Bucks Electric Brewery

[fc36]

How much do you have invested in this amazing system? I literally wet myself with excitement when I saw the first few images. This is definitely Chemical Engineering pron and I'm a ChemE.

 

[trimixdiver1]

At the risk of my wife reading this: I plead the 5th.

 

[trimixdiver1]

After brewing 5 batches, I'm going to remove the herms heat exchanger and stick with the 3000w inverted rims tube I installed on the MLT recirc line. It's much faster and the two PID loops are fighting each other. Also the mass flowmeter on the drain of the BK is being moved to the HLT loop. I have a smaller portable MFM I use to monitor gravity, temp and a totalizer.

May take the herms heat exchanger and use it as a wort chiller to supplement the main chiller.

Well got my 1st overhaul to look forward to!

 

[kickflip_mj]

After brewing 5 batches, I'm going to remove the herms heat exchanger and stick with the 3000w inverted rims tube I installed on the MLT recirc line. It's much faster and the two PID loops are fighting each other. Also the mass flowmeter on the drain of the BK is being moved to the HLT loop. I have a smaller portable MFM I use to monitor gravity, temp and a totalizer.

May take the herms heat exchanger and use it as a wort chiller to supplement the main chiller.

Well got my 1st overhaul to look forward to!

I had to do a crap ton of mods when I built mine. I'd like to replace all the valves with pneumatic ones and do some rewiring.

I like the plan of using the herms tube as a secondary chiller.

 

[trimixdiver1]

Found a nice 15k btu window ac for the brewery/ garage! Just needed a leak fixed and recharged. A road side find! My buddy the hvac guy, did it for beer!
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1432239508.046389.jpg

 

[BrunDog]

I gotta ask... How did he charge it? These are usually sealed, without service ports. Did he braze a port(s) in, then evac and charge it?

-BD

 

[trimixdiver1]

I gotta ask... How did he charge it? These are usually sealed, without service ports. Did he braze a port(s) in, then evac and charge it?

-BD

Yep brazed in two tees and shrader valves.

 

[trimixdiver1]

Made some progress on other parts of the brewery.

Beer gas mixer
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1433980363.031896.jpg

Wort Analyzer
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1433980383.130774.jpg
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1433980532.309648.jpg

 

[kickflip_mj]

Made some progress on other parts of the brewery.

Beer gas mixer
View attachment 283810

Wort Analyzer
View attachment 283811
View attachment 283813

OK now you're just running out of stuff to buy!!

 

[trimixdiver1]

OK now you're just running out of stuff to buy!!

Most I already had from years of collecting.

 

[trimixdiver1]

So I got my 50# CO2 tank on the cart today!
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1434143509.079721.jpg

 

[fc36]

What is that wort analyzer that you have? How would one get ahold of that beaut?

 

[trimixdiver1]

60 plate Duda chiller!

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1434368315.194092.jpg

 

[terrapin421]

quick question -- What tubing do you use for the Multi-temp III? I want to make sure to get something non-kink and then assuming you just connect it to a tri clamp barb?

Thanks

 

[trimixdiver1]

quick question -- What tubing do you use for the Multi-temp III? I want to make sure to get something non-kink and then assuming you just connect it to a tri clamp barb?



Thanks

I used 3/8 ID air hose from Harbor Freight. Just cut it to the size I needed. The back of the Chiller has barbs, so just clamped it on and used Swagelok quick connects for the fermenter side. Once insulated I have had the hoses down to -5c. They are stiff and I wouldn't make any large moves that might crack them but they work.

Really dont need sanitary connections on CW loop.

 

[SHvanBommel]

so are you using one of your thermobaths to cool the chill side of the plate chiller or am i missing gaps here? Also, what's the purpose of the hoses to -5? Just a test or ??

 

[beerthirty]

Tech has come a long way. I feel embarrassed about my porno from a few years ago. Never did get auto volume measuring correct, though the BBQ did finally happen. I hope you brew many fine beers.

 

[trimixdiver1]

so are you using one of your thermobaths to cool the chill side of the plate chiller or am i missing gaps here? Also, what's the purpose of the hoses to -5? Just a test or ??

This is for the fermenters, not the wort plate chiller. I went down to -5 to lager. Not linear, at 63f I have to set the loop to 56f and at 34f I set it at -5c.

 

[Chiefer]

Lets get to the important part. Where is your bar?

 

[AkBrew907]

 

[trimixdiver1]

Nice!

Well to update, I've got about 15 batches on this and all is well.

I'm working on using a mass flow meter to monitor fermentation. Results to follow.

 

[SlamDunkel]

Neat to see your builds. For flow meters you can use a Mag Flowmeter as well such as the one IFM Efector has they are not too pricey. Also I have had very good luck for level controlling using in pressure Xducers in the inches of water range. Modern Breweries use them.
For connecting to an element I would suggest a Nickel alloy connector and nickel-plated copper conductor with braided fiberglass insulation. That is what your oven has at 700 plus degrees. Regular copper gains resistance when connected to a heater. Only a ft or so at the connecting end is needed. Keep up the Good work.

 

[trimixdiver1]

Nice!

Well to update, I've got about 15 batches on this and all is well.

I'm working on using a mass flow meter to monitor fermentation. Results to follow.

Yea, well the MFM I have isn't sensitive enough. Got another I will try.

 

[Aguiar]

Resurrecting the thread: what kind of level meter are you using? Or that float is just a switch?

 

[BrewingChemist]

Anything you have changed in the last two years? This was an incredible thread to read.

 

[augiedoggy]

I havent seen him around in a long time...