btw/fwiw, I just noticed the pump orientation on that rig (the blingy controller distracted me and if past is prologue I think they might be a headache waiting to happen - especially the pump on the right...
Cheers!
Cheers!
[...]Re: pump position, why will it be a headache? The pumps are attatched with u-bolts, so it would be easy to move them. I'd rather move them now, before I cut the silicone tubing to length. Any other pointers are welcome - there's a wealth of knowledge on this thread.[...]
It took forever, but she finally had her inaugural batch yesterday. Many small problems led to a very long brew day. They'll all get sorted out by the next batch.
View attachment 34533
2.5 years later #15 batches and still brewing (yes my bk is upside down at the moment) (Thanks SWAGMAN)
BryngelBrau said:I was going to go with manual ball valves but then I saw JonW's build thread I changed my plans.
^^^^^^^
YOU WIN!!!!
-=Jason=-
^^^^^^^
YOU WIN!!!!
-=Jason=-
Nearly complete and semi-automated. My TopTier controlled by a BCS-460 with expansion board. It has three standing pilot honeywell furnace valves, three march pumps and and 6 electronic ball valves and a touch screen for the hell of it. The BN got me started designing the project about 2 years ago originally was thinking of something similar to a brutus-10 started reading the DIY forum and there has been a ton of inspiration from posts here. I was going to go with manual ball valves but then I saw JonW's build thread I changed my plans.
I thought I was the only one that JonW's build made me change my plans. Damn motorized ball valves cost me a fortune.
Thanks for all of the comments, certainly wasn't going for-the-win but just wanted to share what was inspired by this place. I was brewing for the last 10 years with a very simple gravity system with HLT bucket and a MT cooler at 5 gal which made great beer. Got sick of lifting all that hot liquid. The new setup probably wont make any better beer but it will sure be easier to make a lot more of it. The dedicated space and being inside is probably going to be one of the biggest things that makes it easier to brew.
I think you'll be surprised at how much better beer you can brew when you have complete control over your process. The BCS will really take a lot of variability out of your brewing and will allow you to brew much more consistent batches. I went from a gravity set up like you describe to a BCS controlled "Brutus" style system and not only did it shorten my brew time, but my beers have become better.
JonW said:I totally agree with this. Automating my system has shortened my brew day and works very well to keep me focused to the task at hand. I put a hardware beeper alarm on my BCS system and I program it to activate for each step that needs my intervention like mash in, fly sparge start (just to adjust flow rates) and all my hop additions. I get distracted easy and I can continue doing other things and jump right back to the brew when necessary.
HollisBrewCo said:this is my rig check out a full write up on my whole brewery here http://hollisbrewco.blogspot.com/2011/09/brewery-tour.html
They must be getting lost in the mail I will email Johnny boy.I bet blichmann sends you a christmas card every year, if they don't they should.
Just doing a test run on it now. If all goes well I'll be making a batch of Ed Worts haus pale ale tomorrow morning.
CanadianQuaffer said:Hey SaltyHog...those red burners you have in your set-up...did you get those at Home Hardware?
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