Hello and thanks

[Barnfloored]

Hello and Thanks in advance I am Chris from Battle Creek Michigan. I'm new to HBT, however not to beer. I have brewed about 100 gallons in buckets and want to move on to a single tier keggle system preferably electric. I am sure that I will be able to find some good ideas and meet some new and interesting folks on this board.
If anyone has info links or help to offer... I am all ears.

I have everything I need to start the single tier stainless platform and kegs and I have been tig welding since high school 25 years or so.... I have a good start. I am curious about electric controls, pumps fittings heating elements, and what works best without breaking the bank.

I understand that electric is more expensive to start up but I want to be able to brew indoors with out the concern of exhaust and safety.

Thanks and thanks

 

[Cyclman]

Welcome to the group, from CO

 

[unionrdr]

You'll find what you need to know around here. We have forums for about anything to do with brewing,wine making & the food to go with them. So stick around & enjoy...

 

[Barnfloored]

Thanks for the welcoming. I have been doing a lot of reading surfing on the site last few days. I really want to get started on my new brewing system and I know this board has plenty of great ideas.





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[passedpawn]

Welcome to HBT.

You've probably noticed that we have an Electric Brewing area with a lot of good info. We created that area only a few years ago, so there is probably a lot more info available through searches. However, don't hesitate to just post a question there. You'll be surprised how quickly help comes.

Good luck and see you 'round the forum.

 

[evanmars]

Hello.
What part of town do you live in? I am currently in Urbandale/Bedford Township, but am moving to Olivet/Duck Lake next week.

 

[Barnfloored]

I'm live behind the Harper village in emmett township. 6 1/2 and B drive.


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[Barnfloored]

Also thanks guys for the responses. I appreciate the feedback.
Can any of you give me your opinions on the herms vs the rims design?
I'm looking for advise.
Thanks again.


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[Barnfloored]

I actually haven't found the article threads for electric brewing info yet but I'll be doing some surfing tonight and in the evenings. I got a few hours this weekend to organize my brewing supplies. I made a yeast starter and plan to brew this week.
It's been a while since I made beer. Just moved and had to devote all my time to the house.
Anyway I'm excited to get another batch going.



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[evanmars]

I'm live behind the Harper village in emmett township. 6 1/2 and B drive.
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Yeah, definitely know where that is. Just made a trip to Menard's and Meijer yesterday.
I used to live down on the corner of Golden Ave. and 6-1/2 Mile.

I know what you mean about the moving getting in the way of brewing. In the middle of moving and making a few repairs on the new place my self. All my brewing supplies are still at the old place. Hopefully, I'll be able to brew weekend after next.

 

[Homercidal]

Also thanks guys for the responses. I appreciate the feedback.
Can any of you give me your opinions on the herms vs the rims design?
I'm looking for advise.
Thanks again.


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The RIMS system is simply a heating element in a pipe. The wort passes through the pipe, coming in direct contact with the heating element.

In the typical HERMS system, the wort passes through a copper or stainless coil, which is usually submerged in the Hot Liquor Tank, before returning to the mash tun.

Both are recirculatory systems, meaning you get the benefits of both temp control and wort filtering. Both require a pump. The RIMS, with the wort being in direct contact with the heating element, carries a risk of caramelizing, or scorching, the wort. The HERMS has a much reduced risk of that.

Both are basically temp controlled with a PID, usually. Sometimes a RIMS system is direct fired. I believe that is where the mash is stirred and a gas flame is lit under the mash tun whenever the temp needs to be corrected.

There are plenty of designs and pictures in the electric and DIY sections.

 

[Barnfloored]

Thanks so much. I appreciate the info. It sounds like the herms system is the way to go as far as the reduced risk of scorching the wort.
I plan to build a keggle system and possibly the control panel once I've wrapped my brain around how it need to be designed.



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[evanmars]

Check out the Electric threads. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/
I think the risk of scorching is not that great in a properly designed RIMS system.
Seems like the people who use RIMS love it and swear by it and the people who use HERMS swear by it and love it.

 

[Homercidal]

Check out the Electric threads. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/
I think the risk of scorching is not that great in a properly designed RIMS system.
Seems like the people who use RIMS love it and swear by it and the people who use HERMS swear by it and love it.

I agree. You can design it to eliminate the scorching. But one thing you can't do is let the pump stop before the element has cooled down a bit.

I ended up buying a stainless coil from a guy on here. It was a few dollars, but it is a very nice coil, custom made. Still have to put that system together.

 

[evanmars]

FWIW, my (hopefully near future) plans include a separate, small volume, vessel for the HERMS coil.

 

[Barnfloored]

I've been out of it for about the last year. I bought a foreclosed property and it's taken up most of my time. I finally got my brewing things around last weekend, and started cleaning things up to start up brewing again. I lost my immersion chiller in the process due to water left in it and it froze oops.
I'm making another chiller this week and hope to be brewing on sat.
Good luck with your new place.


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[Barnfloored]

Having a smaller vessel to heat makes good sense. I think it would save time for sure.


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[Homercidal]

I planned to use the HLT simply because I'm heating water for the mash anyway, and it should be close to the required temp of the HERMS. It's one less vessel to have to work with too.

 

[Barnfloored]

That's a good idea as well to take advantage of the HLT I've seen it done both ways. I think I'm planning to do the same. I am thinking that I'll build a brew stand that is two tier gravity HLT on top then the MT and BK on 1st tier.



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