HarkinBanks
Well-Known Member
So there I was 2 years ago happily fly sparging with a 3-tier system, pre-HBT, and then I discovered HBT and my good buddy JKarp posted his CB20 system. I dove head-first into the deep end of electric brewing, very much with the kind help of JKarp. Many experiments later, I have finally integrated my original 3-tier system into a system that can be used as a CB20 system, with or without HERMS, small batch or big batch BIAB, traditional batch sparge, closed system wort cooling, has a pre-chiller option for the summer, and can do partigyle mashes on big beers. I'm certainly not covering any new ground, as I took every idea from another thread here on HBT, but I thought I would share my final electric system. After trying a Shirron, I have gone back to an immersion chiller with whirlpool and like it very much. Everything is 120v and I brew in my kitchen. I can brew 3 gallon BIAB batches after work in 3 hours, or full 5 gallon batches in 5 hours. Below are my old school drawings in paint. I will post some pics the next time I brew if anyone is interested.
CB20-HERMS with Batch Sparge, Closed System Cooling, Pre-Chiller, or Partigyle Options
Notes: BK and MLT are 10 gallon SS Megapots insulated with reflectix. BK has two 1500w ULWD elements run on separate circuits. MLT has one 1500w HD element to heat strike water only and has a false bottom. HLT/HERMS is an 8 gallon SS Megapot with two 1500w ULWD elements (only one needed during HERMS). Pumps are built into a toolbox with switches. The AC-1 pump recirculates the HLT water during HERMS to prevent stratification and can then be used to move water to the MLT for a batch sparge or a partigyle mash. PID is in a project box copied from JKarp. BK and HERMS-out have thermocouples. HLT/HERMS vessel can be used for closed system cooling with ice or as a pre-chiller to my IC in the summer. All connections, except the AC-1 pump connections, are Mcmaster quick-connects.
CB20-No HERMS
Notes: Run just like JKarp, but on one level. BK has a thermocouple connected to the PID.
Big Batch BIAB
Notes: I recirculate during the mash with PID control to keep temps even. I protect the element from the bag with mesh or a strainer.
Small Batch BIAB with chiller
Notes: I recirculate during the mash with PID control to keep temps even. I protect the element from the bag with mesh or a strainer. The HERMS coil is used as a chiller. This is my 3-gallon test batch system. It is great for quick brews after work.
CB20-HERMS with Batch Sparge, Closed System Cooling, Pre-Chiller, or Partigyle Options
Notes: BK and MLT are 10 gallon SS Megapots insulated with reflectix. BK has two 1500w ULWD elements run on separate circuits. MLT has one 1500w HD element to heat strike water only and has a false bottom. HLT/HERMS is an 8 gallon SS Megapot with two 1500w ULWD elements (only one needed during HERMS). Pumps are built into a toolbox with switches. The AC-1 pump recirculates the HLT water during HERMS to prevent stratification and can then be used to move water to the MLT for a batch sparge or a partigyle mash. PID is in a project box copied from JKarp. BK and HERMS-out have thermocouples. HLT/HERMS vessel can be used for closed system cooling with ice or as a pre-chiller to my IC in the summer. All connections, except the AC-1 pump connections, are Mcmaster quick-connects.
CB20-No HERMS
Notes: Run just like JKarp, but on one level. BK has a thermocouple connected to the PID.
Big Batch BIAB
Notes: I recirculate during the mash with PID control to keep temps even. I protect the element from the bag with mesh or a strainer.
Small Batch BIAB with chiller
Notes: I recirculate during the mash with PID control to keep temps even. I protect the element from the bag with mesh or a strainer. The HERMS coil is used as a chiller. This is my 3-gallon test batch system. It is great for quick brews after work.