Brutus Explanation...please

[HIM_Tattoos]

Hey guys,

So I'm getting sick of the throwin together system I have and I have a few retired kegs on the way. I've been staring at CodeRage's Brutus build. (https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/brutus-20e-build-61699/) and I cannot wrap my mind around the manifold and how it circulates.

Please help, this seems like a good way to brew and within my price range for a build.

Also if your pumping the wort, wouldn't the hops get in the pump?

 

[Denny's Evil Concoctions]

I don't run a Brutus but I do pump my wort in a recirc to aid in chilling with my immersion chiller.

If you are using pellets, I haven't had a problem pumping the wort. Whole or plug you will want some sort of screen on the inlet. Actually, I suggest this with pellets as well.

 

[HIM_Tattoos]

I don't run a Brutus but I do pump my wort in a recirc to aid in chilling with my immersion chiller.

If you are using pellets, I haven't had a problem pumping the wort. Whole or plug you will want some sort of screen on the inlet. Actually, I suggest this with pellets as well.

That's one down, thank you DEC. Now can anyone explain this system for me?

 

[HIM_Tattoos]

lil'bump for a lil'help

 

[Lonnie Mac]

It's all in the eyes my friend...

Let's start with these for study. My old web page is archived some where after my server took a dump. I need to redo that page and link it to my new site...

 

[CodeRage]

Heh, Lonnie I thought you took that page down because you weren't happy with the system. Halfway through my build I remember reading somewhere that you related it to a 'bad porno picture' and felt a little concerned. I've enjoyed brewing on mine though. So, thank you for the inspiration!

My manifold was just a way to eliminate the lid swapping in Lonnie's design.

Basically each pump pulls from the bottom of it's own container mash or boil kettle. The manifold is on the output, so fluid can be sent to either of the two vessels from each pump. Basically with the outer valves open each pump recirculates the contents. When the inner valves are open the system cross circulates. The bottom valves are just dump valves.

 

[Lonnie Mac]

Heh, Lonnie I thought you took that page down because you weren't happy with the system. Halfway through my build I remember reading somewhere that you related it to a 'bad porno picture' and felt a little concerned. I've enjoyed brewing on mine though. So, thank you for the inspiration!

My manifold was just a way to eliminate the lid swapping in Lonnie's design.

Basically each pump pulls from the bottom of it's own container mash or boil kettle. The manifold is on the output, so fluid can be sent to either of the two vessels from each pump. Basically with the outer valves open each pump recirculates the contents. When the inner valves are open the system cross circulates. The bottom valves are just dump valves.

Na, I had lost everything when ev1.net took all there servers and ran!

But to a degree, you are correct in my reasoning for not quickly putting it back up... I wanted a bit more testing time. I think it is a viable system and I have been trying a few more things with the design. But I also think that it may turn out to be a love/hate relationship with some. So I guess I was a bit worried that someone would haul off and build a $4000 stainless 20 system and not like it!

 

[HIM_Tattoos]

It all makes sense now, thank you both.

I think the pic of the manifold in CodeRage's build might be upside down. But I'm not certain. This does look like something that work well and I think I will begin building one very soon.

 

[Lonnie Mac]

It all makes sense now, thank you both.

I think the pic of the manifold in CodeRage's build might be upside down. But I'm not certain. This does look like something that work well and I think I will begin building one very soon.

If you happen to have a couple of pumps, it would be very easy to try this method out and get your processes down using the equipment you already have. I still play around with this method on my 10 just for fun... This will give you an idea of what you can accomplish.

 

[HIM_Tattoos]

If you happen to have a couple of pumps, it would be very easy to try this method out and get your processes down using the equipment you already have. I still play around with this method on my 10 just for fun... This will give you an idea of what you can accomplish.

I'm really looking to step up my game at this point and start doing bigger batchs. I don't have any of the equipment right now and am trying to decide what direction to go in to step up. This seems like a good direction and I want to make a list of all needed items before I start purchasing things.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

I have some systems designed in my blog if you are just looking for different ideas. I use a DITCHES, a system I came up with for flexible heat exchange. The POL's e-brewery is another very good design. I designed a 5g electric Brutus-20 and have that in my blog too.

If you want my build spreadsheet book, PM me you email address and I will send it to you. Many have found the format helpful for laying out their systems.

Cheers!

 

[jkarp]

But to a degree, you are correct in my reasoning for not quickly putting it back up... I wanted a bit more testing time. I think it is a viable system and I have been trying a few more things with the design. But I also think that it may turn out to be a love/hate relationship with some. So I guess I was a bit worried that someone would haul off and build a $4000 stainless 20 system and not like it!

Pfft!

You'll only pry my Countertop Brutus 20 from cold, dead fingers. I'm seriously loving the beers this thing is making...

 

[Lonnie Mac]

Pfft!

You'll only pry my Countertop Brutus 20 from cold, dead fingers. I'm seriously loving the beers this thing is making...

Ha! I am glad that you are liking it my friend!