TNugent
Well-Known Member
I figured since parts were starting to arrive I needed an official thread to chronicle my build. I am planning a BCS-460 controlled, fully electric, RIMS, single tier 3 vessel setup. I plan on 10 gallon batches for most everything but reserve the possibility to go to 15 gallon if I really push it.
I was a hardcore homebrewer up until about 13 years ago. I was brewing 10 gallon all-grain batches back then on propane burners with coolers for the MLT and HLT. Some medical issues forced a hiatus and then a wife n kids came along and brewing was put on the way back burner. All of my equipment was sold off along the way so now I get to build it bigger and better.
I still have some tough decisions ahead with my first one being what elements to use. I will be running off a 30a 4 wire circuit through a SPA panel to an enclosure with the BCS 460, SSRs, contactors, etc, that I plan on building. But trying to keep it under 30a while factoring in an additional heating element for the RIMS module is becoming a bit trickier than I thought, especially if I go with the "standard" 5500w elements for my HLT/BK. Even with only 1 running that leaves only 7 amps for the RIMS heater, pumps and everything else. So if anyone has any feedback there I would appreciate it.
Oh and just so people don't think my name is only because I'm a bit overweight..... CHUBBY = "Chaska Homebrewers United by Better Beer Yearnings"
But for now, toys....
My 3 new SS vessels just came today. 2 15 gallons and 1 20 gallon, I ordered 3x15g but the seller called and offered to upgrade one to a 20 gallon for the same price. The cost of the bigger pot vs the cost of shipping 2 packages instead of 3 evened out. I think I *may* be able to brew 15 gallon batches this way. Current plan is to use the 20 for the BK.
Some misc supplies. Couple Chugger pumps, along with a drinking water safe hose, grain scoop and a couple refractometers that came with the pumps.
And finally, the space where I plan to build all this. The table and shelf will be removed along with the baseboard heater and a new steel stand will be built in it's place. Conveniently off camera is a floor drain, double basin wash sink, plenty of water hookups along with the 30a outlet for the dryer that will do double duty.
Several large orders were placed this weekend with Electric Brewing Supply and Brew Hardware as well as a Chillus Convolutus from More Beer. So lots of shiny Stainless steel parts and electronic gizmos are on the way.
And finally since P-J is the man when it comes to wiring diagram I will place these two here as the ground work for my design. Some minor changes to the wiring may be done but is still TBD.
I was a hardcore homebrewer up until about 13 years ago. I was brewing 10 gallon all-grain batches back then on propane burners with coolers for the MLT and HLT. Some medical issues forced a hiatus and then a wife n kids came along and brewing was put on the way back burner. All of my equipment was sold off along the way so now I get to build it bigger and better.
I still have some tough decisions ahead with my first one being what elements to use. I will be running off a 30a 4 wire circuit through a SPA panel to an enclosure with the BCS 460, SSRs, contactors, etc, that I plan on building. But trying to keep it under 30a while factoring in an additional heating element for the RIMS module is becoming a bit trickier than I thought, especially if I go with the "standard" 5500w elements for my HLT/BK. Even with only 1 running that leaves only 7 amps for the RIMS heater, pumps and everything else. So if anyone has any feedback there I would appreciate it.
Oh and just so people don't think my name is only because I'm a bit overweight..... CHUBBY = "Chaska Homebrewers United by Better Beer Yearnings"
But for now, toys....
My 3 new SS vessels just came today. 2 15 gallons and 1 20 gallon, I ordered 3x15g but the seller called and offered to upgrade one to a 20 gallon for the same price. The cost of the bigger pot vs the cost of shipping 2 packages instead of 3 evened out. I think I *may* be able to brew 15 gallon batches this way. Current plan is to use the 20 for the BK.
Some misc supplies. Couple Chugger pumps, along with a drinking water safe hose, grain scoop and a couple refractometers that came with the pumps.
And finally, the space where I plan to build all this. The table and shelf will be removed along with the baseboard heater and a new steel stand will be built in it's place. Conveniently off camera is a floor drain, double basin wash sink, plenty of water hookups along with the 30a outlet for the dryer that will do double duty.
Several large orders were placed this weekend with Electric Brewing Supply and Brew Hardware as well as a Chillus Convolutus from More Beer. So lots of shiny Stainless steel parts and electronic gizmos are on the way.
And finally since P-J is the man when it comes to wiring diagram I will place these two here as the ground work for my design. Some minor changes to the wiring may be done but is still TBD.
