spiny_norman
Well-Known Member
Hi all,
Decided to build myself a simple hybrid HERMS set up (I'll still be using propane for the boil kettle) as my next project after motorizing the grain mill. I've been doing a bit of research but still have some noob questions...
- What's recommended for flexible tubing? I'll be using 3/8" fittings with some quick disconnects. As I'll be recirculating hot wort I need something that isn't going to leach plastic into the wort. Cheap solution from Lowes / HD, or do I need to buy food grade silicone tubing (which probably isn't sturdy enough) or something else?
- Temperature control. I'll be using a cooler for the HLT with a 1,500 watt / 120 volt temp water heating element. What's the best way to hook this up to the Ranco? Should the probe go into the Mash Tun (set at 152--easy) or are you monitoring the HLT temp, in which case how do you know what temp it should be to maintain 152 in the mash tun (or is it just trial and error 'til you hit the numbers).
- Heat exchanger: how much copper pipe for 5 gallon batches? 25 ft enough, or do I need 50 ft?
- I have 2 Ranco's, but was planning on using one for the fermentor. Can I get away with just 1 temp controller for the HERMS rig?
Decided to build myself a simple hybrid HERMS set up (I'll still be using propane for the boil kettle) as my next project after motorizing the grain mill. I've been doing a bit of research but still have some noob questions...
- What's recommended for flexible tubing? I'll be using 3/8" fittings with some quick disconnects. As I'll be recirculating hot wort I need something that isn't going to leach plastic into the wort. Cheap solution from Lowes / HD, or do I need to buy food grade silicone tubing (which probably isn't sturdy enough) or something else?
- Temperature control. I'll be using a cooler for the HLT with a 1,500 watt / 120 volt temp water heating element. What's the best way to hook this up to the Ranco? Should the probe go into the Mash Tun (set at 152--easy) or are you monitoring the HLT temp, in which case how do you know what temp it should be to maintain 152 in the mash tun (or is it just trial and error 'til you hit the numbers).
- Heat exchanger: how much copper pipe for 5 gallon batches? 25 ft enough, or do I need 50 ft?
- I have 2 Ranco's, but was planning on using one for the fermentor. Can I get away with just 1 temp controller for the HERMS rig?