So I got a march pump for Christmas and I am thinking of building a electric HERMS vessel. Currently I brew in my detached garage. I boil with propane but have a spare 240V circuit that I can use for the electric HERMS.
My plan is to get a 2 gal igloo cooler and put at 3500W or 3800W element in it. I plan on using 1/2 copper for the coil in the HERMS. I will either buy a PID or use the PID library for Arduino. For agitation I want to use a submersible pump to recirculate the water in the HERMS tank. I have three questions as far as the HERMS goes.
Question 1: Is the 2 gal cooler size ok or should I try to find a vessel (not necessarily a cooler) that is closer to 1.5 gal?
Question 2: Once your done recirculating for the mash. Do you guys just take the wort that is stuck in the coil as a loss or do you use compressed air or something to force the wort into the MLT?
Question 3: Agitation, Does anyone know if the submersible aquarium pumps are rated for 180 degrees? I stopped by pet store and looked at box but it didn't say and I couldn't find clerk to ask. Somehow I doubt that they will be rated for that high temp, but since you can get one for about $25 seems to be cheaper than getting small motor and wheel for agitator.
My plan is to get a 2 gal igloo cooler and put at 3500W or 3800W element in it. I plan on using 1/2 copper for the coil in the HERMS. I will either buy a PID or use the PID library for Arduino. For agitation I want to use a submersible pump to recirculate the water in the HERMS tank. I have three questions as far as the HERMS goes.
Question 1: Is the 2 gal cooler size ok or should I try to find a vessel (not necessarily a cooler) that is closer to 1.5 gal?
Question 2: Once your done recirculating for the mash. Do you guys just take the wort that is stuck in the coil as a loss or do you use compressed air or something to force the wort into the MLT?
Question 3: Agitation, Does anyone know if the submersible aquarium pumps are rated for 180 degrees? I stopped by pet store and looked at box but it didn't say and I couldn't find clerk to ask. Somehow I doubt that they will be rated for that high temp, but since you can get one for about $25 seems to be cheaper than getting small motor and wheel for agitator.
