Automated propane fired system

So as the title says I'm looking at building an automated propane fired system with the following craziness in my head...

Using say a water heater gas valve (with propane orfice) and an electronic ignitor on my HLT and a Johnson/Penn thermostat (like the one used to convert my chest freezer to a kegerator) with the probe mounted in my mash tun recirc line that goes through the coil in my HLT.
So....the Johnson/Penn would monitor water temp coming out of the MLT, temp drops sends signal to electronic ignitor/gas valve lights pilot then main gas.
When starting to fly sparge just raise the temp on the thermostat and BAM!!

Any thought or suggestions about this setup would be great. I would like to hear from someone if they have done something like this.

Sure can tell that I'm an HVAC Tech....huh!!

I have a HERMs system with igniters. Ill post the post the parts I used in a bit. I have igniters that if no flame within 4 secs it will shut down the gas valves.

The easy auto ignition part is pretty simple. The financial part is, the hard part. I have a HERM's system I'll show you. I used PID controllers because they can handle a 16amp load. Below is a parts list.


PID's:

http://www.dwyer-inst.com/Product/Temperature/TemperatureSwitches/DigitalPanelMount/SeriesTS/Ordering

Gas Valves:

http://www.dudadiesel.com/choose_item.php?id=2WJ16015N

Temp Sensors:

http://www.brewershardware.com/LOVE-TS-Straight-Mount-Temperature-Sensors/

This is the unit to create the spark and the 4 sec delay and detect the heat. There are many versions depending on what your use is. After speaking a HVAC guy this was the specific one I needed for my use.

Ignition Module:
http://www.parts4heating.com/120-VAC-Direct-Spark-Plastic-enclosure-p/35-705501-005.htm

Spark ignition/temp sensor electrodes:
http://www.parts4heating.com/Kiddie-Fenwal-22-100000-593-Electrode-p/22-100000-593.htm


You will need one of each to operate each burner automated. I hooked these PIDs up to three way switches so they would operate with a temperature control or I could flip the switch to manual.

I'm not trying to high jack your thread. Hers some photos of my new build.

I am a bit concerned by the type of wire you chose for your spark ignition.
It looks to bee standard 600v wire ( I am going by looks only) this is not enough as the voltage is increased by some modules can be up to 15,000 volts. You MAY get leak threw to your brew table causing several issues.
They make special ignition wire specifically for spark ignition applications.

I am sure you can find a shorter length..but this is the type you need.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Burner-Igni...968?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c2a0e98c0

Wow!!! All great ideas!! therefspot nice setup!! Thanks everyone

Thanks for the compliment! Also thanks for the ignition wiring suggestion. That was an old picture I posted, yes your right. You need silicone Hi-voltage wire for the spark ignition.

You have a great setup and I would like to duplicate it for a 3bbl rig that I am building. Would you by chance have a list of items you purchased and diagram used to set up the current system?

I sent you a PM

BrewHog,

DIY is fun, I like making a lot of my gear. However, have you looked the the Blichmann Tower of Power? Ready to go, and can be controlled via software to create mash profiles. I'm building the plumbing portion of the ToP to be able to do RIMS with manual temp control for right now, and will buy the ToP control module a little further down the road.

http://www.blichmannengineering.com/TOWER_of_POWER/TOWER_of_POWER.html

sub'd

You have a great setup and I would like to duplicate it for a 3bbl rig that I am building. Would you by chance have a list of items you purchased and diagram used to set up the current system?