Single Tier, 3 Pump, BCS-462, Automated Rig

[JonW]

New dimensional drawing updated - this should be more readable.

 

[JonW]

I've now added a custom BCS control screen to the system!
Discussion here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/hacking-bcs-add-customized-web-pages-done-209388/

 

[RonRock]

WOW that's cool. Nice job.

 

[Layne]

Holy Cow, thats cool!

 

[Boudy]

Level Trigger -
http://www.stedham.com/C1A18.htm
http://www.stedham.com/sightglass.htm

Here's a capacitive sensor that fits your sight glass and could be used to measure a target level for $100 per tank.

Boudy

 

[BayerischBier]

this is what I would call BrewRigP#rn.....

 

[JonW]

I'm also working on some alternate screen layouts. I'm trying to create an optimized layout for using on a widescreen computer or laptop so that all controls can stay in view.

 

[IPAAAA]

That is just too sick! Great stuff.

 

[NewBrewB]

I have to *subscribe* to this because I want one. This rocks.

 

[limulus]

Wow, very nice build. Yours and ScubaSteve's are my two favorites of the current build threads. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/single-vessel-all-electric-ns-nc-brewery-158608/

 

[ScubaSteve]

Awww shucks

 

[klyph]

Could you post some detail pics of the insides of the kettles? Thanks.

 

[JonW]

Could you post some detail pics of the insides of the kettles? Thanks.

Sure, I'll try to remember to do it this weekend, but nothing real special in there.

The BK has the Blichmann kettle screen (not the newer hop blocker) at the bottom and a dangling hose on a QD at the top. The hose coils and extends to the bottom so there is no aeration when filling or recirculating the wort.

The MLT has the Blichmann false bottom w/ a similar dangling hose on a QD at the top. The hose lays coiled on top of the grain bed.

The HLT has a pickup tube at the bottom and because I didn't want to drill another hole in the top, it has a U shaped contraption hanging over the side for the recirc return. The inside leg of the U has a SS straight pipe that extends to the bottom. I'm contemplating what I'm going to do to change this though as the return really puts the hot water back near the outlet valve, so I'm sure there is still some temperature stratification going on.

 

[flyerwire]

nice, this is my winter project so interested in seeing all the info about yours

 

[Sarrsipius]

What size stainless pipe are you using and what type of fittings do you have for connections on the stainless plumbing?

 

[JonW]

What size stainless pipe are you using and what type of fittings do you have for connections on the stainless plumbing?

It's pretty standard stuff. 1/2" SS pipe with Swagelok compression fittings. I picked the pieces up on Ebay.

 

[1fastsedan]

Wow Jon, you weren't kidding when you said you were stepping it up. Looks great!

 

[Clubbinaz]

Hey, where did you pick up those handy solenoid ball valves for the liquid transfers?

 

[JonW]

Wow Jon, you weren't kidding when you said you were stepping it up. Looks great!

Good to see you here Adam. I've learned a TON from the folks here.

 

[JonW]

Hey, where did you pick up those handy solenoid ball valves for the liquid transfers?

FYI - Solenoid valves are different than ball valves. I have solenoid valves on the NG burners, but SS ball valves on the liquid stuff.

http://www.electric-valve.com/ I ordered direct from China. Shipping costs is a killer, but if you get a few people together to order a quantity of them, it makes it worth it.

 

[curlyfat]

Wow. I had no idea how "simple" my new set up is. I have brewrig envy.

 

[woodstone]

VERY clean. Great job. :rockin:

 

[AussieBrewerInColorado]

wow

 

[JonW]

Here's a little update.
Changes include:
- Replaced HLT kettle with another Blichmann 20G w/ false bottom (this cuts time during double brew days as I swap the HLT/MLT kettles).
- Replaced all McMaster QD's with MoreBeer Stainless QD's.
- Moved my gas controls from the rear of the stand to the front.

 

[klyph]

Whoever is inheriting your old stuff is getting some nice equipment. Your new stuff is beyond deluxe. How did you attach the returns at the top? Welded?

 

[chapa]

Beer Porn!!! God d**n that is sexy!!

 

[JonW]

Whoever is inheriting your old stuff is getting some nice equipment. Your new stuff is beyond deluxe. How did you attach the returns at the top? Welded?

The returns are weldless fittings. The 3 piece valve attaches to a 45 degree elbow which mates to a male SS QD on the inside of the kettles. The QD makes all 3 kettles swappable as I can either attach my long SS whirlpool dip tube for the boil kettle or attach an elbow with silicone tubing for the MLT and HLT. I'll try to get a clearer picture of it.

The 45 degree elbow brings the top return valve out to about the same (front facing) distance as the bottom valve. This gives the added benefit of holding the tubing about 4 inches away from the stand so that it is not directly affected by the burner heat.

 

[klyph]

I love the symmetry of it all. If it works as good as it looks, you'll be making some damn fine beer.

 

[JonW]

I love the symmetry of it all. If it works as good as it looks, you'll be making some damn fine beer.

Thanks. Yeah, the simplicity and symmetry were design goals. I just hate confusing layouts and plumbing running everywhere. My first rig had too many valves and I had to think out each step as I (manually) opened and closed valves.

In the first 6 weeks of 2011, I brewed 50 gallons on it (1 single brew day and 2 double brew days).

The only additional mod I'm currently thinking about is to possibly add some type of tippy dump for the MLT.

 

[eeebigeee]

love the stand and layout! using some of your ideas and adjustments in my stand.

which valves did you use from valves4projects? also, which valves are you using on the gas/pilots (the yellow ones).

Thanks!