My First Single Tier..

Lurker for a long time. Tired of lifting kegs, switching propane tanks..

I researched stands, and couldn't make my mind up. I contemplated buying stainless tube, then gave up after the cost..

- Single tier, so I can stand it on its end to store. ( I mainly batch, and have one pump for now)
- Use what I have laying around
- Two banjos, and one clover, off one tank connection
- Light enough to move..

Started with 1" x 1" x 1/8" steel


Its light, but a pain to use when you need to clean all of the inner joints


I wanted to suspend the kettles away from the frame. (its upside down)


I had 8" x 5' x 1/8" 304SS to use as windscreens, and support the kegs


Used the clover as the MLT burner


Plumbed and test fired. I dont know about the "gas" ball valves. They are stamped 1/2psi. They did pressure test to 50 psi for 30 min.. The control valves are needle propane valves.


The clover has the orifice crimped to the hose, so it gets connected on the new control valve

Painted, and skinned with stainless





Stainless cover


Little casters on one end to move around garage


Ready to brew. I may need a heat shield for the weldless fittings..

Couple of questions:
What is: "The clover has the orifice crimped to the hose, so it gets connected on the new control valve" ?
The photos show a yellow flame, was that just for the photos or did you get your burners dialed in to a blue flame?

The BG10 (Clover) has the orifice crimped on the hose, with a 1/8" NPT crimped onto the other end of the hose that threaded into the adjustable 0-10 psi regulator.

I am now running off a 30 psi set regulator with needle valves for control.

I didnt get to spend much time tuning, since my goal was to get it built. I took several photos, but the flame still looks rich.

I need to pick up another banjo, and do away with the BG10.

Got it. The hoses you will want from your style valve will be 1/4" MPT to 3/8" Flare Swivel

(we make those to order)

The stand is done - Im waiting on the mod to approve my post.. (Suppose I should post more?)

JJonesee said:

The stand is done - Im waiting on the mod to approve my post.. (Suppose I should post more?)

Click to expand...

Just out of curiosity... approve your post?

I guess since I dont have many posts, when I post it says - must be approved by moderator?

JJonesee said:

I guess since I dont have many posts, when I post it says - must be approved by moderator?

Click to expand...

Interesting. I never had that happen to me as a noob, maybe it's a new policy...

Cheers!

Not a noob, I just dont post? (note the join date)

Could be the attached photos.

My posts are up..

Next phase - automation!

Looks good. Is airflow/exhaust an issue?

Ill give it a go this weekend.

I researched "wind screens" and did not find a consensus. For combustion the intake is out side of the screen at the register. For exhaust, I am using kegs, so the rounded bottom helps. If you notice the kegs overlap the keg supports, very similar to the way the burner did before. The drain holes on the keg skirts are also in line with the corners of the supports. I am hoping most of the hot gas exits here, away from my fittings. The Banjos are rarely used on high for long periods of time, so I am not too concerned.

If I have flame snuffing issues I will cut notches where the kegs sit on the supports. [___]

I have also seen where people cut windows in the keg skirts.

I have wondered how it works on the larger size tube frames people use when the kegs sit directly on the the frame. Seems this would heat the frame up, and not allow the gas to exhaust at all?

Brew Stand $308.21
1"x1"x1/8" Angle 60 Ft $40.00
8" x 5' x 1/8" 304SS - off craigslist 3 $20.00
5" double lock Casters 4 $50.00
Stainless Panels - free $0.00
3/8" AL Rivets 1 $3.00
1/4" Stainless bolts 1 $20.00
1/2" x 18" Pipe Nipple 1 $5.00
1/2" x 12" Pipe Nipple 1 $4.00
1/2" TEE 2 $1.98
1/2" 90 1 $0.99
1/2" close Nipple 4 $2.37
1/2" Gas rated ball valve 3 $16.17
1/2" Female coupling 1 $1.03
1/2" MNPT to 3/8" FF 1 $2.49
1/2" to 1/4" Bushing 3 $2.94
1/4" pipe nipple 3 $6.36
850-B Fairview propane Needle Valve 3 $59.97
46-6B Fairview 1/4" FNPT-3/8" Flare 2 $5.98
1/4" FNPT Coupling 1 $1.99
1/4" MNPT to 1/8"FNPT Bushing 1 $2.49
3/8" Copper tubing (15 ft) 1 $16.49
3/8" Short flare nuts 4 $9.96
Banjo Burner - reuse other banjo and clover 1 $35.00

CDN Pricing 1/22/12

Test fired. Cooked some paint, but I think it will work.. (Side door of garage is open)

The burner the farthest from the regulator, wide open..



The ceramic paint didnt hold up well (red), its very brittle.





Works ok. The needle valves I have dont have much turn down. They will do until I automate. The frame gets warm, but not hot. The picture under the burner is warm.

Brewed my first batch on the new stand.

The Banjo the farthest from the regulator has some issues. Its hard to get a good clean flame



The Clover almost is too powerful for the mash at 30PSI.



I was able to get the BK from Mash temp to boil in about 30 min.



I believe I will cut holes in the keg skirts.

Cut slots in the bottom of my kegs to help draft the exhaust.

What did you use to cut your steel? I'm having a heck of time getting precise enough cuts to make a clean 45 angle with my abrasive cutoff saw.

I use a porta-band. I got rid of my abrasive chop saw a long time ago..

For the stainless I use the plasma..

It also depends on how you plan to weld.. How close your joint needs to be..

Little casters on one end to move around garage


AWESOME!!! Thx for the idea.
Was just thinking about how to make a little more room to move my HD and such around in the garage during winter. Side casters will be perfect.

I have an out building to brew in but it's a run across a frozen backyard to get there. so I brew in my gargae during the ice death months here in the North Pole.

Is that low pressure LP?

Todd