Single tiered brew sculpture

[liquidlunch]

I have finally built a single tiered all grain brewing system. It will still be a work in progress. Any advise or comments in how to make it better I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[outside92129]

1. camlocks, especially with a single pump setup, you'll be thankful for them later!
   
2. How accurate is the thermometer on the HLT? I had too much variation on the dial units and went to using a thermapen (they have open box discounts every once in a while).
   
3. Cut vent holes in the bottom (sides & rear, not the front) of the keggles to increase efficiency and lower heating times:
4. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f14/kab4-stand-modificaation-251497/
   
5. The HLT has a hole in the skirt right in the front. You should weld it up to prevent hot gasses from coming toward you and the valve.
   
6. wheels!
   
7. if you go CFC or plate, i found it handy to mount the chiller inside the frame for protection and ease of use.
   
8. some sort of measuring device for the HLT, possibly the BK. Nothing fancy needed, i just welded in a piece of steel diagonally with gallon markings. Easier to see than marking the side of the keggle.

 

[liquidlunch]

Thank you for the info. I have wheels going on soon. The therms I have found to be accurate but I do use a digital as well to double check strike water. That's interesting about the holes in the bottom. Will try that for sure. And I definitely need a site glass. Not sure how I'm going to do that yet. I saw some good tutorials on YouTube I may go with. Also do u think I should invest in a second pump?

 

[Mike_kever_kombi]

The biggest problem I see with this set up is the can of miller lite

 

[liquidlunch]

The biggest problem I see with this set up is the can of miller lite

Hahaha I knew someone would say that. Too funny. As you can tell I have not been brewing because of this project. (It's the wife's)

 

[liquidlunch]

I'm also having problems priming the pump. I'm sure it's operator error. I'm using water as a dry run so I don't screw up my first batch.

 

[PJM]

Most people have better luck with the pump head adjusted vertically with the "in" port on the bottom and the "out" port on the top. You should also shorten the hoses.

 

[liquidlunch]

Most people have better luck with the pump head adjusted vertically with the "in" port on the bottom and the "out" port on the top. You should also shorten the hoses.

Wouldn't the in port be on the top to allow liquid to run down into the pump?

 

[PJM]

No. As long as the pump is below the vessel the liquid will come up through the pump head. I believe that allowing it to come up from the bottom theoretically pushes more (hopefully all) air out of the head.

 

[liquidlunch]

Thanks I got it running now.

 

[liquidlunch]

Maiden voyage!