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OfflineGr0wer
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Converting an AA (or any) PC to an automated electric PC
    #22698514 - 12/25/15 02:11 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Has anyone converted an AA PC to electric? Im thinking drill a 1" hole and tap it for a HWD screw in heating element, then run it off a programmable ramp/soak PID. Whole mod would cost about $200 and seems to be a better option than the manual electric $900 75X. Best of all using jars i would only lose one jar spot for the element so i'd still fit 20 jars. I would have to build a false bottom for bags though. This mod would get me inside, save me in propane cost and time running out for fills.

screw in 120v heating element1500w Hotplate
ramp/soak PID
1-11 1/2 NPS pipe tap
SSR
box for PID + relay
2 spring packs, i used 4 of the smaller springs with washers using the stock screws

Running my small PC with no support


Running my large PC with copper tubes to support the weight, the springs push the element against the bottom



Probe



Springs to push the PC flush against the bottom


Edited by Gr0wer (01/29/16 06:42 PM)

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22701740 - 12/26/15 02:16 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

So i ordered the tap, found one for $31 shipped. I already have a few non ramp/soak PID's and elements to try this out. Drilling the hole will be hard, i don't have a 1 3/16 drill nor do i plan on spending a small fortune on one. I'll probabbly end up using my die grinder to widen a 1" hole saw hole. Going to be nerve wracking drilling into my $400 PC. The temp sensor will be a type K with a 1/4" NPT compression fitting threaded into the PC next to the element.

Edited by Gr0wer (12/26/15 02:31 PM)

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InvisibleJake McBaked
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22701999 - 12/26/15 03:27 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Good luck gt0wer, i wouldnt drill into my pressure cooker myself but i have faith in you upgrading yours. Looking forward to seeing it in action

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OfflineMasterPython
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Jake McBaked]
    #22702200 - 12/26/15 04:15 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

My thoughts on this idea as a machinist with no real experience in pressure vessels my concerns are:

The bottom of the PC is not very thick so there will not be a lot of threads to cut. The possibility of having the aluminum threads shear off when the thing pressures up is real. Maybe it will work, maybe you need a helicoil or maybe this is just a bad idea all together. Any engineers willing to weigh in?

Aluminum and steel can react when bolted together in wet environments causing corrosion.

Is it OK to run that element partly submerged or does it need to be submerged to work safely? If it needs to be submerged you will have to have 2-3 inches of water in your PC to run it.

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: MasterPython]
    #22702951 - 12/26/15 07:58 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Its an AA PC so its about 1/2 thick cast aluminum at the bottom. I should have full threads on it. Good point on the metals reacting, ill put some antiseize on the threads. Yes i would need to keep the submerged or it will pop. I plan to drill as low as possible and orient the elements loop horizontal and bent down slightly to prevent dry firing and popping the element. Typically there is 2-3" of water in my PC even after a run but i will definitely use a bit extra just to be safe.  Thanks for the input!

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22703079 - 12/26/15 08:37 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

So for the sensor and element i think i'll put plugs and sockets on the cords so im not dragging the controller around when i move the PC. A standard 15A 3 prong for the element and 2 prong for the sensor should work. 

Edited by Gr0wer (12/26/15 08:56 PM)

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22707717 - 12/28/15 12:24 AM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Started on the controller box today. Need to pick up some 12ga wire and plugs.


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InvisibleJake McBaked
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22707877 - 12/28/15 02:10 AM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Sweet! I like your PID

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Invisiblegray
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Jake McBaked]
    #22708162 - 12/28/15 05:19 AM (8 years, 4 months ago)

FYI, just in case you haven't seen this before, that SSR may only be rated for 12 amps, and your setup looks like its pushing that.

See here for an example.

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: gray]
    #22708508 - 12/28/15 08:47 AM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Thanks, that SSR was just an example. The ones i have are amico and i've used em to run a 5500w 220v element before. I have however ran into counterfeit SSR's before, they would stick on once energized, luckily no failures.

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Offlinedrake89
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22709250 - 12/28/15 01:54 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Dumbest thing I've seen in a while.  Please do not do this for the sake of our hobby.  Even if you don't maim yourself, is it worth the risk of saving uhhhh $200?  AA PCs have good resale value.  You could have just sold it and bought an electric model.  Or just bought a electric hot plate.


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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: drake89]
    #22710098 - 12/28/15 06:00 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Seems like i lied, i do have fotek SSR. But its been tried and tested with higher load. I got the box done, just need to finish up the element wiring inside the PVC cap and glue it together.  I used a 15' 10ga extension cord for all the heavy wiring and saved the stock ends for the Box to PC connection for a clean look.



Just waiting on my 1" and 1/4" NPT tap.

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: drake89]
    #22710132 - 12/28/15 06:09 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Quote:

drake89 said:
Dumbest thing I've seen in a while.  Please do not do this for the sake of our hobby.  Even if you don't maim yourself, is it worth the risk of saving uhhhh $200?  AA PCs have good resale value.  You could have just sold it and bought an electric model.  Or just bought a electric hot plate.



wow thanks! The point is this is completely automated with a programmable ramp soak PID. The electric unit simply replaces the heat source and basically includes an egg timer.  I don't see any way i would maim myself, im threading into the PC at part of the thickest part of the kettle. The electric PC is $900 and then i would still need to hack into the wiring and spend another $150 on the controller.

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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22710341 - 12/28/15 07:04 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

You don't need anything other than a timer to automate an electric autoclave.  It's already got a thermostat set to 15psi.


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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: drake89]
    #22710391 - 12/28/15 07:16 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

While your approach on this thread was fucked, you got me thinking about the resale on a drilled out PC even if it's successful. I think i'll put a T fitting off where the pressure gauge goes and stick my temp probe down there and run the gauge off the side, and use a 1500w hot plate ran off the PID. This way when/if i sell my AA i can swap it back to normal configuration.

http://www.amazon.com/VonShef-Premium-Electrical-Single-Plate/dp/B0140XX8E2/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1451352950&sr=8-5&keywords=1500w+hot+plate

Edited by Gr0wer (12/28/15 07:17 PM)

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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22710601 - 12/28/15 08:09 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Won't the temperature be constant once you get up to pressure?

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: MasterPython]
    #22710934 - 12/28/15 09:45 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Yes then the PID will maintain that by cycling the element. Im no physicist but temp and pressure should go hand in hand. Ill see how the PID controls once i auto tune it and let it self maintain using temp, otherwise i can set it to manual mode and control the duty cycle. Then with the programmable PID i can program all those settings to run automated.

Edited by Gr0wer (12/29/15 12:06 AM)

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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22712524 - 12/29/15 10:35 AM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Just ordered the hot plate, 1/8" brass T and 1/8" compression fitting for the sensor to mount on the lid where the gauge is. Best of all i can still fit 21 jars per cycle.

Edited by Gr0wer (12/29/15 10:37 AM)

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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: Gr0wer]
    #22712550 - 12/29/15 10:42 AM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Quote:

Gr0wer said:
Yes then the PID will maintain that by cycling the element. Im no physicist but temp and pressure should go hand in hand. .




that is how the AA electric models work.  temp probe in the bottom.  pressure switches are mechanical, and thus more prone to failure.


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OfflineGr0wer
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Re: Converting an AA PC to an automated electric PC [Re: drake89]
    #22713214 - 12/29/15 01:46 PM (8 years, 4 months ago)

Good to know. Everything should be in by monday, hopefully get to test it early next week. Ill need to find some perfectly sized bricks or make a stand to hold the PC over the burner, im sure it cant handle the 40-50 lbs of my PC.

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