jester5120

Recipes 

I've been trying to answer my own question on here for about 2 days now. I have a blichmann burner and i'd like to build a cheap mash temp controller for it. I keep seeing things like the brewtroller and stuff like that but is there a specific and inexpensive setup anyone can recommend for this type of burner? Can i keep it simple like rig up a pilot, solenoid, and johnson controller and voila!?

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SecondaryOud Bruin, Roese Kriek, Fuzzy Naval Berliner Weisse
Bottled Hip Hop IPA, Burton Ale, Wet Hopped RyePA, Burt (burton ale second runnings), Saison, "Grimm" RIS 18.5%, "Beast" Barleywine 11%, NB's "Golden Dragon" 10.5%, Chocolate Stout,"Warrior" IIPA 17%, "Oaked Warrior" IIPA 17%
Kegged Milk Chocolate Stout , Wild American Wheat, Red Brick Blonde Ale

kladue

Recipes 

Have you looked through this thread? "Gas and Temperature control for dummies" by SawdustGuy. Simple but risky is a pilot and solenoid valve controlled by a cheap temperature controller, safer is a honeywell standing pilot furnace valve and pilot with 24V transformer and temperature controller. Maximum bling is electric ignition setup with dual solenoids or honeywell valve.

jester5120

Recipes 

I hadn't seen that before. And thanks for the quick suggestions. I still might have some questions later though

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SecondaryOud Bruin, Roese Kriek, Fuzzy Naval Berliner Weisse
Bottled Hip Hop IPA, Burton Ale, Wet Hopped RyePA, Burt (burton ale second runnings), Saison, "Grimm" RIS 18.5%, "Beast" Barleywine 11%, NB's "Golden Dragon" 10.5%, Chocolate Stout,"Warrior" IIPA 17%, "Oaked Warrior" IIPA 17%
Kegged Milk Chocolate Stout , Wild American Wheat, Red Brick Blonde Ale

jester5120

Recipes 

now, several months later i need help figuring out the final pieces i need for the system. i have the honeywell solenoid valve witht he igniter, I've got the march pump and all the tubing. what's holding me up now is buying a pid and whether or not i need a solid state relay to power this since it's gas and not electric. i'm also unsure about what the best temp sensor is. I'm looking at a 1/2"npt thermowell that'll connect to a t on the output side of the mash. Please help

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SecondaryOud Bruin, Roese Kriek, Fuzzy Naval Berliner Weisse
Bottled Hip Hop IPA, Burton Ale, Wet Hopped RyePA, Burt (burton ale second runnings), Saison, "Grimm" RIS 18.5%, "Beast" Barleywine 11%, NB's "Golden Dragon" 10.5%, Chocolate Stout,"Warrior" IIPA 17%, "Oaked Warrior" IIPA 17%
Kegged Milk Chocolate Stout , Wild American Wheat, Red Brick Blonde Ale

Dave the Brewer

Recipes 

No need for a SSR, a PID controller like this will handle the valve.
http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_ id=106

But you will need a transformer to bring the voltage down for the valve.
http://www.pexsupply.com/Honeywell-AT175A1008-Foot-mounted-120-208-240-Vac-Transformer-w-9-in-Lead-Wires-75VA-11016000-p

Auber also has several different sized thermocouples to consider.