RIMS/HERMs single vessel setup

[Fil]

testing the mesh tube with the pump didnt happen this weekend, got rained off yesterday and was on a call till 5:30 this morning, so today is a wash.. 1st clear day im not on call next week i will test it out..

[barneey]

Rather than me messing around with drilling loads of holes in the pot, I`m going to buy 2 sheets of stainless steel, cut loads of holes in both, sandwich the two together with washers inbetween the sheets, the bolts also providing a stand off from the base of the pot. beer line or hose as usual around the outside to provide a seal. Blichmann style without the welding?

Slots are generally said to be very good for grain false bottoms; I saw one on here in the past that had been made by a dremmel with very thin cutting discs - a work of art! I'm not sure if having two such FBs in sequence would make much difference though?

Cheers
Kev

I`ve given up on the blichmann copy idea, I`ve cut two stainless discs 300mm diameter, started cutting the first batch of holes on the top sheet, after just 14 holes in this sheet the hole cutter became very blunt.

There is approx 50 holes in each sheet, so not wishing to spend a fortune on hole cutters have decided to throw the idea away and take the easy option of making a normal perforated bottom for the pot. The blichmann might be fairly costly to buy but I think I would struggle to make anything near for the same price. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[Kev888]

Oh well, was worth a try - thanks for feeding back; was that a TCT cutter or a Q-max?

Fil, sorry the brew was rained off - I was away this weekend as well so have done no testing either

Cheers
Kev

[barneey]

Kev,

It was a TCT cutter, although I have noticed that even the Qmax cutters also begin to loose their cutting power after a while.

The main reason for given up was the possible cost implications say 3 cutters per sheet @ £13 each = £78.00, I might have been going a bit mad with them so I dare say the cost wouldnt be so much if I took things easier.

The stainless steel sheet thickness was 1.20mm

Regards

[Kev888]

Thanks - useful to know; it does sound a bit costly!

Cheers
Kev

[barneey]

Just finished dry fitting all the bits together for my attempt at the "one" pot system. Still have to fit the PID and relay at a later date and am still awaiting some perforated s/s for the mash false bottom.

Heres the latest progress, donar pot (old HLT), inner mash pot CW adjustable legs + 3 hole directional drainage (managed to keep the handles), camlocks for solar pump.







Just need few more bits before testing

[Kev888]

Looking good... yet again! Best of luck when its time to test.

(<sigh> really need to 'somehow' spend some time on mine!)

Cheers
Kev

[barneey]

Thanks Kev, I`m sure when you eventually get your purpose made system its going to be a winner. For me it was more about what I had left over from previous builds so have had to compromise on several bits, limitation of the already fitted equipment in the HLT, that and not wanting (not able) to fabricate any one off special s/s pots. Not too sure about any dead spaces in my setup either with the gap between the pots.

I`m reading Fil`s post regarding the the PIDs etc, so eventually I can get the temp side of things automated.

The only other thing I`m hoping for is that the braided ring hop stopper works at the weekend (using it with the 80ltr setup) otherwise its going to be tight trying to fit anything else into the set up, as it is the ring may have to be changed to a snake to get it to fit.

If the braid is successful might even add another one to the recirulating part of the set up for a whirlpool post boil to aid cooling if using a coil chiller.

The final part will be to fit a vent hood similar to 80lt boiler to enable indoors usage.

So still far from complete but the main components are in place.

Cheers

[barneey]

Just one other question for my build, can anyone recommend the correct place to mount the temp sensor? In the main pot, the mash tun or in the pipework between the two?

Thanks

[Goulders]

Just seen a guy on biabrewer has built his own brewmeister type setup. He has videos on YouTube so maybe worth a look

[Kev888]

yeah, a few people have had a go, I don't think I've lookd on that site though so I'll have to have a look - thanks!

Cheers
Kev

[Goulders]

Kev

Here's the link HERE

[Kev888]

Thanks! That does look very posh indeed - must have taken him a massive amount of time and effort.

Its very interesting to see some of the issues he was having with sealing too; I'm not planning to make a clone as such and had a different method planned- looks like I should stick to it!

Cheers
Kev

[barneey]

Having spent alot of time trying to make a false bottom for my 19 ltr pot, I`m glad to say another member has made me one, cant wait for it to arrive The work in progress shot.......

[barneey]

Been thinking about the one pot system again for brewing and having watched this again on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivCRHvHv ... e=youtu.be I thought I would reserect the thread to see if anyone else has made progress on the idea.

Unfortunately for me the pot I have, is still untested, although i do plan on at least making Matho`s controller in the near future + now I have the "large" pump have thought about using the upflow technique rather than the planned gravity system.

Progress anyone?

Cheers