Planning hoses and disconnects

[swanwick]

I have been adding a RIMS tube to my 3-tier gravity system which means including a pump. Due to the increased pressure I want to make sure I have solid clamping. Don't want to have to remove all the clamps everytime so I switched over to quick disconnects.

I looked around and quickly determined that http://brewhardware.com was the way to go. Bobby is a regular contributor on HBT, he is innovative, and he provides good pricing. Plus he provides a one stop-shop for all the plumbing items needed for a build like this.

But, it is still very confusing to plan out what disconnects you need where. Bobby has a great page that describes them all, but even with that it took me a while to get my head around it.

I created this sheet. I hope it is helpful to folks. Please make a copy and then modify it to match your system. For those not familiar with Google Docs, above the doc go to "File" and pull down to "Make a Copy"

Thanks to everyone who has helped me out along the way. I hope this helps someone else on their journey to full blown brewing addiction.

 

[mjdonnelly68]

What does it say about me that even your spreadsheet is too complicated for me to understand?

Just placed an order for a bunch of cam locks from Bobby this weekend, and another last night for the cam locks I screwed up. Anticipate another couple of trips to the Brewhardware store before this project is finished.

 

[swanwick]

What does it say about me that even your spreadsheet is too complicated for me to understand?

Yeah, makes much more sense to the creator. Here are some instructions

1. List out the items that you are going to be connecting with your disconnects (top set of rows)
2. List out the hoses that you are going to be using to connect all your vessels (bottom set of rows)
3. For each vessel, put the number of each type of connector you are going to need in the appropriate column
4. For the hoses, use the connectors that you are going to need on each side of the hose.
5. Use columns B and C as a way to help you keep track of each end of each hose separately
6. Check out the totals at the bottom and buy those items.
7. As the items arrive indicate what you have purchased in the green shaded row near the bottom.
8. Use the bottom row to determine what else you need. As you change your configuration around, it will auto calculate what else you need.

Just placed an order for a bunch of cam locks from Bobby this weekend, and another last night for the cam locks I screwed up. Anticipate another couple of trips to the Brewhardware store before this project is finished.

I emailed the sheet to Bobby. I am sure it could be made a lot better. But, I think it would save him and his customers a lot of time if he provided a tool which helped people get the orders right in less tries. The multiple shipping charges bummed me out a bit.

 

[Bobby_M]

I think it's hard to make a system configuration tool just based on how many different ways people think. I guess I've worked with spreadsheets before also, but a lot of times I need to put pencil to paper and draw out what I need to connect and start sketching connections. I can appreciate what the spreadsheet has done for you and your process.

One way to simplify an explanation is to first start by making sure every single port that you need to connect to has either a Cam A or F on it. If it's directly after a valve, it will be an F. If it's a male NPT thread, it needs an A.

Now, move on to the hoses... simple. They need either a BL or Big C on the ends.

Now you have everything you need to connect anything to anything.

I know, every time you think you have it figured out (especially if you say the word "simple"), you realize you forgot something. Well played.

 

[ianw58]

...but a lot of times I need to put pencil to paper and draw out what I need to connect and start sketching connections. I

... every single port that you need to connect to has either a Cam A or F on it. If it's directly after a valve, it will be an F. If it's a male NPT thread, it needs an A.

...the hoses...need either a BL or Big C on the ends.

That's how my brain works, too, Bobby. Simple sketch of everything that needs to connect to everything else. Cam A or Cam F. Hoses Big C on one end, Big L on the other.

BTW, Bobby, thanks for the tip on lobbing the new cams with Keg
Lube nd using a little pressure! It made it much easier to operate the locks and "break in" the silicon speaks.