New Brewery Build

[akthor]

Umm like WOW! I have no idea what any of that does but it sure looks complicated and like a lot of work and thought went into it. Very impressive.

 

[Ryan_PA]

Okay, after looking at pictures and not reading much, I only have one question. How will you get the spent grain out? Is there plans for a pneumatic grain launcher in the works?

 

[chrislehr]

Amazing build - subscribing!

 

[Simphoto02]

What kind of difficulty did you have with the temperature sensors?, I am looking at an ARM based automation platform with the 1 wire sensors.

I just knew Kevin would chime in with some advice. Kevin ROCKS!!!!!!

 

[rabeb25]

Actually using the 1 wire probes now. I had a surge or something that killed 4 out of 8 temp probes, and 1 pressure sensor, and possibly the control board. So now I have all new stuff and still having issues.. so yea!

 

[Simphoto02]

Actually using the 1 wire probes now. I had a surge or something that killed 4 out of 8 temp probes, and 1 pressure sensor, and possibly the control board. So now I have all new stuff and still having issues.. so yea!

Kind of makes ya want to fire up the old turkey fryer on the driveway doesn't it? Kevin helped me through my Brutus build. Great guy, Great knowledge.

 

[rabeb25]

Well, I am brewing my first beer today... 10 gal of Harvest ale, using my homegrown hops(centennial and cascade).
Here are some update Shots:

Here is the the system at the the beginning of the mash.

Its still not even being close to done but at least its operational right now

Bryan

 

[Baja_Brewer]

Man that thing looks GREAT!! So much shiny stainless! What is your current level of automation?

 

[rabeb25]

Right now I add the grain, and the brewery can do everything on its own from there until I have to add hops. After the hops are added it goes back in Auto pilot, until I have to open the ball valve to fill the fermenter.

 

[mattd2]

Right now I add the grain, and the brewery can do everything on its own from there until I have to add hops. After the hops are added it goes back in Auto pilot, until I have to open the ball valve to fill the fermenter.

So when are you planning on automating the grain and hops additions
Hops additions would be pretty cool to get done.

 

[Baja_Brewer]

Right now I add the grain, and the brewery can do everything on its own from there until I have to add hops. After the hops are added it goes back in Auto pilot, until I have to open the ball valve to fill the fermenter.

That is awesome!! Pardon my ignorance to your build, I glanced back but it didnt stand out to me: is this a Brutus 20 (no sparge?) or are you doing flash hot water for strike/sparge? That thing is really amazing, thats what I hope to make someday...when I grow up and get a job and all that fun stuff.

So when are you planning on automating the grain and hops additions
Hops additions would be pretty cool to get done.

Like this? Same guy, different forums:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/automatic-pellet-hop-dropper-128139/

http://www.brewtroller.com/forum/showthread.php?t=663

 

[rabeb25]

Thanks Guys!

Scored some SS sheet for free today from a friend, so I put it to use and made a "valve" cover:

I also got my beer poster up with all the quick little things you need on brewday:

Finally an overall of the brewery today 2/3/11:

Bryan

 

[rustbucket]

what is that poster, and where did you get it! i want one!

 

[rabeb25]

Its right here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/home-brewers-formulary-poster-73474/

 

[tomije87]

Well, this gets my vote for the cleanest/sleekest looking brewery out there.

 

[COLLINH]

That is probably the coolest thing I have ever seen. Props on the ground up build. I wouldn't even know where to start on one of the components... let alone the whole build. That looks like a profesional job from start to finish. I am beyond impressed.

 

[TheAleMaster]

Hey rabeb25 - I came across a post of yours over on the ECC forum for your BCS-460 programming on your strike/sparge and boil processes, but the pictures do not show anymore. I was curious if you still had them?

 

[kappclark]

Looks great ..

Question - how do you clean up the pots after brewing, and is there a floor drain ?

 

[stokems]

1- you obviously do well for yourself.
2- that is one awesome brewery.
3- jealousy is just the tip of the iceberg.
Bravo, well done.

 

[iparks81]

I see you've got a motor on top of one of the tuns...is that to stir the mash?...and if so what type of motor is it? Ive been looking to motorize a stir arm on my mash tun, but dont know where to find a proper motor for it.
thanks

 

[Rivenin]

Do you keep any bulk grain on hand? i'd love to see what that looks liek as well great job on the brewery! i'm a lil jealous

 

[StMarcos]

I like how everything is simple and basic. k.i.s.s. Can't wait 'till you open the secret door to the 'stillery/barrel room! Very nice job and attention to detail.

 

[rabeb25]

Thanks guys!

I am just a normal guy who likes to tinker and bargain.


Bulk malt... not too much

 

[rabeb25]

Hey rabeb25 - I came across a post of yours over on the ECC forum for your BCS-460 programming on your strike/sparge and boil processes, but the pictures do not show anymore. I was curious if you still had them?

No, sorry I don't.

 

[rabeb25]

Looks great ..

Question - how do you clean up the pots after brewing, and is there a floor drain ?

I use a CIP cycle and suck all the water out with a shop vac. Yes there is a floor drain behind the doors.

 

[rabeb25]

I see you've got a motor on top of one of the tuns...is that to stir the mash?...and if so what type of motor is it? Ive been looking to motorize a stir arm on my mash tun, but dont know where to find a proper motor for it.
thanks

Nope, its a motor to stir the HLT water.

 

[iparks81]

Nope, its a motor to stir the HLT water.

Ah thanks!

 

[eccsynd]

Bulk malt... not too much

Wow, that is some serious grain. Your stocks would make many LHBS's jealous.

 

[rabeb25]

Well I have been getting pestered to upload some videos to youtube on how this thing works.. so here it is.. super corny and all!
Part 1


Part 2

 

[PuckeredPenguin]

Rabeb, I've been flowing this build from the start and I was excited to see this thing in action! WOW talk about High speed! Well done sir well done!