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Offline johnnyapplepie  
#1 Posted : Thursday, November 21, 2013 3:56:13 AM(UTC)
johnnyapplepie


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"Has anyone done any cost calculations on using propane v/s using electricity?

Here's a little more info.
15.5 keg boiler.
Propane in my area for a 20 pound tank fill up is $18.00
I can get two stripping runs and one spirit run per tank.
I'm wondering if using electricity I could cut that $18.00 down somewhat.
Just curious if anyone has done this comparison and if so what were their results.

Thanks
Johnny"
Offline Gravelier  
#2 Posted : Saturday, November 23, 2013 6:06:53 PM(UTC)
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Wow, there are so many questions here that affect the scenario.

What size (quantity) of wash are you running in the keg? and what is the ABV?

Are you running a pot still, plate still, reflux, etc? Makes a difference on how many times you are boiling off and condensing the liquids.

Would have to make some wild assumptions on burner efficiencies and assume that the electric is 100%.

Also, what is your cost per KWH, including taxes?

Generally speaking, the cost of electricity is fairly close to the cost of propane. Both of these are about 3X the cost of natural gas. However, I have been considering converting my boiler to electric because of the convenience and ease of control.
Offline heeler  
#3 Posted : Sunday, November 24, 2013 12:16:32 AM(UTC)
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"We also forgot to factor in the travel time and fuel expense to go get the propane. I forgot to fill the tank in the past and of course then I had to zip down to the propane place which is not at the local gas staion of course....

Just my opinion but electric with the use of gas for heatup is best and most efficiant. But you are right about the myriad of components to include in the equation."
Offline johnnyapplepie  
#4 Posted : Monday, November 25, 2013 2:04:16 AM(UTC)
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Thanks for the responses.
I'm going to attempt to factor in the other components. But I do believe that they both are pretty close to being the same cost.
Lets use this scenario 12 gallon wash with an ABV of 14% using a 15.5 keg on propane, distilling in pot still mode with a Brewhaus PSII column.
Oh and the KWH in my area is 8.697 although that changes monthly.
Its getting pretty cold outside in the garage and I've thought about switching my keg to electric and moving the operation indoors. If i do this i'll get a second keg to convert.
But before I go to the trouble I wanted to compare time/expenses.
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