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Accurate temperature control for water heater.

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Discussion in 'General Electronics Discussion' started by Mick tozer, Dec 24, 2017.

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  1. Dec 24, 2017 #1
    Mick tozer

    Mick tozer

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    Dec 24, 2017
    Hi,this is my first post,I'm looking to make a small heated water bath to accurately warm and temper chocolate,sweets are my hobby...the commercial tempering machines are quite expensive,so I wondered if it would be possible to build a simple control circuit with a sensor,then I wondered if I would have to modulate the heater rather than just on/off...the problem with chocolate tempering is it needs to be very accurate,a couple of degrees makes s difference,would appreciate any thoughts. I'm an ex engineer and now a plumber,but my electronic knowledge is sketchy! Thanks.
     
  2. Dec 25, 2017 #2
    kellys_eye

    kellys_eye

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    Jun 25, 2010
    Modulating the heater shouldn't be necessary given the latency of the liquid you're heating but consider having a circulation system to thoroughly 'mix' the liquid being heated.

    Either way there are numerous thermostats (electronic) that can manage the control process - they usually (but not always, so check) come with the relevant temperature sensor.

    I have a junk box digital controller I bought via eBay (Chinese delivery) that is programmable for upper and lower limits, hysteresis etc that cost me (IIRC) around $20.
     
  3. Dec 25, 2017 #3
    Mick tozer

    Mick tozer

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    Dec 24, 2017
    Thanks Kelly,I'll do a check on ebay.
     
  4. Dec 26, 2017 #4
    (*steve*)

    (*steve*) ¡sǝpodᴉʇuɐ ǝɥʇ ɹɐǝɥd Moderator

    25,501
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    The answer is a sous vide machine.

    There are various immersion type sous vide heaters that include circulating pumps. These devices typically have PID controllers and accuracy to a fraction of a degree.

    One of my colleagues used his sous vide cooker for tempering chocolate quite frequently.

    Edit: obviously (I hope) with this method you put the chocolate in a bag, all of these methods keep a water bath at a highly consistent temperature.
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2017
  5. Dec 26, 2017 #5
    Mick tozer

    Mick tozer

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    Dec 24, 2017
    Wow! That's brilliant Steve,I've heard them mentioned on cooking programs,sounds like the way to go,especially with the accurate temp control.
     
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