With regards the probe for the controllers - I can see a potential issue when the vessels need cleaning as the probe is connected by its wire to the controller making it impossible to move the vessel without disconnecting the probe. I plan on using a t-peice on a QD before the ball valve to enable the probe to be disconnected (with ball valve assembly attached) for cleaning. I suspect there is a simpler solution - have you got any suggestions ?
Also - Im going to install a level sensor to control the input pump during fly sparging. I can either switch the pump off when level is reached (electrically) or I can use a valve to stop flow while allowing the pump to continue operating - I assume the latter is better than the former - do you agree ?
I use M8 connectors on the probe wire (wire & connectors are specific for the type of probe) with a short "pigtail" so I can easily disconnect the wire from the vessel and leave the probe in place.
I think you would be better leaving the pump run the whole time and use a valve to control the output of the pump.
I am in the process of putting together a single tier propane system. I am not going to have any automation. I am beginning to explore temperature probe options and am really confused. Several people have said the bimetal dial ones suck. I really like the digital displays/panels on some of these automated systems, and want something accurate. What options do I have if not using automation? I don't really understand this whole thermowell temp probe thing, and they seem real expensive. I would appreciate anyone who can point me in the right direction.
Thanks
I went down the same path... I have several bi-metal thermometers (cheap ones, no really expensive ones) and none of them read the same. I found you can calibrate them at freezing or boiling and then they are off on the other end of the temp range or they won't stay calibrated.
So then I bought a digital thermometer. Thought the problem was solved until I got moisture in the probe. I new the warning about submerging the probe, but I think humidity from the evaporation got to it. Ended up with a total of 4 digital thermometers.
So I started looking for a GOOD digital thermometer. Realized that for not a lot more money, I could use a PID as a thermometer AND have the option to control the temp when I was ready. It worked great!!
So I built a RIMS tube to control mash temps using the PID, and it worked GREAT.
So I started looking at probes & PIDs for my HLT & BK... realized once again that for not a lot more money, I could get a BCS460. My initial thought was to just use it to replace 4 PIDs and it has the capability to actually log data so you can review your temps after the fact.
Well, I'm now brewing all electric with the BCS controlling heat and pumps. I don't currently have any valves automated but who knows.