The "Strange" Brewery.. Another Build w/tons o' pics..

JamieT · 08-24-2009, 04:29 AM

Well I have been resisting starting the typical "build" thread, but.. I cant stop myself.. I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel so it is time to release the "Strange Brewery" to the observant eye of the HBT for evaluation...

Specs...

All Electric
5500 Watt HLT Element
2500 Watt Rims Element
Dual Function Herms and Rims System..
2 March 109's
10 Solid State Relays + Heat Sinks
10 Solenoid Valves
3 Float Switches
4 Thermocouples
4 DPDT Switches
1 Key Switch
2 Momentary Push Buttons
18 Indicator Lights
2 4-Position Selectors for Flow Path Selection
2 120VAC Cooling Fans
1 5vdc 5amp power supply
BCS-460
Full Manual Functionality
RIMS and HERMS Purge System (new concept as far as I can tell)
Keyed Main Power (no Key, no brew)
Batch and Fly Sparge Capability
yada, yada, yada...

And now for the pics...

More Pics next post..

JamieT · 08-24-2009, 04:31 AM

There it is thus far..

JT

CPTHOOK · 08-24-2009, 05:13 AM

First sweet set up and second are those 3 postion carlings switches for the sparge and herms switches? Because we use the the same switch for marine heatersand they have a tendency to crap out if they are cycled a lot.

**BrewBeemer** · 08-24-2009, 05:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPTHOOK

First sweet set up and second are those 3 postion carlings switches for the sparge and herms switches? Because we use the the same switch for marine heatersand they have a tendency to crap out if they are cycled a lot.

Yes they will pit away the contact under high amperage heating element loads especially under the initial cold element and pump starting amperage load. With them control signaling SSR's there shouldn't be any problems within their rated make and break contact ratings.
Great OP posting thanks, another BCS owner here but on the mend.

**BrewBeemer** · 08-24-2009, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPTHOOK

First sweet set up and second are those 3 postion carlings switches for the sparge and herms switches? Because we use the the same switch for marine heatersand they have a tendency to crap out if they are cycled a lot.

Go to a electrical supply house that specializes in purchasing materials from electrical construction sites, new switches at 1/2 to 1/4 a regular electrical supply in price. Select a switch in the amperage capacity required without having any future switch failing problems. Cheap and simple with the use of the proper industrial equipment.

JamieT · 08-24-2009, 05:35 AM

Yes they are carling's.. And I do expect them to take a flying crap on me.. I bought a few extra to manage the scenario until I find a descent 3 position switch.. My manual panel is fairly shallow and I haven't been able to find a descent switch..

The only recourse I have is that they will not be switched live AND the current load will be < 1 amp at any given time so I am hoping for a descent life out of them..

JT

**Arneba28** · 08-24-2009, 06:05 AM

I just came to a conclusion. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WAS LOOKING AT. However, This is the ultimate in homebrewing, automated systems. I am happy just to have an autosyphon.

Baja_Brewer · 08-24-2009, 01:05 PM

You must be an electrical engineer

It looks good and I'm looking forward to seeing what it looks like completed. Are you doing much automation (as in set and brew) since you're using the BCS-460 or are you just using it for the simplicity of the panel as well as data collection?

Awesome project

JamieT · 08-24-2009, 02:22 PM

It is HEAVILY automated... with Full Manual Capability as well..

jcdillin · 08-24-2009, 02:33 PM

Looking great!