johnodon
Well-Known Member
OK...not so much a "build from scratch" thread as I already had all of the normal equipment (kettle, pump, hoses, etc.). This is more to detail converting my propane system to E-BiaB. Some addtional info can be found here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/a...ssel-single-pump-illuminated-switches-264251/ but I pulled most of the relevant stuff into this thread.
Since I already knew I could make great beer with my propane BiaB system, the overall goal of my E-BiaB system was to create: 1.) simplicity and 2.) easy clean-up. So, I decided on a single vessel, single pump, re-circulating system. Most of the information and how-to for the electric components came from Kals Electric Brewery site: http://theelectricbrewery.com/. Of course, P-J was kind enough to provide the wiring for the control box which I will post below. For this reason, I am not going to give a blow-by-blow of how to drill every hole and wire each device. All of that info can be found in the two resources I just mentioned.
One note about the steamer basket
The basket actually rests on a lip inside the pot. It does not sit directly on the bottom and does not rest on the lip of the pot itself. Because of this, you have (best guess) about 2.5 of clearance between the bottom of the basket and the bottom of the pot. This is more than enough room for the valve, site glass and element. Also, since the basket sits inside the pot, the lid fits as it normally would.
Kettle and Components:
Pump and Components:
Since I already knew I could make great beer with my propane BiaB system, the overall goal of my E-BiaB system was to create: 1.) simplicity and 2.) easy clean-up. So, I decided on a single vessel, single pump, re-circulating system. Most of the information and how-to for the electric components came from Kals Electric Brewery site: http://theelectricbrewery.com/. Of course, P-J was kind enough to provide the wiring for the control box which I will post below. For this reason, I am not going to give a blow-by-blow of how to drill every hole and wire each device. All of that info can be found in the two resources I just mentioned.
One note about the steamer basket
The basket actually rests on a lip inside the pot. It does not sit directly on the bottom and does not rest on the lip of the pot itself. Because of this, you have (best guess) about 2.5 of clearance between the bottom of the basket and the bottom of the pot. This is more than enough room for the valve, site glass and element. Also, since the basket sits inside the pot, the lid fits as it normally would.
Kettle and Components:
Bayou Classic Stainless Steel Stockpot with Steam / Boil / Fry Baskets: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000FTEQBK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Weldless Sight Tee - No Thermometer: http://www.brewhardware.com/index.p...rmometer-4ezst-240&catid=36:weldess&Itemid=60
Bulkhead/Valve/Pickup Tube:
Element and Components: (refer to Kals write-up)
Magnesium Anode: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000701HEQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 (FYI I cut off the bolt head so I could screw it into the tee)
Grain Sack:
Pulley System: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 (FYI I also needed about a 7 foot length of chain and an S hook to reach my ceiling)
Weldless Sight Tee - No Thermometer: http://www.brewhardware.com/index.p...rmometer-4ezst-240&catid=36:weldess&Itemid=60
Bulkhead/Valve/Pickup Tube:
NEW - KEG Bulkhead Kit: http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=46&product_id=167
(NOTE: I soldered this onto the kettle following the information found here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/soldering-stainless-steel-155782/
1/2" NPT stainless steel 3 piece ball valve: http://www.bargainfittings.com/inde...word=ball valve&category_id=39&product_id=128
Watts 1/2" Brass Pipe Tee: http://www.lowes.com/pd_35047-104-A...ittings_4294822030__s?Ntt=1%2F2+tee&facetInfo and spare copper tubing/elbow to make the pickup tube
(NOTE: I soldered this onto the kettle following the information found here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/soldering-stainless-steel-155782/
1/2" NPT stainless steel 3 piece ball valve: http://www.bargainfittings.com/inde...word=ball valve&category_id=39&product_id=128
Watts 1/2" Brass Pipe Tee: http://www.lowes.com/pd_35047-104-A...ittings_4294822030__s?Ntt=1%2F2+tee&facetInfo and spare copper tubing/elbow to make the pickup tube
Element and Components: (refer to Kals write-up)
Camco 2963 5500W 240V Ripple Foldback Water Heater Element: http://www.ronshomeandhardware.com/2963-5500W-240V-Ripple-Foldback-Heater-Element-p/808790.htm
REDDOT 1-Gang Metal Old Work Electrical Box: http://www.lowes.com/pd_69718-53911...=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=reddot+&facetInfo (this needs to ¾ holes)
REDDOT 0.25" Rectangle Metal Electrical Box Cover: http://www.lowes.com/pd_303624-5391...L=/pl__0__s?Ntt=reddot+cover&page=2&facetInfo
Southwire 10/3 300V POWER CORD BLACK LFT: http://www.lowes.com/pd_56502-295-5...entURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=southwire+300v&facetInfo (whatever length you need)
Cooper Wiring Devices 50-Amp 250-Volt Black 3-Wire Plug: http://www.lowes.com/pd_71242-334-S...rentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=cooper+50-amp&facetInfo
J-B WELD 2 Oz. Interior/Exterior Weld Epoxy: http://www.lowes.com/pd_10301-81288...1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=j+b+weld&facetInfo
Silicone high temperature o-ring: http://www.mcmaster.com/#9396k38/=e2ljfw
Food grade silicone adhesive/sealant: http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/3388/=e2lk3c
Stainless steel washer/shim: http://www.mcmaster.com/#96853a253/=e2lkav
Standard straight cord/wire grip, 3/4" NPT: http://www.mcmaster.com/#7529k533/=e2lkgw
Stainless steel locknut 1" NPS: http://www.mcmaster.com/#4464k586/=e2lkj4
Misc. nuts/bolts/lock washers as described in Kals write-up.
REDDOT 1-Gang Metal Old Work Electrical Box: http://www.lowes.com/pd_69718-53911...=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=reddot+&facetInfo (this needs to ¾ holes)
REDDOT 0.25" Rectangle Metal Electrical Box Cover: http://www.lowes.com/pd_303624-5391...L=/pl__0__s?Ntt=reddot+cover&page=2&facetInfo
Southwire 10/3 300V POWER CORD BLACK LFT: http://www.lowes.com/pd_56502-295-5...entURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=southwire+300v&facetInfo (whatever length you need)
Cooper Wiring Devices 50-Amp 250-Volt Black 3-Wire Plug: http://www.lowes.com/pd_71242-334-S...rentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=cooper+50-amp&facetInfo
J-B WELD 2 Oz. Interior/Exterior Weld Epoxy: http://www.lowes.com/pd_10301-81288...1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=j+b+weld&facetInfo
Silicone high temperature o-ring: http://www.mcmaster.com/#9396k38/=e2ljfw
Food grade silicone adhesive/sealant: http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/117/3388/=e2lk3c
Stainless steel washer/shim: http://www.mcmaster.com/#96853a253/=e2lkav
Standard straight cord/wire grip, 3/4" NPT: http://www.mcmaster.com/#7529k533/=e2lkgw
Stainless steel locknut 1" NPS: http://www.mcmaster.com/#4464k586/=e2lkj4
Misc. nuts/bolts/lock washers as described in Kals write-up.
Magnesium Anode: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000701HEQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20 (FYI I cut off the bolt head so I could screw it into the tee)
Grain Sack:
Style Selections 95"L White HighTwist Voile Window Sheer: http://www.lowes.com/pd_136697-1389...l=1¤tURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=voile&facetInfo=
Gutermann Upholstery Thread 300 M (325 Yards)- Many Colors: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2857&PRODID=prd34127 (I used white)
Staples® Medium Metal Binder Clips, 1 1/4" size with 5/8"Capacity: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Medium-Metal-Binder-Clips-1-1-4-size-with-5-8Capacity/product_831602
Gutermann Upholstery Thread 300 M (325 Yards)- Many Colors: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat2857&PRODID=prd34127 (I used white)
Staples® Medium Metal Binder Clips, 1 1/4" size with 5/8"Capacity: http://www.staples.com/Staples-Medium-Metal-Binder-Clips-1-1-4-size-with-5-8Capacity/product_831602
Pulley System: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 (FYI I also needed about a 7 foot length of chain and an S hook to reach my ceiling)
Pump and Components:
Chugger Pump: http://chuggerpumps.com/category.php?mycatid=72
High Temp Silicone Tubing 1/2" ID: http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shoppingcart/products/High-Temp-Silicone-Tubing-1{47}2"-ID.html (whatever length you need)
Disconnects: http://www.mcmaster.com/#6739k68/=e2m4iv (as many as you need) and http://www.mcmaster.com/#6739k59/=e2m511 (as many as you need)
High Temp Silicone Tubing 1/2" ID: http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shoppingcart/products/High-Temp-Silicone-Tubing-1{47}2"-ID.html (whatever length you need)
Disconnects: http://www.mcmaster.com/#6739k68/=e2m4iv (as many as you need) and http://www.mcmaster.com/#6739k59/=e2m511 (as many as you need)
Last edited by a moderator: