I am in the process of building a new brew rig, this time going with a two-tiered HERMS (Mash tun on top).
As I build and design the system, I am considering a few problems with HERMS and trying to see if there are some viable solutions.
The main problem I can see is temperature stratification in the HLT as it is heated from the bottom. Without adequate stirring, it will continue to be a problem. As a way to combat this, I thought perhaps it would be wise to recirculate my mash through a counter flow chiller, back into the mash tun, while recirculating the hot water from the HLT through the "cold water" side of the counter flow chiller.
The advantages of this, as far as I can tell:
However, some of the disadvantages I've considered are:
Does anyone have any experience or advice on this? Are there any advantages and/or disadvantages I have not considered? Any input would be appreciated.
As I build and design the system, I am considering a few problems with HERMS and trying to see if there are some viable solutions.
The main problem I can see is temperature stratification in the HLT as it is heated from the bottom. Without adequate stirring, it will continue to be a problem. As a way to combat this, I thought perhaps it would be wise to recirculate my mash through a counter flow chiller, back into the mash tun, while recirculating the hot water from the HLT through the "cold water" side of the counter flow chiller.
The advantages of this, as far as I can tell:
- Eliminate the temperature stratification problem as the recirculation of the HLT water would provide constant stirring
- Would not need to drill as many holes in the HLT
- Would get more utility out of the copper needed in the chiller
However, some of the disadvantages I've considered are:
- Would need two pumps (at present I only have one)
- Possibly less energy efficient (would burn more propane)
Does anyone have any experience or advice on this? Are there any advantages and/or disadvantages I have not considered? Any input would be appreciated.