Counterflow cooler HERMS system

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Vossy1

Post by Vossy1 » Wed Oct 11, 2006 5:58 pm

I recently got RS 237-1663 from Ebay - stainless pt100 probe. Would this be suitable for the PID setup ?
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Dan!
I'm not sure Andy, it depends what terminals you have on your pid controller.

The e-bay pid I bought takes quite a few different types of thermocouples, ie, T,R,J,B,S,K,E and two wire options :shock:

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Andy
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Post by Andy » Wed Oct 11, 2006 6:02 pm

Most seem to have PT100 capability (which is what this probe is).
Dan!

Frothy

Post by Frothy » Thu Oct 12, 2006 2:23 am

I've just realised that my PID doesn't come with a thermocouple :cry: and I'm not sure which one to get (it will no doubt cost more than my PID's.) What kind do you use seveneer? I'd like to screw one into a 15mm copper T-piece on the outlet of the heat exchanger.

Andy - are you going HERMS?
Vossy - interesting idea, I've actually got the hoselock connectors already that fit over both ends.

Matt

Vossy1

Post by Vossy1 » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:25 am

I've actually got the hoselock connectors already that fit over both ends.
Glad to your sorted on that side frothy

I had a look at all the thermocouples, all 1086 of them on the RS site :shock:

I think I'm going to settle on a hypodermic TC and drill a small hole in a 10mm-15mm plastic speedfit connector elbow that exits the heat exchanger at the rear, and put it in there.

They have some really reasonable TC's for as little as £5 8)

I'm interested in SV's TC though. I think I found it, just not too sure and it's cheaper than the one I'm looking at :wink:

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Post by Andy » Fri Oct 13, 2006 9:07 am

Frothy wrote:Andy - are you going HERMS?

Frothers - my biggest frustration with the AG process is controlling the mash temperature. The temperature variations throughout the mash are many and large - despite much stirring. HERMS seems to be a good way of achieving some consistency here.

I'm hoping to see Phil's system in action soon - Phil, got any weekend brews planned ? 8)
Dan!

Seveneer

Post by Seveneer » Fri Oct 13, 2006 9:39 am

Hi Andy,

no brews planned this weekend. I am making wine for the first time. I have a vine growing at the back of the house so I'm going to press them and get them fermenting. Should be fun.

I'll let you know when I'm brewing next though.

/Phil.

Seveneer

Post by Seveneer » Fri Oct 13, 2006 9:52 am

Ok, my thermocouple is RS part number 455-4179 and it clamps to the pipe coming out of the thermocouple. I also use another in the HLT which is a mineral insulated one that I've put inside a length of 8mm copper and sealed the end to keep it dry. Can't find the number right now.

/Phil.

Frothy

Post by Frothy » Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:45 pm

Thanks Phil that looks good. Now to make a decision as I found this ebay shop selling cheap thermocouples & some lesser spotted thermowells.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Watch-Hill-Tem ... esstQQtZkm

good luck with the vino calapso
Matt

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Post by Andy » Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:50 pm

Seveneer wrote:Hi Andy,

I'll let you know when I'm brewing next though.

/Phil.

Nice one Phil, cheers.
Dan!

Seveneer

Post by Seveneer » Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:56 pm

Wine is now going OK so far. I've got 10 gallons fermenting away. Never done this before so it's quite exciting.

That ebay seller looks good. Make sure you check the spec's of the thermocouple matches your controller. I use k-types for no reason other than I know they'll work with my system.

/Phil.

Seveneer

Post by Seveneer » Sat Oct 14, 2006 8:57 pm

Andy, PM me with your availability for next weekend. We can brew something then, if you're free, I'm sure.

/Phil.

tribs

Post by tribs » Tue Oct 17, 2006 3:14 pm

Frothy wrote:I've actually got the hoselock connectors already that fit over both ends
Frothy, would you mind divulging the specs and source of the hoselock connectors for the pump?

Vossy1

Post by Vossy1 » Tue Oct 17, 2006 6:39 pm

Frothy, would you mind divulging the specs and source of the hoselock connectors for the pump?
If you ask the lady selling the pumps, she will supply you with connectors that take the outlet down to 13mm on both sides f.o.c 8)

Frothy

Post by Frothy » Tue Oct 17, 2006 10:34 pm

There are two types of hoselock rubberised fittings
Image

There is one with a larger fitting and I use both (one on each end) Similar fittings are available from Winkinsons at ~ 1/4 price. might taste rubbery - haven't tried it yet as I'm waiting for the PID's.

Matt

tribs

Post by tribs » Thu Oct 19, 2006 9:27 pm

Phil,

I also have a couple of questions about your system.

1) You say the top of the heat exchanger is not sealed, but from the photos it looks like it is. Why is that?

2) What type of hose do you use on the hot side of the system? What's its temperature rating?

TIA

tribs

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