Ghetto Converted BIAB RIMS

[bakins]

I'm thinking 20 gallon blichmann, with a 15 gallon bayou classic basket. If bling ain't your thing....guess you could go with a bayou classic/basket combo, but you'd give up the sight gauge/valve/thermo.

Sight glasses, valves, and thermos are relatively cheap and easy to install.

 

[The Pol]

Dude that is ghetto :rockin:

 

[ScubaSteve]

bakins-

You mentioned you got a new pot/basket combo. What brand is it, what did it cost, etc.?

More importantly, is the basket a bit shorter than the pot so it creates space for the element? Seems like if the basket and pot were made to fit together this way, you could totally forgo the "legs" on the basket.

Also, when boiling....do the bubbles make it through the basket? I guess I'm wondering if the basket is obstructing circulation in the pot.....I want to keep hop utilization high and also prevent a boilover from erupting under the basket.

 

[bakins]

You mentioned you got a new pot/basket combo. What brand is it, what did it cost, etc.?

It's a bayou classic. Basket and pot cost $155, I think.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FTEQBK/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

More importantly, is the basket a bit shorter than the pot so it creates space for the element?

Yes, the basket sits about 2.5" from the bottom and clears the element fine. No need for legs on it.

Also, when boiling....do the bubbles make it through the basket? I guess I'm wondering if the basket is obstructing circulation in the pot

I don't boil with the basket in. I no-chill and run most of the trub into my "cubes" and siphon the wort off of it when it's at pitching temp.

 

[ScubaSteve]

I don't boil with the basket in. I no-chill and run most of the trub into my "cubes" and siphon the wort off of it when it's at pitching temp.

I imagine you could boil with basket partially in, and that would take the place of a hop bag......

 

[bakins]

I imagine you could boil with basket partially in, and that would take the place of a hop bag......

The holes in the basket are 3/8-1/2",so unless I lined it with mesh (I've been thinking about using SS), it wouldn't help. For me, it'd not be worth the hassle of trying to keep the pot in - I'd have to dump the grains and rinse the basket first. But that's just me. All the hops settle out in the cube and a whirlpool and leave the worst of it in the BK. If you were gonna use a plate chiller or something, then I can see it's use. I personally use my plate chiller as a paper weight.

 

[ScubaSteve]

You'd definitely have to use SS mesh. I use primarily whole hops, so there needs to be some sort of coarse filtration in place or the pump and CFC will be quickly chewing on whole hop cones.

I plan on dumping the grains and using the basket again. If you're doing BIAB, you have to dump the grains anyway. With a rigid container like a basket, it should be easy; dump it in the trash, "tap" it against the rim a few times, and rinse it upside down in the sink. Or throw it in the dishwasher. Easy Peasy. Spraying out grain/hop bags can take a while...and detergents in the washer are undesireable.

 

[jeffmeh]

Or a second bag for hops would allow you to get the boil and hops going before cleaning out the first bag for the mash.

 

[NYCBrewGuy]

Been following this thread since I do BIAB and really want to improve my process. How much efficiency do you pick up with recirculation? Or is it more a quality thing... that you can better control mash temp and such?

 

[ScubaSteve]

Or a second bag for hops would allow you to get the boil and hops going before cleaning out the first bag for the mash.

You could certainly do this. I'm taking a cheap and simple method and making it expensive and difficult

I'm still in the planning phase, but I want to show that it is possible for us to build a beautiful, fully capable, compact rig from one vessel using top quality parts....vs. a 3 vessel monster that costs more, takes up more space, and offers no greater capability in brewing. Maybe I can keep this one inside

 

[ScubaSteve]

Been following this thread since I do BIAB and really want to improve my process. How much efficiency do you pick up with recirculation? Or is it more a quality thing... that you can better control mash temp and such?

For ME, recirculation is about clarity of the beer. I'm not sure it adds to efficiency, but I could definitely be wrong.

You can heat the wort using a RIMS as you recirculate, but it isn't necessary. It depends on the beer....I've made a lot of IPA's/APA's, and just let the temp naturally drop. It's not a concern, because you want the beer to have a lot of fermentables for a dry finish.

Plus I like to tinker.....

 

[ScubaSteve]

So, I don't see it mentioned anywhere, but I assume you're using a 220v element? What kind?

 

[bakins]

So, I don't see it mentioned anywhere, but I assume you're using a 220v element? What kind?

In the BoilKettle, a 220v 4500w LWD element.

In RIMS tube, it's a 5500w LWD element (it's what homedepot had) but running at 120v. I need to swap them...

 

[ScubaSteve]

Another strange question for you, Bakins:

When you hoist your basket up and set it on the grate, does the liquid "spring" from the bottom/side holes, or does it all dribble down relatively close to the sides and out the bottom? I ask because my basket is a tight fit and I don't want to make a mess.

 

[Mysticmead]

I really like the use of a steamer basket in the pot. I have a basket from my 10 gallon turkey fryer and was thinking about upgrading to a 15 gallon pot from Sam's.. Hmmmm