K20GL

Overview

The Vulcan Hart K20GL is a stationary, floor-mounted gas kettle with a 20-gallon true working capacity. Its 2/3 jacket surrounds the cooking vessel, and the ellipsoidal-bottom liner is made from 316-series stainless steel. The kettle has a stainless steel construction and a 100,000 BTU/hr gas input rating. The K20GL is the stationary model; K20GLT is a related tilting model, not the configuration described here.

The K20GL is part of Vulcan-Hart’s K Series gas kettle family. The manufacturer’s manuals identify Vulcan-Hart as a division of ITW Food Equipment Group. The kettle uses gas for heat and a 120V electrical supply for its controls and ignition system.

Key Features

• Batch capacity: 20 gallons of true working capacity, equivalent to 76 litres in the installation and operation manual.
• Jacket: 2/3 jacketed construction.
• Liner: 316-series stainless steel with an ellipsoidal bottom.
• Cover: Spring-assist cover with a condensate ring.
• Draw-off: A 2-inch compression draw-off valve with a perforated strainer is specified in the product description. The manual also describes plug-style and compression-style draw-off valve assemblies.
• Water access: A faucet bracket is provided; a faucet is available as an accessory. The manual cautions that faucet water is not for filling the kettle jacket.
• Stationary installation: The K20GL does not tilt. The manual’s crank-handle operating instructions apply to tilting models.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Vulcan-Hart, a division of ITW Food Equipment Group.
• Model: K20GL.
• Equipment type: Gas stationary steam kettle.
• True working capacity: 20 gallons / 76 litres.
• Jacket: 2/3 jacketed.
• Liner: 316-series stainless steel, ellipsoidal bottom.
• Construction: Stainless steel.
• Gas input: 100,000 BTU/hr.
• Electrical supply: 120V, 60Hz, single phase; 5 amp rating.
• Power connection: 6-foot power cord with a 3-prong grounding plug.
• Cover: Spring assist with condensate ring.
• Draw-off valve: 2-inch compression type with perforated strainer, as listed in the product description.
• Model identification in the parts manual: K20GL, ML-136090.

Installation & Requirements

Location and clearances

Position the kettle where there is sufficient room to operate and service it and to raise the cover. The manual specifies minimum clearances of 2 inches at the rear and 6 inches at each side from combustible and non-combustible construction. Keep the kettle free of combustible substances, and do not obstruct airflow into or around it; the manual identifies this airflow as necessary for gas combustion and ventilation. The draw-off valve should be near a floor drain.

Gas connection

Connect the gas supply line to the kettle’s gas valve. The manual calls for a gas shutoff valve ahead of the kettle and says gas connections and pipe-joint compound must be suitable for propane. It gives suggested supply pressures of 7 inches water column for natural gas and 11 inches water column for propane. The gas line must supply the kettle at the rate specified on its nameplate without excessive pressure drop. Check gas-line joints for leaks with a soap-and-water solution, never an open flame, and purge gas piping after leak checks.

The manual advises against corrugated stainless steel tubing for commercial gas supply connections. If a flexible connector is used, it cautions against twisting, kinking or flexing the connector beyond a U shape, as this can restrict gas flow or damage the connector. The service manual lists a maximum gas supply pressure of 14 inches water column. Gas supply work and any adjustment or conversion should follow the applicable manual procedures and be performed by qualified personnel.

Electrical and ventilation requirements

The kettle is supplied with a 120V power cord and a 3-prong grounding plug; the manual requires a properly grounded receptacle and says not to remove the grounding prong. The service manual specifies 120VAC, 60Hz, single phase and a 5 amp rating. In Canada, the installation manual lists compliance with local codes, CAN/CGA-B149.1 and CSA C22.2 No. 3. It also refers to ventilation provisions for gas equipment and NFPA 96 for vapor removal from cooking equipment.

Operation

Checks before use

Before operating, check the jacket vacuum/pressure gauge while the kettle is cold. The operating manual says the reading should be 20 to 30 inches of mercury below zero; a higher reading indicates air in the jacket, which must be removed by the manual’s venting procedure for proper heating. Confirm the gas supply valve is open, check the jacket water level in the sight glass and make sure the rear flue is unobstructed. The manual says the water should be around the middle of the sight glass. If it is below one-quarter of the sight glass or the low-water indicator is lit, the jacket requires attention under the filling procedure.

Heating and cooking

Switch the kettle on and set the thermostat to the required setting. The controls include a thermostat that adjusts from warm to rolling boil, a power switch, power-on and heat indicators, a red low-water indicator, an ignition-failure indicator, a jacket sight glass and a vacuum/pressure gauge. For preheating, the manual directs the operator to set the thermostat to Simmer/Boil and wait for the heat light to cycle off. Before cooking, verify that the draw-off valve is closed, select the desired warm, simmer or boil setting, and add the food.

The manual specifically advises placing milk- or egg-based foods into a cold kettle before cooking to reduce sticking from sudden contact with a hot surface. The K20GL is stationary, so the tilt and crank-handle instructions in the manual do not apply to this model.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Daily cleaning

The kettle and its components can be hot; use care during operation and cleaning. The manual directs operators to set the thermostat to minimum, switch the power off, then clean and dry the kettle thoroughly at daily shutdown. Disconnect electrical power and follow lockout/tagout procedures before cleaning or servicing. For the initial cleaning of surface parts and the kettle interior, the manual calls for a non-corrosive, grease-dissolving commercial cleaner, followed by a thorough warm-water rinse and drying with a clean cloth.

Stainless steel care

The manual’s stainless-steel care guidance recommends non-chlorinated, chloride-free cleaners at their recommended concentrations. Do not use steel pads, wire brushes or scrapers. Wipe cleaning agents and standing water away promptly; prolonged contact can cause problems. The manual also notes that scratches, deposits and chlorides can damage stainless steel’s protective passive film, and recommends softening water and using filters or softeners when possible.

Jacket water and draw-off valve care

Use distilled water when refilling the jacket. The operating manual warns that tap water can damage the jacket and void the warranty. For K20GL, the service manual’s refill table lists a total reservoir-jacket fluid volume of 7.0 gallons, consisting of 4.0 gallons of water and 2.75 gallons of heat-transfer fluid; the fill procedure says the sight glass should be one-third full. Do not confuse jacket filling with adding cooking water through the faucet bracket.

The manual provides separate cleaning instructions for plug-style and compression-style draw-off valves. For a plug valve, remove the retaining ring and washer, lift out the plug, and wash the parts with mild soap and water; leave the assembly apart to air dry. Avoid scratching, denting or dinging the plug. For a compression-style valve, disassemble the stem components as directed, wash them with mild soap and water, rinse and air dry. Follow the manual’s reassembly instructions, including its specified use of PetroGel lubricant on the valve components.

Troubleshooting

• Low-water indicator is lit: The manual says this indicates insufficient water in the jacket; the sensing probe interrupts power to the controls and burners. Check the sight glass and follow the jacket filling procedure, using distilled water and the specified heat-transfer fluid.
• Gauge is outside the cold vacuum range: A reading other than 20 to 30 inches of mercury below zero indicates air in the jacket according to the operating manual. Follow the manual’s venting procedure.
• Ignition-failure indicator is lit: The operating manual says to switch the kettle off, wait five minutes, then switch it on again. If ignition failure continues, stop and refer the unit to qualified service personnel.
• Kettle does not heat as expected: Check the gas supply valve, jacket water level and rear flue for the conditions identified in the manual. The service manual also contains gas-pressure, blower and ignition diagnostic procedures for trained service technicians; it cautions that the service manual is not intended for unqualified users.

Applications

The K20GL’s 20-gallon working capacity makes it suitable for commercial kitchens preparing food in batches. Typical kitchen tasks for a kettle of this capacity include cooking soups, sauces, gravies and other foods that can be added and dispensed through a kettle’s draw-off valve. Confirm that the kettle’s gas configuration and installation meet the requirements of the site before use.