My version of a dedicated HERMS

[d3track]

So, one of my challenges has been consistency of hitting mash temps - MN swings from summer to winter playing a part - ad wanted to try recirculating my mash.
(Plus, who doesn't enjoy brew DIY projects?)

Since I'm "thrifty" - @Poptarts build really caught my eye and was my inspiration for this build: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=468563

so I built a little bit of a beefed up 120V 20a dedicated HERMS but upped with a PID and used a small cooler with element as the heat exchange.

I tested it, and was pleased with the results. I don't think I will be doing step mashes, but it held tight in temp and did raise the temp quickly within the ranges I will need to correct my temps.

I am re-measuring my hoses so the runs aren't so long, hopefully helping further.

 

[d3track]

And because who doesn't like numbers and graphs? Looks like I will get a change of about 10*F max per 10 minutes. The two temps are the PID controller vs my Therworks DOT thermometer. I was able to get the offset set pretty quickly and then they were pretty smooth throughout.
Here is what happened with testing and auto tuning:

 

[LBussy]

That looks great! It's very encouraging to see people get results like this without having to drop $2K up front before they ever see a wire. Awesome job!

 

[d3track]

That looks great! It's very encouraging to see people get results like this without having to drop $2K up front before they ever see a wire. Awesome job!

Thanks! Yeah, I think all together I dropped about $120 on this, to assemble the HEX and the control panel. Plus, I figure if I ever want to move to a RIMS I'm 3/4 of the way there.

 

[GJOCONNELL]

nice setup....part list with links?

 

[d3track]

nice setup....part list with links?

Sure thing, might take a day but I can get it all together

 

[d3track]

Here we go - forgot about a few things when compiling in my head (GFCI I replaced, JB Weld, thermal paste, silicon sealant, ...) so the grand total comes out to $170 for me

Control Panel
Item Quantity Price Total Link
PID + thermocouple 1 26.99 26.99 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007H5GQUY/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
8x8x4 enclosure 1 22.64 22.64 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...4444980229-c-6424.htm?tid=1355997354364479332
25’ 12/3 Cord 1 24.91 24.91 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IKVL8AC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Heatsink 1 7.25 7.25 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005D6145G/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
40A SSR 1 5.18 5.18 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUBZO7Q/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Terminals 1 4.98 4.98 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008DS266M/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Spade Terminals (surplus store 40 count) 1 4 4 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...439931402-c-6450.htm?tid=-3592048540938502305
20A 120V male plug 1 3.99 3.99 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...427453808-c-9525.htm?tid=-5559972886658116004
20A Outlet 1 2.98 2.98 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...p-commercial-grade-outlet/p-1444451171517.htm
Thermal Paste 1 3.99 3.99 http://www.microcenter.com/product/391499/15g_Metal_Oxide_Thermal_CPU_Paste_Compound
DPST switches (surplus store) 3 0.5 1.5 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E34BCCE/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Connector 1 1.49 1.49 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...t-snap-lock-reg-connector/p-1444430920457.htm
Outlet Plate 1 0.35 0.35 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...-duplex-outlet-wall-plate/p-1444451243638.htm
20A GFCI Outlet 1 11.99 11.99 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...4452547766-c-9526.htm?tid=4954108594422306311
Total 122.24

HEX
Item Quantity Price Total Link
20A 120V male plug 1 3.99 3.99 http://www.menards.com/main/electri...427453808-c-9525.htm?tid=-5559972886658116004
Element 1 9.46 9.46 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IX89Q/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Silicone 1 3.46 3.46 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CBIHF/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
3/8" Copper Tubing 10' 1 7.58 7.58 http://www.homedepot.com/p/3-8-in-OD-x-10-ft-Copper-Soft-Refrigeration-Coil-PCLE-375R010/203654362
Compression Fitting 2 3.09 6.18 http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...442654263-c-9433.htm?tid=-5126063828026650765
2 gallon Cooler 1 12.59 12.59 http://www.target.com/p/igloo-sport-2-gallon-cooler/-/A-15373011#prodSlot=medium_1_58&term=cooler
JB Weld 1 4.17 4.17 http://www.menards.com/main/home-de...4436330817-c-7171.htm?tid=5972124099202105410
Nylon Elbow 1 0.39 0.39 http://www.menards.com/main/plumbin...431631265-c-8553.htm?tid=-5310290158525427428
Total 47.82

GRAND TOTAL 170.06

I already had the pump and hoses and the MLT and fittings for those, which saves a lot.

I do have the spreadsheet (can't figure out how to attach at the moment) if anyone wants it.

 

[poptarts]

totally dig it, nice work.

 

[d3track]

totally dig it, nice work.

thanks

 

[d3track]

Brewed with this and it worked great, and I was able to ramp for mash out surprisingly quickly - 153 to 168 was 11 mins, I wasn't expecting that.

 

[CUrchin]

That is awesome. Currently BIAB, looking for better mash temp control. Thinking something like this may be the answer. Curious, how well did the element seat in the bottom of the cooler, and is the water enough to keep it from melting?

 

[d3track]

That is awesome. Currently BIAB, looking for better mash temp control. Thinking something like this may be the answer. Curious, how well did the element seat in the bottom of the cooler, and is the water enough to keep it from melting?

I used this method and lots of silicone
http://www.wortomatic.com/articles/The-Electric-HLT-(or-how-I-built-a-water-heater-in-a-cooler)

No issues at this point with the plastic melting