processhead
Well-Known Member
I thought I would share some pictures of my RIMS. I built it pretty much from scratch about three years ago. Like most projects, it has undergone some enhancements since then, but the basic design is the same.
The temperature controller uses a PID unit that makes step infusion mashes easy. You just enter the mash temperature setpoint and the controller does the rest. The PID unit controlls a solid state relay for switching the heater element on and off.
Every thing that is electrically powered runs through a Ground Fault Interrupter for added protection.
The heater unit is a 240 volt 4500 watt element that I operate on 120 volts which is supposed to reduce the likelyhood of scorching the wort. The heater is also interlocked to the March pump so that the heater will not come on unless the pump is running also, another safety precaution.
I control the flow recirculation rate with a simple throttling valve on the inlet to the MLT.
The Rubbermade MLT has been fitted with inlet and outlet plumbing and that can be quick-connected to the pump and heater panel for easy teardown, cleaning and storage. Electrical connections have connections in convienient locations for disassembly as well.
Probably the biggest initial problem was eliminating some plumbing leaks on the suction side of the pump that were allowing air to be drawn into the system when the pump was running.
My system uses a number of basic design elements that have floated around for a few years. Thanks to all the guys that did some of the initial design work.
It was a fun project and has produced some very good beers over the years.
Check out the slide show.
http://s200.photobucket.com/user/processhead/slideshow/RIMS And Electric Brewery Gear
The temperature controller uses a PID unit that makes step infusion mashes easy. You just enter the mash temperature setpoint and the controller does the rest. The PID unit controlls a solid state relay for switching the heater element on and off.
Every thing that is electrically powered runs through a Ground Fault Interrupter for added protection.
The heater unit is a 240 volt 4500 watt element that I operate on 120 volts which is supposed to reduce the likelyhood of scorching the wort. The heater is also interlocked to the March pump so that the heater will not come on unless the pump is running also, another safety precaution.
I control the flow recirculation rate with a simple throttling valve on the inlet to the MLT.
The Rubbermade MLT has been fitted with inlet and outlet plumbing and that can be quick-connected to the pump and heater panel for easy teardown, cleaning and storage. Electrical connections have connections in convienient locations for disassembly as well.
Probably the biggest initial problem was eliminating some plumbing leaks on the suction side of the pump that were allowing air to be drawn into the system when the pump was running.
My system uses a number of basic design elements that have floated around for a few years. Thanks to all the guys that did some of the initial design work.
It was a fun project and has produced some very good beers over the years.
Check out the slide show.
http://s200.photobucket.com/user/processhead/slideshow/RIMS And Electric Brewery Gear