Homemade RIMS system and water filter build
 

After all sorts of mash temperature issues I finally decided to build a RIMS system. To start I went with a cheap Ebay controller. I bought the tri-clamp tube from brewershardware and all I can say is wow!! They have a great product and it only took a few days to get.

Tonight I went to Radio Shack and got most or the parts I needed for the controller box. I got everything cut out and mounted. Tomorrow I will be wiring things up and hopefully doing a dry run. I wanted to brew tomorrow but being so close to having this done I think I can wait a few more days.

Starting to cut the project box
http://i.imgur.com/sIDFk.jpg

4500 watt 230vac heating element (will be running @ 120vac)
http://i.imgur.com/v2u3j.jpg

Return added to mash tun
http://i.imgur.com/zjqDs.jpg

Most parts mounted, top plug is for the sensor. The outlet will be for the pump and heating element.
http://i.imgur.com/ihmIv.jpg

I left room to add a second controller later... Not sure if I need it though...
http://i.imgur.com/Xay2p.jpg

The water filter
http://i.imgur.com/Akx8u.jpg

Tonight's mess
http://i.imgur.com/eweLx.jpg

-Jason

I love how simple the filter is. Just hook up the hose and hang it on the pot.

Nice job on the enclosure. I don't think I could have gotten the wiring don't in a space that small. That's not really my specialty though. Thank goodness I can close the door and hide the rat's nest.

I'm looking forward to the wiring challenge tomorrow. I'll post some shots during the build, hopefully I can keep in neat.

Yeah I'm going to love that filter, no more buying water at the store for each brew. I have no idea why I waited so long to do this.

-Jason

Tonight I completed the controller wiring. Also pretty much finished the mount for the RIMS tube and pump. I'm hoping to do some tests tomorrow. Also I need to make some labels for the plugs and switches.

The wiring begins
http://i.imgur.com/lUIdO.jpg

Almost done (man I made a mess)
http://i.imgur.com/x1GQ0.jpg

It works!!
http://i.imgur.com/Fk99B.jpg

Finished controller
http://i.imgur.com/wqMXL.jpg

RIMS Tube
http://i.imgur.com/11MAv.jpg

Everything so far day 2
http://i.imgur.com/bI5cL.jpg\

-Jason

Looks awesome!

I have been toying with the idea of getting a 220v coil and running it at 110v for the time being until I can run the proper electric line to feed it. What do you expect to get out of it running at 110.. Where did you get it and what model is it?

Alex.

If you run a 240V heating element at half the voltage (120V) it puts out 1/4 the watts. So his 4500W element will put about about 1125 watts running on 120V.

Why a quarter? And do you risk damaging anything by running it at a lower voltage?

I am intrigued. And also tired of buying propane. I considered tapping into my natural gas lines but this route seems easier. Is this just to heat mash water? What kind of filter is that? My next step is to add a sight glass to my HLT and plumb some water pipes across my garage and right into the HLT. I Never thought of adding an inline filter before now.

Yep at the moment this is just to maintain the mash and most likely be able to do a step mash. As far as the filter all parts came from Home Depot. It's a GE whole house filter with the charcoal filters. Here is the post I used for the needed parts: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/water-filter-setup-29145/

-Jason

Awesome! I already have an inline filter I've been using to filter my beer. Also I never thought of using food grade RV water lines. I was going to solder and hang copper pipes all the way across my garage. Now I may just use the RV water lines to get across the room then 90 it down with a copper pipe and water shut off