Kevin's E-Brewery Build

[KevinWagner]

If you temperature sensor is a thermocouple, try reversing the leads; also, make sure any configuration parameters in the controller set-up are correct.

SSR's leak a little - try putting a 100w light between the load side & common and see how it responds by looking at its relative brightness.

Thanks Junkster, you're two for two.

Swapped the + and - on the thermocouple leads and now it works. Funny since the leads were marked ... incorrectly!

Also, with a 75w lamp wired in, the SSR is switching correctly.

I'm reading about SSR reset failure and yes, it seems most SSR do leak on the load side, and a load must be greater than the leak in order to reset.

So, question is, is the leak enough to get you in trouble in any situation where you expected the circuit to be cold? Good thing I wired a contactor load side or the SSR.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[Junkster]

Well, if the SSR is controlling something that draws a fair amount of current like a heating element, then I wouldn't think there would be a problem. I think I read somewhere that the leakage current is a few milliamps which won't drive much of a load. It would probably light an LED indicator if the main load is removed or went open.

I'm still in the building stage of mine, so I haven't crossed that bridge yet..... I think there are some pretty good threads about it on this board somewhere.

 

[NewBrewB]

Well past time for an update!

 

[Swill]

I just brewed my first batch on July 4, and while waiting to see if it turned out OK I've been reading this forum.

This build looks fantastic, but when in the heck do you all find time to brew?

Cheers, swill

 

[KevinWagner]

Here's where it's at.

Went over the frame with an 80 grit flap wheel to take off surface rust and polish it up. Painted with BBQ paint.

Installed the casters.

Attached the control panel.

Drilled the kettle and installed the 3000w element.

To Do: Lots of stuff! Build decks for each of the levels, wire the element, install pump, etc, etc.

Sorry it's taking so long!

Edit: It's a 3kw element, not a 4.5kw.

-K

 

[KevinWagner]

Wet test today!

Let's see... set a mash-in temp of 160 deg F. Beep-boop.

Sweeeeeet.

Update: Took 35 minutes to raise from 66 to 160 deg F.

Update: and another 29 minutes to boil.

 

[bigljd]

Is that a high watt density element? If so you may want to swap that out for an ultra low watt density to eliminate potential wort scorching.

Also, are you still planning to mount the pump at the same level as the HLT? You may have problems with priming the pump when you are pumping from the HLT to the MLT - it might work OK if you had enough water in the HLT the head pressure may be enough to prime the pump, but normally people mount them below the vessels.

Cool setup though.

Edit: Also, are you using GFCI protection (spa panel, GFCI breaker)?

 

[KevinWagner]

Is that a high watt density element? If so you may want to swap that out for an ultra low watt density to eliminate potential wort scorching.

Also, are you still planning to mount the pump at the same level as the HLT? You may have problems with priming the pump when you are pumping from the HLT to the MLT - it might work OK if you had enough water in the HLT the head pressure may be enough to prime the pump, but normally people mount them below the vessels.

Cool setup though.

Edit: Also, are you using GFCI protection (spa panel, GFCI breaker)?

It's a low watt density ss element, it's folded back once. Hard to see in the photo.

I did plan to mount the pump at the level of the HLT. I expected that head pressure would prime it.

Edit: I bought one of the 16ft 30amp cords with in-line CFGI from Hosfelt. http://www.hosfelt.com/contents/en-us/d702.html#p5341

Thanks!

 

[KevinWagner]

More of the kit on the cart.

Added pine-wood decks on each level, pretending they are mahogany.

Couldn't wait for it to be finished and brewed on it this week anyway. The kettle works great, 3kw is more than enough power. Actually a lot more control over the boil than with propane.

Still need to install the pump and counter flow chiller. Looking forward to eliminating the manual transfers.

 

[fpweeks]

Any issue with the heat from the brew kettle sitting on wood?

 

[KevinWagner]

Any issue with the heat from the brew kettle sitting on wood?

I've brewed on it three times now, 60 minute boil each time. I was concerned about durability of the polyurethane one-step stain, but so far no apparent effect.

 

[KevinWagner]

I was worried that I would not be able to whirlpool with the element and temperature probe in the kettle, but the trub seems to pile up just fine!

 

[hammis]

excellent build man!

 

[Im_Lars]

Well done