If you could redo your HERMS...

What would you change? Stand dimensions? Pumps? Fittings? HEX? Element? Controls? Control Box?

What would you do different the next time around?

i would not buy rectangular switches.

either that, or not buy a 12 gauge steel enclosure.

Cutting tiny rectangles in 12 gauge steel sucked ass.

I think that I'd put the temp probe on the return to the MLT, as opposed to the output of the HEX.

lustreking said:

I think that I'd put the temp probe on the return to the MLT, as opposed to the output of the HEX.

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??

Isn't that effectively the same spot?

The difference between HEX output and MLT return (on my system at least) is just 3 foot of hi-temp hose.

I would do a SS coil permanently fixed in the HLT and hard pipe the return to the MLT. Currently I use a copper coil that is removable from the HLT with a moveable return manifold.

Walker said:

??

Isn't that effectively the same spot?

The difference between HEX output and MLT return (on my system at least) is just 3 foot of hi-temp hose.

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Essentially, yes, but it would cut out the hose and two brass disconnects.

I'm not saying that I'll do it just to do it, but if I were to re-do the whole thing, that's a change I'd make.

lustreking said:

Essentially, yes, but it would cut out the hose and two brass disconnects.

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I guess I'm having trouble picturing your system.

Subscribing. Im currently building my HERMs system right now!

Currently using quick disconnects in my system, I would actually hard plum it in the next go around. That way I can actually use my brewtroller software to its full capabilities.

I will also use kegs instead of 10 gal coolers metal is so much more forgiving than plastic. (When I built my first HLT, I cracked the liner trying to install the Element.)

Circle switches would be easier to cut in the control box... thanks!!

Keep 'em coming. I am in the middle of building my HERMS too.

I would've paid a bit more attention to the drainage ability of my herms coil. I always seem to leave a bit of liquid in the coil even after sucking it with a shopvac. Total gravity drainage ability would be nice, with a slightly-angled bottom connection (if you're hard-mounted).

Looks like most people did it right the first time

How about what you think you did great that you have seen done poorly in other builds?

I have never seen an angled HERMS coil. Does the PBW, and then water rinse at the end hurt the herms coil if left in the coild for say a month or two.

j_jones84 said:

I have never seen an angled HERMS coil. Does the PBW, and then water rinse at the end hurt the herms coil if left in the coild for say a month or two.

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i hope not. at the end of my session, i am running oxyclean through the coil, then water, and then star san.

liquid stays trapped in mine, too, but I run water through it at the start to flush old crap out and then start the brew-day.

j_jones84 said:

I have never seen an angled HERMS coil. Does the PBW, and then water rinse at the end hurt the herms coil if left in the coild for say a month or two.

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I've only used mine a handful of times, and I haven't used any cleaner after use. I just pump my sparge water through it and call it quits. Should I be doing more than just a rinse?

Budzu said:

I would've paid a bit more attention to the drainage ability of my herms coil. I always seem to leave a bit of liquid in the coil even after sucking it with a shopvac. Total gravity drainage ability would be nice, with a slightly-angled bottom connection (if you're hard-mounted).

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I put a shutoff valve, and blow compressed air through system, very little left after that.

Wonder if you can shop vac it out

You can and I do shopvac it out, I even shopvac out my mash. I don't move anything. I also do have a ball-valve shutoff on my coils. There's just a bit left in the coil that I probably shouldn't worry about, but usually the last thing I run through is Starsan. I wonder how long that stuff can sit on the copper before it starts eating copper.

I would have built a better panel with more wiring on a swinging door instead of a removable door... its a PIA to stuff it all back in there.