GuateBrewer
Well-Known Member
I am wanting to build a HERMs brew stand with PID control. However I have a few questions based on the different systems I have seen here. I am a pretty new AG brewer, and understand most of the terminology, but do not have enough batches under my belt to say or sure, if Batch or Fly Sparging etc is best. I would like something with the most flexibility.
As far as temp control for the MT my understanding is it is best to put the thermocouple in the recirc output and control the heat based by adjusting the heat of the HLT where most people have a cooper coil.
What do you do when heating sparge water, if the MT is not calling for heat?
Sight Glasses - I understand the one on the HLT to know how much strike/sparge you have, and how much you have dispensed, and on the BK to know how much volume you have collected/boiled out.
I am using 50L kegs for all my vessels, this leaves me a little short on 10gal batches since I only have 13.3Gal of BK capacity.
Would I run into any problems with boiling in two kettles and perhaps pushing 15 gal out of the system. Seems like I could mash 30-33 lbs with a 13 gal MT. I would make sure the two kettles where well mixed before the boil and blended again after the boil for consistency, unless I wanted to do different hops/partygyle etc. This seems like it adds a lot of options, without adding the cost of importing a large BK (I hate shopping for crap here in Guatemala, 2 days of hunting around for something second rate.)
I am leaning towards an electric HLT/Hot water source for the herms coil because driving an electric heater with a PID is something I know.
What is everyones thoughts but the HERMS coil in the HLT, or use a seperate chamber/ shell and tube with a second pump etc?
Thanks!
GuateBrewer
As far as temp control for the MT my understanding is it is best to put the thermocouple in the recirc output and control the heat based by adjusting the heat of the HLT where most people have a cooper coil.
What do you do when heating sparge water, if the MT is not calling for heat?
Sight Glasses - I understand the one on the HLT to know how much strike/sparge you have, and how much you have dispensed, and on the BK to know how much volume you have collected/boiled out.
I am using 50L kegs for all my vessels, this leaves me a little short on 10gal batches since I only have 13.3Gal of BK capacity.
Would I run into any problems with boiling in two kettles and perhaps pushing 15 gal out of the system. Seems like I could mash 30-33 lbs with a 13 gal MT. I would make sure the two kettles where well mixed before the boil and blended again after the boil for consistency, unless I wanted to do different hops/partygyle etc. This seems like it adds a lot of options, without adding the cost of importing a large BK (I hate shopping for crap here in Guatemala, 2 days of hunting around for something second rate.)
I am leaning towards an electric HLT/Hot water source for the herms coil because driving an electric heater with a PID is something I know.
What is everyones thoughts but the HERMS coil in the HLT, or use a seperate chamber/ shell and tube with a second pump etc?
Thanks!
GuateBrewer