I got a 80 gallon water heater today to make into a turnover. It was a solar water heater storage tank with electric back up. This heater only has one element( for backup). When turned over it will be in liquid so that is not an issue. There is a 4500w 220v element in it.
My current processor is a 67 total gallons cone tank, hence the questions. Here's the questions:
1. Turned over there are 4 ports on the now bottom. None are dead center, but all are close. Which one to use. There is cold in, hot out, pump return, and pump suction. One pipe going all the way to the now top.
2. Depending on which lines I use for feeding the pump, should I also use on of the other now bottom pipes for return, or weld a fitting onto the "now" top? Keep in mind, there is only one element.
3. Being that there is only one element, the temp sensor is now closer to the now top side. Do I bypass the sensor and wire the element direct to 220? I will be recovering in this same vessel, and the t stat only goes up to 160F
4. Is there a way to turn the thermostat past 160F?

I guess I asked too many questions at once.
I plumbed up "frankenstein" today, using the tube that goes to the top inside the tank for the pumping return line, another flush port for the pump inlet line, and capped the other 2 lines. The pressure relief valve on the side will be my sight tube, and the drain that used to be at the bottom will be my vent.
Ill post pictures for anyone interested. I have to clean everything first, using the old black iron that was used to make a BUNCH of batches got messy. Bio is messy business after all.
Bigger, badder, better..my new mantra!

I'd be careful about that pipe going to the top from the bottom -- it may be plastic and likely to come apart on you. I drilled a hole in mine to return the mix to the top. I used a water heater element adapter plate, so 1 large hole and 4 small ones, a gasket and self-tapping screws were all that was necessary - no welding.

good idea. Its all plumbed up now, so if I start to notice any bad things happening I will do just as you did!

Test run today. tube going to the top doesnt go all the way to the top, only about 1/4 of the way. So, I used a step drill to put a hole into the very top center and welded a fitting on. Easier to weld one on for me then to go buy the parts. Good idea though.
Spent 2 hours removing the plumbing, and completely redoing it. Should have a picture tomorow evening after picking up one more length of BI pipe. This thing is going to be yard ahead of my current setup.