501Lubovich
Member
As many people before me who have joined this site, I've been sitting back now for quite a while reading up on all the great threads that have been posted (Mainly in the DIY category). Early this year, I decided that I was going to upgrade from my "cooler-tun, all-grain" setup and move to a semi-automated system. At first I just wanted a couple tiers and a pump, but then it slowly evolved into so much more. I spent approximately 4-5 months designing, changing the design, modifying the design, researching costs etc., until i finally decided that I needed a bigger budget. I've been wanted to post on my progress now for a couple months, but haven't had the time. I finally decided, now that I'm close to finishing, that I should share this experience with those out there looking to possibly do the same thing. I know, there are already a ton of DIY brewstands, and automated breweries as such, but this is mine, and I do feel that it is different than the rest (although many aspects were inspired by those who have posted their experiences and their rigs). Pictures will have to come later because I am at work now on my lunch break. There just isn't enough time in the day to do all that I need to do (I'll be working on my rig after work tonight until bed time).
My system: 3-keggle, single tier, 2-pump, HERMS system with a honey well intermittent pilot light/gas control valve all controlled by a Brewtroller system. All the fittings are sanitary fittings and almost everything is stainless steel. I built a counterflow wort chiller out of a 50' spool of 1/2 inch stainless steel tubing and a 50' spool of 3/4" ID high temp EPDM hose. The fittings are all HDPE and PTFE.
At this point, almost every individual component is assembled. Now, the entire assembly needs to be put together. I plan on polishing the stand tonight and then assembling. Once everything is put together, I plan to passivate the entire system with citric acid when it's all assembled. I'm hoping to have my first brew session in two weeks...fingers crossed.
This truly felt like a DIY project because my inventory of equipment and skills grew dramatically. Pretty much all the welding for that stand was done by myself, and all of the brazing of the fittings was done by me as well (I learned how to braze during the construction of this rig). I had co-worker of mine (who is a controls genius) help me out with the control panel, which looks freakin' amazing, and most of the electrical stuff. He's also the one who taught me to braze. I went with a stainless steel stand because i plan on brewing a lot and for a long time and have no desire to put a ton of work into a system that will look like crap in a couple years. I live in the northwest and it tends to be moist around here. This baby will shine for decades to come. It was approximately $300 more for cost of materials (stainless vs. mild steel), but you also have to factor in the cost of paint (which I understand probably isn't much, but when the time comes, sanding and repainting will probably never happen and you know it!).
I also plan to do a lessons learned addition to this thread if anybody is interested hearing me ramble.
Thanks to all of you premium supporters who have helped us noobs with your posts. You make a world of difference to many homebrew enthusiasts.
-Michael Lubovich
My system: 3-keggle, single tier, 2-pump, HERMS system with a honey well intermittent pilot light/gas control valve all controlled by a Brewtroller system. All the fittings are sanitary fittings and almost everything is stainless steel. I built a counterflow wort chiller out of a 50' spool of 1/2 inch stainless steel tubing and a 50' spool of 3/4" ID high temp EPDM hose. The fittings are all HDPE and PTFE.
At this point, almost every individual component is assembled. Now, the entire assembly needs to be put together. I plan on polishing the stand tonight and then assembling. Once everything is put together, I plan to passivate the entire system with citric acid when it's all assembled. I'm hoping to have my first brew session in two weeks...fingers crossed.
This truly felt like a DIY project because my inventory of equipment and skills grew dramatically. Pretty much all the welding for that stand was done by myself, and all of the brazing of the fittings was done by me as well (I learned how to braze during the construction of this rig). I had co-worker of mine (who is a controls genius) help me out with the control panel, which looks freakin' amazing, and most of the electrical stuff. He's also the one who taught me to braze. I went with a stainless steel stand because i plan on brewing a lot and for a long time and have no desire to put a ton of work into a system that will look like crap in a couple years. I live in the northwest and it tends to be moist around here. This baby will shine for decades to come. It was approximately $300 more for cost of materials (stainless vs. mild steel), but you also have to factor in the cost of paint (which I understand probably isn't much, but when the time comes, sanding and repainting will probably never happen and you know it!).
I also plan to do a lessons learned addition to this thread if anybody is interested hearing me ramble.
Thanks to all of you premium supporters who have helped us noobs with your posts. You make a world of difference to many homebrew enthusiasts.
-Michael Lubovich