120V Small Batch Brewing Setup

[DeeDub76]

With a 3 day weekend I managed to get some of the hard plumbing completed.


Some slack in the power cables were needed so that I can remove the elements when cleaning. I used spiral wrap to keep them together.

 

[DeeDub76]

While I wait to order the plate chiller so I can finish the plumbing, I moved onto wiring the panel.

My SSR heatsinks mounted on the outside.

 

[DeeDub76]

Ok a couple more pics.

Front

Back

 

[Walker]

Is that pump secured in any way other than by the head's connections to the pipes?

 

[DeeDub76]

A stainless bracket is in the works.

 

[Walker]

Cool.

 

[jkarp]

If Pol were here, he'd leave again because you've seriously out-blinged him! Damn fine work DeeDub76.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Looking fantastic. While you're doing the lower plumbing, include a drain valve at the lowest point. I just did it on mine, and I'm SO glad I did. Makes cleanup really easy and prevents funk.

 

[DeeDub76]

If Pol were here, he'd leave again because you've seriously out-blinged him! Damn fine work DeeDub76.

Thanks!!!! I'm not sure though...his setup was really nice!

ScubaSteve I have been contemplating adding a drain because I am concerned with contaminents growing if not fully drained. Consider a low point drain installed. Thanks for your input.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Thanks!!!! I'm not sure though...his setup was really nice!

ScubaSteve I have been contemplating adding a drain because I am concerned with contaminents growing if not fully drained. Consider a low point drain installed. Thanks for your input.

Looks like you've already got something in place to the left of the valves by the pump....what are you going to connect to the tee that is currently open?

FWIW, I can tell you that this kind of pump configuration with the bottom drains works awesome. The water just slams through the pump head and floods it...my LG is crazy powerful and I haven't had a single issue with priming. But the more I look at it, is your pump's output pointing down? It'll still work that way, but those pumps can be temperamental. If you want to save yourself some headaches, maybe shift it? (If I'm looking at it right, that is)....

 

[DeeDub76]

I still have to plumb in a plate chiller. Yes, the pump output is pointing downward. I arranged it this way do to the space limitations on the shelf and getting everything to line up plumbing wise.
I expect during my trial runs and testing I will have to make changes as I don't plan everything to work just perfect. It's a nice thought though. Are you thinking I should have the pump ports pointing horizontal?

 

[DeeDub76]

Some of the wiring is completed. Still waiting on my last indicator/buzzer.

 

[sammy33]

Love your build so far!

I am inspired by the fact that I am seeing more small breweries being setup for 3g batches. What are your plans for fermenters? Size? Type? Are you planning on bottling or kegging?

 

[TheFlyingBeer]

Wiring job is top notch! The hardlined plumbing is sweet too. How much longer until you plan on firing that bad boy up?

 

[DeeDub76]

Well last night the rig came to life! I ran some water tests to qualify it. No leaks, pump worked awesome, and elements operated smoothly. The PID's need calibrated and some additional setup. Timer still needs connected to buzzer/indicator. But, in all, it was a great feeling seeing my creation come to life.

Is it just me or has anybody else got nervous and held their breathe the first time they flipped the power switch?!!

 

[DeeDub76]

Love your build so far!

I am inspired by the fact that I am seeing more small breweries being setup for 3g batches. What are your plans for fermenters? Size? Type? Are you planning on bottling or kegging?

I just purchased two 5 gallon Better Bottles with the flow spigots. They seem like a quality product. My other project is my refridgerator fermentation chamber.
For right now I plan on bottling. I am sure that will change.

 

[DeeDub76]

Wiring job is top notch! The hardlined plumbing is sweet too. How much longer until you plan on firing that bad boy up?

Thanks!!! I still have to incorporate a drain valve for draining the lines after cleaning. I also want to insulate the MLT. I'm considering using 3/4 neoprene. Lastly, I need to plumb my plate chiller.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Lookin' good! How does the pump work? Too bad you're insulating the MLT....it's a shame to cover up that stainless!

 

[Sinandgrin]

Well last night the rig came to life! I ran some water tests to qualify it. No leaks, pump worked awesome, and elements operated smoothly. The PID's need calibrated and some additional setup. Timer still needs connected to buzzer/indicator. But, in all, it was a great feeling seeing my creation come to life.

Is it just me or has anybody else got nervous and held their breathe the first time they flipped the power switch?!!

View attachment 21510

I would be curious to know what your preliminary testing has discovered, in terms of heat efficiency. What made you decide to insulate the MLT? Why not just run the heat element to maintain temps in the MLT if your losing too much heat, or does that pose a risk to the mash getting scorched?

The only time i get nervous powering something up for the first time is if:
1) the creation poses a real and possible risk of causing bodily harm if things go wrong.
2) and it's automated by a computer running windows

Anyways, I can't wait to get some brew day feedback when you get to that point. Congrats on the setup!

 

[DeeDub76]

My purpose of insulating is to simply make heating the water more effecient and hopefully quicker. The use of the lid also helps. I just think a lot of the heat that is lost through convection could be prevented with insulation.

However, like ScubaSteve pointed out.....it's a shame to cover up the nice stainless.

 

[sammy33]

Well last night the rig came to life!

I think I would feel like Dr. Frankenstein running around the laboratory..umm brewery and yelling:

It's Alive! It's Alive!

 

[gwjames47]

I think I would feel like Dr. Frankenstein running around the laboratory..umm brewery and yelling:

It's Alive! It's Alive!

I got a very simple question......How much money have you got wrapped up in this rig?

GW

 

[DeeDub76]

A lot less than you think! The majority of it has come from the dumpster at my work.

 

[ScubaSteve]

Nothing like scoring stuff out of dumpsters! Strangely, it adds value to the item....

 

[Hogcrewer]

Awesome set up......Now the gears are turning....hhhmmmm.....Think the propane might have to go.

 

[bourgeoisbee]

Killer set up. You definitely raised the bar with this rig.

 

[gwjames47]

A lot less than you think! The majority of it has come from the dumpster at my work.

Nice craftsmanship, it looks absolutely awesome.

GW

 

[DeeDub76]

Thanks for all the great compliments!!! This project has been a lot of fun. 100% of the ideas, knowledge, and inspiration has come from the great people on this site.

The picture above is of a Fluke 1521 temperature standard I used to calibrate the temp. controllers.

 

[sammy33]

Umm...Fluke 1521? More $ than your whole build so far! :rockin:

I am guessing you "borrowed" that from the lab. You do work for Dr. Frankenstein don't you?

 

[DeeDub76]

LOL....yes borrowed from the lab!