RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
- Keith
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Cancel that. Missed it on another page.
Brewer, Owner & Operator @ Ol' Biddy's Brew House
- RubberToe
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
It's been a while but it's time for some upgrades. I'm moving to a 2 vessel system. 30 gallon pots, HERMS, shiny new 6000W element from Everwood.
It's a lot of work figuring it all out, what hole goes where, exactly. I'm also planning on some automation.
I have lots left to do but have most of the holes punched, bottom drains soldered in too.
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It's a lot of work figuring it all out, what hole goes where, exactly. I'm also planning on some automation.
I have lots left to do but have most of the holes punched, bottom drains soldered in too.
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Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- jeffsmith
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Looks great, Rob. Similar size to the system I'm working on now. I've got all my holes drilled in my pots, etc. Electrical and framing begins this weekend.
- RubberToe
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Jeff, do you have new pots or the same ones as before? Building a more permanent brew area?
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- jeffsmith
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Same pots that you picked up for me a couple years back. Building a spot in my basement in some spare space. Going with a Hosehead controller. Using power from my dryer plug (with GFCI of course). Picked up a 760 CFM hood so no concerns about humidity. I'm sure I'll be posting a thread when I get into it a bit more. So far just have my elements installed in the boil kettle and HLT along with the HERMS coil in the HLT.
- RubberToe
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Good luck with the build, can't wait to see it.
I'm putting a Pi in my panel and will be running CraftBeerPi to replace my Auber PID eventually, so very similar to the Hosehead. Actually CBP is able to run on the Hosehead too.
I'm putting a Pi in my panel and will be running CraftBeerPi to replace my Auber PID eventually, so very similar to the Hosehead. Actually CBP is able to run on the Hosehead too.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- jeffsmith
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Thanks! Yes, I'm planning on getting CBP installed on the Hosehead as soon as I get it to play with the two side by side and see which I like best. The only part about the Hosehead that I'm not sure if I'll like is not having a hard switch for the pumps. We'll see.
Really looking forward to getting back to brewing regularly, have only brewed 2 batches in the past 2 years or so.
- RubberToe
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Progress update.
Boil Kettle, doubles as HLT. Soldered 1/2" NPT coupler for bottom drain, street elbow, triclover adapter, TC ball valve - I'm using the valves that came with my conical (replaced on conical with butterfly valves). I had them so why not.
A shot of some of the BK fittings. The bottom two are for the HERMS coil (50' of 1/2"). I'll be going in the top, out the bottom. A small valve on the bottom to keep the contents of the coil from draining in case I have to detach the hose. The bottom one is pointing up because it will output to the Mash Tun's input / recirc port. The very top fitting is the BK input / whirlpool port.
Inside the BK. A good angle to see the bottom drain, temp probe (PT100), Stainless 6000W element, HERMS coil (50' of 1/2"). The element and coil are as low as possible. The coil is also wide / low profile. It's roughly 50 litres to the top of the coil.
Whirlpool arm made from an Everwood 3/8" stainless racking cane (seen in next photo) and compression fitting. I cut the cane in two places to give my desired height and output angle.
Inside the Mash Tun. The bottom drain is in the centre to encourage even channelling. PT100 probe, Male camlock on the input port to attach accessories such as sparge arm. I will also be attaching a drain water hose here when the flow is coming from my counterflow chiller. More on that later. False bottom not shown here.
Current shot of kettles side by side. Stands made from 2x4s which may be temporary but may stay until I get a nice stainless steel table. These work and are cheap. I plan on cleaning in place so not worried about having to move stuff around.
Boil Kettle, doubles as HLT. Soldered 1/2" NPT coupler for bottom drain, street elbow, triclover adapter, TC ball valve - I'm using the valves that came with my conical (replaced on conical with butterfly valves). I had them so why not.
A shot of some of the BK fittings. The bottom two are for the HERMS coil (50' of 1/2"). I'll be going in the top, out the bottom. A small valve on the bottom to keep the contents of the coil from draining in case I have to detach the hose. The bottom one is pointing up because it will output to the Mash Tun's input / recirc port. The very top fitting is the BK input / whirlpool port.
Inside the BK. A good angle to see the bottom drain, temp probe (PT100), Stainless 6000W element, HERMS coil (50' of 1/2"). The element and coil are as low as possible. The coil is also wide / low profile. It's roughly 50 litres to the top of the coil.
Whirlpool arm made from an Everwood 3/8" stainless racking cane (seen in next photo) and compression fitting. I cut the cane in two places to give my desired height and output angle.
Inside the Mash Tun. The bottom drain is in the centre to encourage even channelling. PT100 probe, Male camlock on the input port to attach accessories such as sparge arm. I will also be attaching a drain water hose here when the flow is coming from my counterflow chiller. More on that later. False bottom not shown here.
Current shot of kettles side by side. Stands made from 2x4s which may be temporary but may stay until I get a nice stainless steel table. These work and are cheap. I plan on cleaning in place so not worried about having to move stuff around.
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Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- Jimmy
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Re: My Single Vessel Electric Brewery Build
Looking good Rob. Hurry up and get brewing!
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- jeffsmith
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Rob, have a look at globalindustrial.ca if you’re looking for stainless tables. I got a 72” X 30” for a little over $200 a couple weeks ago.
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- RubberToe
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Thanks, Jeff. I was looking at a couple of other Canadian suppliers but haven't found those guys yet. Comparable to the others... I'm not ready ($$$) yet but I have half a mind to spring for a model with stanless lower shelf and legs (vs galvanized).
If you have one with galvanized lower shelf and legs, what do you think?
If you have one with galvanized lower shelf and legs, what do you think?
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- RubberToe
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
I did another leak test, this time of the HERMS coil and chiller. Fail.
The CFC I've been running for years has a leak on the water input side (hose clamp, crimp type). This was the first time that's been under pressure though. I'm running my CFC and HERMS coil inline as an insane double chiller system.
Both my HERMS fittings also leak. Stainless ferrules so they're harder to compress. Also a bitch to get at inside the kettle. I need to find a 1-1/4" wrench tomorrow.... build on hold until then. So close!!
The CFC I've been running for years has a leak on the water input side (hose clamp, crimp type). This was the first time that's been under pressure though. I'm running my CFC and HERMS coil inline as an insane double chiller system.
Both my HERMS fittings also leak. Stainless ferrules so they're harder to compress. Also a bitch to get at inside the kettle. I need to find a 1-1/4" wrench tomorrow.... build on hold until then. So close!!
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- Jimmy
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Did that include shipping? I always find those guys to be ridiculous for shipping costs.
- jeffsmith
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
It was in the neighbourhood of $50 for shipping. I get large filters for my pool from them every year and find their shipping to be on the high side, but not astronomical. Time to ship and delivery is usually pretty fast as well.Jimmy wrote:Did that include shipping? I always find those guys to be ridiculous for shipping costs.
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- jeffsmith
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
The legs are stainless but the lower shelf is galvanized. I don’t think I’ll be putting much on the shelf aside from my pumps because of how thin it is, so if you’re looking to store more than that, definitely spring for the stainless shelf.RubberToe wrote:Thanks, Jeff. I was looking at a couple of other Canadian suppliers but haven't found those guys yet. Comparable to the others... I'm not ready ($$$) yet but I have half a mind to spring for a model with stanless lower shelf and legs (vs galvanized).
If you have one with galvanized lower shelf and legs, what do you think?
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- Jimmy
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Not unreasonable to ship a table!jeffsmith wrote: It was in the neighbourhood of $50 for shipping. I get large filters for my pool from them every year and find their shipping to be on the high side, but not astronomical. Time to ship and delivery is usually pretty fast as well.
I'm likely going to buy this one - it's on-sale quite frequently, including right now. Stainless top & bottom shelf.
https://www.amazon.ca/TRINITY-EcoStorag ... less+table
- jeffsmith
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Depending on what you're planning to use it for, make sure to pay attention to the weight capacity. That one is only 150 lbs. The one I grabbed from Global Industrial is 800 lbs.:Jimmy wrote: ↑Mon Nov 20, 2017 10:09 amNot unreasonable to ship a table!
I'm likely going to buy this one - it's on-sale quite frequently, including right now. Stainless top & bottom shelf.
https://www.amazon.ca/TRINITY-EcoStorag ... less+table
https://www.globalindustrial.ca/p/work- ... undershelf
And correction, shipping was $85, not $50. Double-checked my invoice. Still not astronomical given the size and weight of the box.
- RubberToe
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
I noticed the weight capacity there too.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- Jimmy
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Yeah, I'm not using mine as a stand for holding brewing vessels. I'm planning on building a separate, lower height stand for my mash tun.
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Your setup is awesome! I need to take some notes...
Looks like scope creep on these setups can be pretty intense!
Looks like scope creep on these setups can be pretty intense!
- RubberToe
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Thanks! Yes, this build is over 6 years old, changing, evolving. My control panel has remained the same throughout. There will be some changes there soon though because I'm planning some automation.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- RubberToe
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Testing the whirlpool arm... here I'm transferring water from my MT through the whirlpool port which is why the water level is still below the arm. Anyway, it seemed to work well.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- RubberToe
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Here are some boring videos testing boiling various volumes at different outputs.
Boil 75l with 6000W @ 90% output (time cycle of 2 seconds).
Boil 75l with 6000W @ 100% output.
Boil 100l with 6000W @ 100%. Second video is after another minute or so when the boil seemed harder.
I'm happy with the results. If I'm not mistaken, boiling wort will be a bit more vigorous due to the chemical makeup.
Boil 75l with 6000W @ 90% output (time cycle of 2 seconds).
Boil 75l with 6000W @ 100% output.
Boil 100l with 6000W @ 100%. Second video is after another minute or so when the boil seemed harder.
I'm happy with the results. If I'm not mistaken, boiling wort will be a bit more vigorous due to the chemical makeup.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- RubberToe
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- Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:47 am
- Name: Rob
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Chilling 100 litres to pitching temperature in 6 minutes!!
Ok, so that's the chiller output but still... I think this is the best chilling rate I've ever achieved.
What do I have going on here?
I'm recirculating the boil kettle through my counterflow chiller. This is something I do with every brew as it helps lower the bulk temperature so the chiller output can get to pitching temp. My CFC is copper, 25 foot, and homemade.
Something I've noticed with using my CFC is that after the first few minutes the output WATER temp goes from piping hot (initially of course) to just warm. I have to throttle back the water flow and / or wort flow to not waste water as I wait for the bulk temp to drop enough so that the CFC output is at yeast pitching temp.
I now have a HERMS coil in my BK... why not put it to use? I designed my plumbing / pump manifold so I can route the CFC water output through the HERMS coil to act as an immersion chiller. In this case the HERMS output is directed to the drain (or clothes washer). I didn't want to post about this idea until I ran a test, so here it is!
Real time, chilling 100l. Brew day should be even faster since my end of boil volume for a 20 gallon batch will be between 80 - 86l.
Ok, so that's the chiller output but still... I think this is the best chilling rate I've ever achieved.
What do I have going on here?
I'm recirculating the boil kettle through my counterflow chiller. This is something I do with every brew as it helps lower the bulk temperature so the chiller output can get to pitching temp. My CFC is copper, 25 foot, and homemade.
Something I've noticed with using my CFC is that after the first few minutes the output WATER temp goes from piping hot (initially of course) to just warm. I have to throttle back the water flow and / or wort flow to not waste water as I wait for the bulk temp to drop enough so that the CFC output is at yeast pitching temp.
I now have a HERMS coil in my BK... why not put it to use? I designed my plumbing / pump manifold so I can route the CFC water output through the HERMS coil to act as an immersion chiller. In this case the HERMS output is directed to the drain (or clothes washer). I didn't want to post about this idea until I ran a test, so here it is!
Real time, chilling 100l. Brew day should be even faster since my end of boil volume for a 20 gallon batch will be between 80 - 86l.
Electric Brewery Build
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
On tap at RubberToe's:
Sometimes on a Sunday Belgian Dubbel, Oaked Old Ale, Ordinary Bitter
- jeffsmith
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Re: RubberToe Electric Brewery - BIAB to 2 Vessel HERMS
Looking good Rob! I chill the same way. Made the mistake the other day of getting everything a little too cold (15°C on the way to the fermenter).
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