ScubaSteve
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- May 21, 2007
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Okay, I realize I can't talk about something and not show pics SO here's some eye candy:
I have also been toying with the idea of making THIS rig for 5-10 gallon batches and run it off of 220v, then making an ultraportable single vessel unit that will do 2.5-4 gal batches on any 110v outlet. :rockin:
(Still reading through the thread) Have you put any more thought into this... Ideally I'd like to make a brew rig that will do 1.5-5 gallon batches off of 110V (possibly/probably off of two 110V on different breakers). My goal would be to optimize recipes by doing variations... so Month A I'd brew four 1.5-2 gallon batches and Month B would brew a 5 gallon batch of whatever "won".
//back to reading
Yep....I'm still working on it. I'm kind of at a shortage for $$$....I have about $200 left for this build, and that ain't much. I'm trying to purchase the right stuff.
You can definitely do what you describe...hell, I've thought about scrapping the whole thing for a smaller unit that I'll use more frequently. 4 gallon batches (you won't be able to brew 5 with 115v unless you use 2 elements)are appealing, especially since I've started fermenting in cornies.
Originally it sounded like you were going to be draining from the bottom, but from recent pictures it looks like you're going for side drainage, as low as possible. Is that correct? Your sketchup models from a page or two ago only show the outside... could you show some sketches of the arrangment inside? I'd like some... err... inspriation
I think I will have two 1500-2000W elements (off two different circuits in my apartment), the drain outlet (probably in the side as low as possible), the temp sensor (no idea where this is going to go) and maybe a sightglass.
This is a basic question... but what are sight glasses used for? Do they have a function other than bling? (Volume measurement?)
On Amazon I found a 44 qt stainless stockpot with steamer basket that I'll probably pick up to mimic your build. $111... haven't pulled the trigger yet though. It's a Bayou Classic style one, I think you mentioned these before. The package description says it's 15x15x19... so at max the diameter of the pot is 15" (probably 14", subtracting for handles, etc) but if it is 15" then the deadspace would be lost at a rate of about 3 qts/inch... If I want to do very small batches, I'd have to minimize this as much as possible. Do you think I could fit everything required at an inch or less?
This might be off topic, but why the switch to fermenting in cornies? I thought about doing it myself so I could pressure transfer into a secondary and then into the final keg, but couldn't really justify it. Are there other advantages?
Other advantages include being able to bleed the yeast into a separate container for an instant starter, and if you want you can make a "spunding valve" and carbonate the beer under controlled pressure in the late stages of fermentation. You can also scrub the cornies without worry of scratching, though I've been soaking in oxyclean lately.
So when you rack it, do you use co2 and run it until yeast quits coming out? Or siphon through the top?
I really like the idea of using cornies. Seems like it would have an advantage over both glass and plastic, not worrying about it breaking if dropped or getting scratches/bacteria. :rockin: And like you said, the cost is about the same, but then you have a much more useful piece of equipment. I think I have seen the light.
Nice job on the build too. I just read it over and you've given me yet another design to consider in planning mine. I'm liking yours quite a bit, seems both space & cost efficient versus a 3 vessel setup. Keep the pics coming!
And you are selling these for how much ???
You'll notice a few different valve configurations, I'm still figuring out how to make it work. DO you guys like the wood stand or the SS one?
Stainless all the way!!! Just think of how easy the cart will be to clean, spray it down with the hose and let it air dry!
P.S. A Plate Chiller from DudaDiesel would get rid of that funny looking copper snake on the bottom tier... ...I'm just sayin...
I've been thinking real hard about this, actually. It would probably clean the build up a bunch. I just can't get over the extra filtration it's going to require, etc. That capsule you see to the right in the above pics is an inline hopback. It could also be a decent filter if I put the right gaskets in there. I guess it'd work.
I'm not SO paranoid about trapped particles, but I'd hate to ruin a good plate chiller. Another big concern I have is properly draining the thing without having to detach it. I guess I'd have to put it upside down on the underside of the table. As it stands, the CFC will pass large particles with ease and will drain pretty completely.
I agree, it does kind of stand out.
You just need a bit of copper somewhere else for visual balance. Bang out a copper lid for the pot or put copper pipe over the handle for the cart. (in your spare time)
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