Automated brewery with PC control

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achtuleke

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It is nice to be able to log temperatures during a brew day. (More details upon request.)

My rig is a HERMS and/or direct fire system. Propane fuel. It uses three Omega controllers, Modbus, and a laptop. The HLT controller controls the burner under the HLT tank. The MT controller controls either the MT burner, pump 1, or pump 2.

Overall brews are a success. But, I'm having trouble with changing the mash temperature during the steps. The delta T is really slow if the HLT temp is too low. If the HLT temp is too high then, the MT tank overshoots. Right now, I use the MT burner to get to the next temperature then switch over to HERMS mode.

1- What is the best control strategy for a HERMS system?
2- Are sluggish temperature changes a typical problem of a HERMS system?
3- Should I change to a RIMS system? (risk of scorching, more $$$'s, etc.)

IMAG1625.jpg


View attachment Graph20140322-1536_czech pilsner.pdf
 
The heated volume of liquid is larger in HERMS than RIMS so with the same heat input stepping will take longer.

Most people control only HLT.
 
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