Basically the title is trying to attract the attention of folks who have done this already. I know I've seen a few projects detailed and if I weren't so lazy, I'd be able to find them all but I also wanted to use this as a scratch pad for ideas in case I'm missing something.
I'm not ditching my 3 vessel system just yet, but I do want to play around with a single vessel "BIAB-like" system for giggles. I'm intrigued by it.
There are a few things on my checklist to work out.
Vessel size
After working out the numbers, I'd need at least 20 gallons to pull off a 10 gallon batch of ~1.075. That's assuming 70% efficiency with a total in-vessel volume of 18.5g during the mash.
Actual Vessel selection
Harder than I first suspected. Most 20 gallon pots are either square or a bit wider than tall. I don't think I like this idea given the fact that the elements have to sit below the basket. I'd rather have something 16" diameter and 22" tall or 17" D and 21" high, etc.
Basket size and mesh
My initial thought on this was to just find an economy stainless pot that was about 1-2" smaller in diameter, punch a ton of 1" holes in the bottom and line it with a disc of 16x16 mesh. However, I'd want this basket to double as a hop containment during the boil so I started leaning towards something with mesh on the sides as well to get better circulation. I will be hoisting the grain out in this basket so it has to be relatively sturdy. The places that custom make baskets are cool and all, but I'm not paying $250.I'd sooner buy some stainless flat stock and the Harbor Freight ring roller. I guess the benefit of making it is that it can accommodate any pot size I end up with.
Power
I'm planning on two 4500w LWD elements from lowes. I'm just a little puzzled if it's possible to make them both clear each other without staggering vertically. I want the basket to sit as low as possible.
I'm not going to get into too many details on the wiring and control just yet, but the modes will be 9000w Strike, 2250w mash, 9000w boil ramp, 4500w (PWM manual mode) boil.
Pitfalls? Am I copying anyone's system without knowing it?
Some links for easy reference later:
Scubasteve's https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/single-vessel-all-electric-ns-nc-brewery-158608/
I'm not ditching my 3 vessel system just yet, but I do want to play around with a single vessel "BIAB-like" system for giggles. I'm intrigued by it.
There are a few things on my checklist to work out.
Vessel size
After working out the numbers, I'd need at least 20 gallons to pull off a 10 gallon batch of ~1.075. That's assuming 70% efficiency with a total in-vessel volume of 18.5g during the mash.
Actual Vessel selection
Harder than I first suspected. Most 20 gallon pots are either square or a bit wider than tall. I don't think I like this idea given the fact that the elements have to sit below the basket. I'd rather have something 16" diameter and 22" tall or 17" D and 21" high, etc.
Basket size and mesh
My initial thought on this was to just find an economy stainless pot that was about 1-2" smaller in diameter, punch a ton of 1" holes in the bottom and line it with a disc of 16x16 mesh. However, I'd want this basket to double as a hop containment during the boil so I started leaning towards something with mesh on the sides as well to get better circulation. I will be hoisting the grain out in this basket so it has to be relatively sturdy. The places that custom make baskets are cool and all, but I'm not paying $250.I'd sooner buy some stainless flat stock and the Harbor Freight ring roller. I guess the benefit of making it is that it can accommodate any pot size I end up with.
Power
I'm planning on two 4500w LWD elements from lowes. I'm just a little puzzled if it's possible to make them both clear each other without staggering vertically. I want the basket to sit as low as possible.
I'm not going to get into too many details on the wiring and control just yet, but the modes will be 9000w Strike, 2250w mash, 9000w boil ramp, 4500w (PWM manual mode) boil.
Pitfalls? Am I copying anyone's system without knowing it?
Some links for easy reference later:
Scubasteve's https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/single-vessel-all-electric-ns-nc-brewery-158608/