BruControl: Brewery control & automation software

[backwoodsdistiller]

Hi there. Not sure what calibration you’re referring to… but for RTDs there is only one calibration - it’s the reference resistor value. Usually it’s 430 or 400 ohms for Pt100 probes.

If you find those temperature results are inaccurate compared to a “gold standard”thermometer reading, you can add additional calibrations such as offset, multiplier, or lookup table. They are processed in order, so if you add an offset, then a multiplier, you’ll get different results than if you add a multiplier then an offset (recommended).

That said,to do it right, one should take readings along the whole range, starting with zero (ice slush bath). Record probe temp vs. gold temp all the way up to boiling. Then either enter data table entries for each, or load those values into a spreadsheetand do a regression. I think the data table is much easier, and it feels like this is an underutilized tool in BC.

Ok, I see the Reference Resistor on the amplifier board. So, if I need to adjust the temperature to match the gold standard temperature, do I change the Linear multiplier value? Or the Reference Resistor value. I noticed on one of your post, I seen you set the Linear Multiplier to 1.0015.

 

[BrunDog]

Don’t adjust the reference resistor value. Enter what it is. If the temp isn’t right from there, calibrate as I mentioned above. You can aggregate calibrations.

 

[oakbarn]

Wiring Scematic and other info about using a BruControl volume sensor ?

There are 3 wires
Red: VCC1
Yellow: GND
Blue: Out

Assume (for Mega)
Red: +12 vdc (can take up to 30 vdc)
Yellow:GND
Blue: Analog Pin (A0-A15) and ASSOCIATED Analog Port (100 -115) (0 to +5 vdc )

I did find the Calibration speadsheet and have downloaded it.

As an aside, has anyone tried an 90 degree Elbow between the sensor and the vessel? Since it measures pressure, I would not think it would make a difference except that you need to calibrate the way it is installed. I would pefer it vertical as it is on the end of a stand and sticks out less with an elbow.

 

[BrunDog]

Yes you have the wiring correct. However mounting that way is likely not a good idea, as liquid will be left in the Sensor when you are done, unless you take it off and clean it every time. I don’t really love that idea because the diaphragm is sensitive and disassembling to clean could run the risk of damaging it.

 

[oakbarn]

Could mount so that it drains every time. The elbow is slighty tilted where the elbow will fully drain.

This is an HLT so only water although this could be an Electric Brew Kettle if I ever turned to the dark side

It has 2 x 5500 watt Elements and a port where I could add a Steam Slayer (part of manual sight guage)

Laying out the frames for the stand!!!

 

[swimIan]

My pressure sensors are mounted on an elbow that’s turned up vertically. No issues to far. I make sure to clean and soak often though.

 

[BrunDog]

if you are going to have it upward, might as well have it fully vertical. The sensor diaphragm won’t actually get wet due to the air gap, but that should be ok. The only real issue I see with this is the sensor is going to get heat radiation from the hot vessel but it might now matter much.

 

[oakbarn]

I can add bubble wrap insulation to the HLT, I had my Mash Tun wrapped and never has issues with the wrap. I had also insualted with wrap a Chillzilla and it had 185 degree water run through it all the time. Might be good to have it vertical as the sensor wold never get wet! I can also wrap the sensor.

 

[BrunDog]

Maybe some sheet of insulation in between would do the trick... agreed. Peace of mind anyway.

 

[staffordj]

Hey BrunDog, what ever happened to the Unicon build? I checked out the videos, but it left me hanging.

 

[BrunDog]

Yeah… embarrassingly it’s been in a holding pattern. Due to some hardware orders it got back burnered a bit… BUT it will be finished!! Hoping to use the holidays to get some time toward it!

 

[oakbarn]

Yeah… embarrassingly it’s been in a holding pattern. Due to some hardware orders it got back burnered a bit… BUT it will be finished!! Hoping to use the holidays to get some time toward it!

I have had a Jacketed Fermentor on Order since February! Holding!

 

[oakbarn]

Is there a practical limit on concurent pin use on a Mega?
I would suspect that digital out control signals may be a limiting factor. I have search the internet and could Not find limit

 

[BrunDog]

There are some bank limits IIRC. I can try to find it. If you can keep each pin to less than 15mA you should be ok. On the UniShield, there is no concern because the input current to the drivers is at the micro-amp level.

 

[oakbarn]

Only controlling SSRs or Proportinal Controllers.

 

[staffordj]

How are others doing their rims return to the mash tun? I just bought a stout MT. It has a triclamp fitting on both outside and inside in the top of the vessel. They sell a triclamp tube with holes in it for recirc and sparge, but I read that it will clog if you recirc the mash through it. Sparging is fine.

 

[BrunDog]

I used a loc-line in my rig but it too clogs with grain in some holes. I'd make sure whatever ring you use has large enough holes to pass any grain bits.

 

[oakbarn]

Vorluft well untill it runs clean. I also have a Wort Filter 1.5" Tri Clover Compatible Strainer with 3" OD Body from Brewers Hardware You really need nothing when you are using RIMs or HERMs. < I attach 1/2 " silicone hose to the inside TC Fitting and lay it on top of the bed when recycling

 

[staffordj]

Vorluft well untill it runs clean. I also have a Wort Filter 1.5" Tri Clover Compatible Strainer with 3" OD Body from Brewers Hardware

Where do you install this, just before your rims tube?

 

[helibrewer]

How are others doing their rims return to the mash tun? I just bought a stout MT. It has a triclamp fitting on both outside and inside in the top of the vessel. They sell a triclamp tube with holes in it for recirc and sparge, but I read that it will clog if you recirc the mash through it. Sparging is fine.

MT drain valve out -> flow meter -> DC recirc pump -> RIM's Tube (vertical) -> MT In (top bulkhead via TC) -> MT inside bulkhead: Loc-Line adjusted just below surface. I don't use any type of filter in the RIM's recirc loop, everything is 1/2" straight through.

 

[staffordj]

Any recommendation on flowmeters for rims and sparge? I looked at the plastic adafruit one, but it is out of stock. There are a lot on Amazon, but it is not clear what you are getting and what the materials are. A lot of them seem to be for fuel filling applications.

 

[helibrewer]

Any recommendation on flowmeters for rims and sparge? I looked at the plastic adafruit one, but it is out of stock. There are a lot on Amazon, but it is not clear what you are getting and what the materials are. A lot of them seem to be for fuel filling applications.

I use this one, I'm not using it for volume calculations just as a flow reference: https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Sens...efix=gredia+gr-201+flow+meter,aps,279&sr=8-31

 

[BrunDog]

It looks like the same one.

 

[staffordj]

I use this one, I'm not using it for volume calculations just as a flow reference: https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Sensor-Switch-Flowmeter-Counter/dp/B00VKATCRQ/ref=sr_1_31?crid=QQX6PC1WEP5I&keywords=Gredia+GR-201+flow+meter&qid=1640727660&sprefix=gredia+gr-201+flow+meter,aps,279&sr=8-31

Great, thanks for the link.

 

[TenaCJed]

Same one that I use as well, so sayeth amazon when I followed the link

 

[oakbarn]

A bit pricy but no moving parts

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SM6001-IFM...8985?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c2#viTabs_0

 

[BrunDog]

Love these. You can find some cheaper. BUT... check the fittings needed - they are often proprietary adapters for extra $$ and take up length. Also, check the output matches what you need. I wanted to use on my personal rig but the resolution at low flow was too low... cant get an effective measurement at fly sparge rates ~ 1 qpm.

 

[oakbarn]

Where do you install this, just before your rims tube?

MLT Out > Valve > Pump > Wort Strainer > Valve > HERMS Coil or RIMs > Mash Return MLT

 

[BrunDog]

Only issue I see with a strainer is the dead volume it contains. It’s ultimately lost unless you sparge through it too.

 

[RiverCityBrewer]

FYI, Blichmann quick connectors fit them fine and make for as compact as a connection as you can get.

Edit: For reference, here are some pictures.