Portable RIMS project -ideas and help needed.

[southpawbrew]

Great Project. I've been reading through all the RIMS threads collecting ideas for my RIMS hex when I came across your thread. It really fits the scope of the project I wanted to take on. I already have the March Pump toolbox from an earlier DYI so that's a bonus.

Do you have a parts list for your project that you wouldn't mind sending me. I'll send you a PM as well.

Again great project it's really going to help my brew set up.

 

[bendavanza]

I got the PID and RTD probe from Auber Instruments, auberins.com1 x 1/16 DIN PID Temperature Controller (SSR control output) (SYL-2352) =$44.50
1 x Liquid tight RTD sensor, 2” probe, 1/4 NPT Thread (PT100-L50NPT) =$29.95
You may as well get your 40a SSR and heat sink from them as well, or find a cheaper equivalent on ebay, I already had the SSR and I made a heat sink from apple G5 parts. You really don't need much of a heatsink for this small load, mine never gets warm.

The Stainless Tees, barbs, compression fittings, etc. I got from Bargain Fittings. The RIMS tube's stubs are 3/8" OD so I used two 3/8 in OD tube x 1/2 in NPT (pipe thread) adapters and a 1/2 x 1/4 inch reducing bushing for the RTD probe.
http://www.greatbargain.net

The RIMS tube, that may be difficult to source unless freddyb still has some left. It is made by Watlow and I assume he bought them surplus or something. Here is a link to the thread that got my attention https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/35-rims-heater-133208/ I used plumbing strap clamps from home depot and covered them with heat shrink tube to mount it to the wood block. The shrink tube gives it better grip and should prevent from marking up the RIMS heater. Searching by the part # on the element I found this which may help you http://www.midohioresale.com/storepages/tube-heater.htm
The 3/8 OD stubs concerned me but they are short so they don't have too much affect on flow for Mash recirc but when I whirlpool the boil I disconnect the RIMS and use the march pump directly.
I would consider some kind of ventilation for the toolbox, I leave mine cracked open during the mash but I'd prefer some kind of shielded vent.
-Ben

 

[Walker]

This is really cool, but you GOTTA paint that block of wood black or yellow or something!

 

[bendavanza]

I admit the block of wood was a last minute necessity because of the shape of the toolbox. Some black paint would do it some good.

 

[BenS]

This is sweet. It may be my baby step into electric brewing.

 

[bf514921]

very cool, nice project

 

[bendavanza]

This is sweet. It may be my baby step into electric brewing.

It certainly is for me. Now I am re thinking my entire brew rig and where I brew. It gave me a chance to learn about PID's and how all this electrical mumbo jumbo works.

 

[Retrofit]

Do you have a write up of the parts list to make this? I just got my tax return and I'm going RIMS!

 

[bendavanza]

Retrofit:
The closest thing would be post #32 above. March pump, Auber PID, SSR with heatsink and RTD probe. A couple light switches and a weatherproof cover. A toolbox (find one with flatter sides) and you'll need some fittings for the pump and whatever RIMS tube you can find, this one in particular may not be available, I haven't found any more.
-Ben

 

[Retrofit]

Thanks for the reply. I saw that, but some guys include a sheet. Not complaining, just curious if one was available. I like the portability of this system and I'm going to try an emulate it.

 

[Pleepleus]

I have the exact same box with my pump mounted exactly like yours. You're right about the slanted sides, was definitely tricky getting it flush in there.

So, are you heating water to mash temp in your HLT, transferring to mash-tun then just keeping it even with your Heating Element?

 

[bendavanza]

Freddy has more of these tubes for sale for those who were interested:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f16/fs-rims-heater-tubes-201820/

 

[aceuass]

got my tube from freddy (nice to meet you), chugger pump, auber PID, ss relay, heat sink and all the electical switches/outlets, now need the tool box, some more fittings (liking the quick disconnects)-project is under way
Thanks for all the info between this thread and the 100+ others Ive been reading
Cheers
Paul

 

[Fogline]

Thanks for a great thread I just got my heater and rimms from freddy very quick getting the parts to me ,thanks freddy.I went with the chugger pump from USA pumps on ebay,also very fast service I hope to have everything together by this weekend maybe just do a dry run to figure out the temps

 

[berndtr]

Sorry to raise this thread from the dead. Very interested in this project as it'll scale very nicely with my 1 gallon experiments to my 5/10 gallon production batches. Also, I've been thinking about using this idea as a Sous Vide temp controller system for cooking a large quantity of meat for a social gathering. Either way I'll be building one of these in the next year or two. Thanks for the build log!