New Rig and Process Review

[hopsicle]

So I've built a 3 kettle RIMS system with a controller. I've set up my process as follows:

Heat HLT to XXX
Transfer from HLT to MLT
Recirculate MLT for XX:XX and Heat HLT to XXX
Recirculate and Raise temp in MLT to XXX for XX:XX
Transfer from MLT to BK
Transfer from HLT to MLT
Recirculate MLT for XX:XX and Heat BK to XXX
Transfer from MLT to BK and Heat BK to XXX
Boil BK for XX:XX
Transfer through plate chiller to fermenter

If a process is on the same line and joined by "and", that means it happens concurrently. Otherwise, the process will complete before the next can begin.

The way the manifolds and pumps are currently set up, I have to drain MLT completely before I can add hot water from the HLT as they share a pump. Is this a problem? Particularly on the sparge?

I have it set up to recirculate the sparge since I drained the MLT prior to sparge. Is this a problem? How long to sparge if recirculating?

I don't see any issues but just want some additional eyes to take a gander.

Thanks.

And if this is in the wrong area, please move.

 

[acidrain]

I brew with one pump, almost exactly as you do.
The only comment I can make is that there is no reason to recirculate your sparge other than to mix it with the grain, and I find that mixing by hand, either power drill or with a paddle is better at mixing than just recirculating.
Once it's mixed thoroughly, vorlauf and transfer to BK.
No need to mix for a timed interval, and actually, no reason to even heat the sparge.

 

[oujens]

If recirculating, can you do full volume mash? Not sure I see a need for a sparge.