I wouldn't use steam on it for a boil kettle. I wouldn't use steam on it for a step mash. You don't know how they put the jacket on and what type of insulation is in there.
It would be really good for a step mash with a hydronic boiler.
My rant on steam boilers is: They are expensive to install and maintain. Yes you can find a good used boiler but to pay a fitter to install it is very expensive. Most states require you to have a boiler operator license with yearly inspections. The inspection requires you to tear the boiler down. You will also have to have an insurance on it.
Now for my opinion on direct fire. The best and cheapest method for up to 10 bbls. Hands down.
Good Luck Todd
I presume you're referring to high pressure steam? I completely agree with your (and previous) comments about the potential for some serious harm that could come as a result of a failed jacket and the difficulties associated with HPS. I actually have no interest in operating a high pressure steam boiler at this stage, and would have to seriously consider the implications of doing so in future expansion plans.
However, my thoughts were that if this tank was manufactured with glycol chilling in mind, the jacket would be rated for ~15 PSI and MIGHT be well suited for low pressure steam. Ensuring that the jacket could hold 15+ PSI is definitely worth testing before I make a decision one way or the other (if in fact I do end up using this as a BK). As far as the insulation type, that’s a good point and worth checking in to as well.
I still have high hopes for this tank – I’ll be picking it up tomorrow, so I can post some additional pics / specs then.