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shortyjacobs · 09-22-2009, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catt22

I don't see any means to adjust the water level with the Hartford loop arrangement. I suppose you could fit a tube inside a tube with some kind of a compression fitting to seal the joint. This would allow you to vary the height of the overflow weir to control the water level.

My bad, I never finished my thought.

I was thinking of having a threaded T at the bottom, and having different Hartford loops that you could screw in depending on whether you were doing a 10 lb, 15 lb, or 20 lb grain bill....all it is is a piece of copper pipe with a T at the top...not exactly expensive...

Edit: Or, have 3 or 4 T's built into the vertical part of the Hartford, each with a valve on it. You open the valve at the level you want your sparge water to be at.

**GilaMinumBeer** · 09-22-2009, 06:03 PM

I do the same thing with two valves. Set it and forget it.

Both stainless, fully adjustable, works with pump or gravity, and cost less than $20.

**Lil' Sparky** · 09-22-2009, 06:05 PM

Not worth it IMO.

lamarguy · 09-22-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortyjacobs

That's super cool...but this might be cheaper/more adjustable?
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/my-super-efficient-5-gallon-mash-lauter-tun-92724/index3.html#post1011236

Assuming it works...It's still susceptible to mash tun overflow from a stuck sparge.

This is a better solution.

**Bobby_M** · 09-22-2009, 06:17 PM

The cool thing about incoming float valve is that the speed of the runoff takes the lead and not the other way around.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 09-22-2009, 06:19 PM

I really like this idea but think it is silly they used brass. Maybe we can find an affordable alternative? The level valves at McMaster are all about $600, so that is out.

leboeuf · 09-22-2009, 06:27 PM

These valves are readily available as swamp cooler water level control valves. I've only seen brass ones...
You could easily do this with a liquid level sensor and a solenoid shutoff valve.... something I've been thinking of exploring....

**Brew-boy** · 09-22-2009, 11:40 PM

Half the fun of homebrewing is making your own stuff. My sparge arm which covers the whole grain bed equally only costs about $5 to make.

bradjoiner · 09-22-2009, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deuce

I think it works like the "float" on a toilet, it lets more water in, as the float moves down, pretty simpe devise you could probably build yourself.

it is basically the float on a toilet. i do carpet cleanig for a living and the machines have 3 of these on them just look up mechanical float switch on an carpet caeaning parts supply sites. im pretty sure you could find this part wholesale for maybe $15 bucks

Catt22 · 09-23-2009, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leboeuf

These valves are readily available as swamp cooler water level control valves. I've only seen brass ones...
You could easily do this with a liquid level sensor and a solenoid shutoff valve.... something I've been thinking of exploring....

Yes, essentially a swamp cooler float switch. They are really cheap and readily available. Here's one for under $10.00 :

http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop/item/83650/icn/20-250589/dial/4153.htm

I may attempt using one of of these in my MT just like the Blichmann device only my DIY version will clamp to the side of the kettle. I want to be able to quickly and easily install and remove it. I don't have an aversion to brass or plastic and I don't have a stainless fetish, so it looks like it will work with only minimal add-ons outside of some hose barb adapters. It will be very cheap to try anyway.