HERMS/RIMS Questions

1.) Do you mash in as per usual using brewsmith etc to calculate strike temps and volumes and then circulate automatically when the temp drops ?

Or do you mash in to a lower temp and then increase to desired temp ?

If the former is correct I guess you'd still be faced with a possible too high mash temp that I find happens from time to time.

2.) How do you prevent a stuck sparge with a flow rate of 4L per minute compared to regular sparge rate of 1L per minute ?
3.) Do you use a manifold as per a regular MLT manifold at the bottom of a HERMS MLT ?

1.) cold dough-in, direct heat to rest temp, heated recirculation through rest period.

2.) Valves

3.) I have a RIMS with a center set siphon tube.

1.) How long does it take to get to rest temp ? I assume you start the 60min mash time from the time it reaches temp ?

2.) What kind of valve / how ? I assume not getting stuck with such a high flow rate has alot to do with the manifold / centre set syphon pipe ?
Can you provide more detail please ? A picture says a 1000 words

1.) About 10 minutes on medium high flame. Yes, the mash rest starts when I hit my target rest temp and the controller takes over.

2.) Ball valve on the outflow plumbing from the pump. i also have a full cover false bottom.

Pictures and a thousand words. I bought but, anyone can build.

1.) Thats quicker than I thought.
Thanks.
I toying with the idea of buidling one. Is there any reason you decided on RIMS instead of HERMS ?

I didn't like the idea of having to keep another 10+ gallons of water at temp through the mash for temp maintenance.

I got to brew on a 20 gallon HERMS B3 system and didn't like it. So, I bought the SABCO.

Unless you have a specific reason for stepping up to rest temps, I'd prefer to undershoot by a few degrees and let the recirc heating system correct it. I'm leaning towards RIMS tube myself.

Bobby_M said:

Unless you have a specific reason for stepping up to rest temps, I'd prefer to undershoot by a few degrees and let the recirc heating system correct it. I'm leaning towards RIMS tube myself.

Click to expand...

On the BM it's the opposite. You overshoot by 5 degeres and then let the system balance itself out to temp and the HE kicks in to maintain.