does it really matter what the temp of the water in the HLT is in a HERMS system...?

[blacks4]

hey guys,

looking to do a cheap HERMS system, i.e. no automated temp control, and wondered: does it really matter what temp the water is in the HLT as long as it's above your mash temp? I mean, as long as the HLT water temp is above the mash temp, I can just circulate it through until I get to the desired mash temp and then disconnect and circulate the mash water. does this sound right?

Also, is it really necessary to have ball valves in the high placed wort/water in ports? I mean if the tubing connecting to that port is coming from a pump with a ball valve to control the flow, why do you need another valve on the other end of the tubing?

thanks.

Steve

 

[coogee]

It sounds fine to raise (or lower) mash temp but once you reach your desired temperature, then what? Might as well direct fire your Tun? Or you will have to keep letting the mash drop, then recirculate again etc. Which sounds pretty hands on but could work. I recirculate for 90 minutes but have automation. I couldnt see the benefit to using a HERMS just to raise temperature and stop, its the 'R' im interested in!

You just need a ball valve on pump outlet, everything else is for liquid coming out of whichever vessel it is in.

 

[Bobby_M]

The whole point of a HERMS is to maintain mash temps rock solid without babysitting. If you just want a set and forget system, mash in a well insulated vessel. You don't need valves on the in/out HERMS coil and if you put the return port in the mash tun high enough, you can get by without.

 

[blacks4]

The whole point of a HERMS is to maintain mash temps rock solid without babysitting. If you just want a set and forget system, mash in a well insulated vessel. You don't need valves on the in/out HERMS coil and if you put the return port in the mash tun high enough, you can get by without.

Does that silver reflectix stuff in your video hold the temp pretty well?

 

[CoalCracker]

The Reflectix material is awesome. I have it on my MT and BK and it works fantastic for holding temps.

 

[blacks4]

The Reflectix material is awesome. I have it on my MT and BK and it works fantastic for holding temps.

Electric BK then?