. The thermowell in the HLT T-piece is intended only to indicate the water temperature at that location.

Fill level to the top of a typical HERMS coil: approximately 20 litres.