SuperiorBrew's DITCHES

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Thanks Budzu that thing is super sexy!!!!

 

[dozer4412]

I just want to be at home working on this... it makes it hard to be at work, do dishes, mow the lawn, etc.

This is so the worst part about having a winter project run long. Spending the past three weekends weeding, raking and doing other outside work needed in the spring has about killed me because all I want to do is work on my system.

I think Rich plans to use it at his store in Slinger sometimes. You will have to stop by when that time comes.

Whenever you do plan to fire this baby up for the first time at the store please let me know. I think I'd make the short drive to see this baby in action.

 

[Bobby_M]

I thought *I* had a stainless problem.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Go big or go home. This thing takes the SS to the extreme. The only non-SS parts are the two pump heads, and the autosparge.

I think the hard plumbing is going to be awesome. I can't wait to use it.

 

[machinelf]

omg, this is an amazing setup. Congrats and thanks for sharing the progress.

 

[jjyoung]

Where do you buy your stainless from. Also, what is that fitting that looks like a clamp? It looks like it's the connection point between the chiller and the pot bulkhead connector.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Considering everything is stainless that is a pretty big question

buyfittingsonline.com
homebrewershardware.com
greatbargain.net
Mcmaster.com
klgstainless.com
MoreBeer.com
Northernbrewer.com
Midwestsupplies.com
local

The fittings are called tri-clover or tri-clamp fittings. They are industry standard for brewing, milk, etc.

 

[jvino]

Any new progress???

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

I have to take some pictures... The pump manifolds are assembled, and the BK burner will go together this weekend. I hope to make some progress Saturday.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Updated!!!

Whoo hoo. Makin' some goo progress again.

The spark cable assemblies look soooo nice. The camera flash kind of screws with the look but the wraps are black and look very nice.

I can't wait to finish up the conduit.

 

[Simphoto02]

I love the pump/valve assemblies. Can you show an image if them plumbed as on brew day? I would LOVE to use a similar set-up on mine so I don't have to switch hoses. I to use the Tri Clamps and love the set-up. LOOKS GREAT!!!!!!!!!

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

I will when they are setup. Next up is finishing the conduit. That should be done by this weekend. Then I need to mount the pumps to the stand.

Then I need to bend a whole bunch of stainless tubing.

I will give updates whenever anything happens.

The first post shows a schematic of how the plumbing works and where the connections go. It should make sense if you watch the animation. If you have any questions, ask away!

 

[wildwest450]

How much just in tri clovers?


.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

A fair shake...

I hope to have the burners firing this weekend :rockin:

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

So I made some calls around town and it is ridiculously expensive to have custom bending done. The only reputable places I could find were asking for thousands of dollars... no thanks.

SuperiorBrew ordered a Swagelok tubing bender and I will be doing the bends myself.

Anyway, here is a layout shot of how I am going to arrange the bends, hard to see how it goes, but thought I would post it up.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Finished up the burner assemblies last night and finally had a chance to flip the switch.... no gas flow.

Damn it.

Oh well, it wouldn't be a one-off if everything went 100% perfect. The gas solenoid valves require 110VAC to operate, and the spark ignition controller only supplies 24VAC. I need to install a 24VAC→120VAC relay.

I found these DIN rail mounted ones from McMaster that should do nicely and not take up any more space in the box. #8262T11

I guess it will be this weekend before I see the real fire power

The sparks work though, and that is awesome to see. I is also nice just to have the panel light up.

:NOTE: I updated the first post with the newest version of the wiring diagram including the SSRs.

 

[bad coffee]

holy-sweet-stainless-jeeebus that thing is nice!

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Firing like the champion it is. I have a fully functional battle station (burner wise). Next up is mounting the pumps and bending the stainless.

Lehr is making some pump shrouds for me and I am really excited to see this thing in action!

 

[jvino]

Any progress?? I noticed that you took your builds out of your sig line. Bummer, I checked in on them every now and then and that made it convenient to do.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Hmmm.... I don't know what happened to my sig line.... I'll look into it thanks.

I have made a lot of progress. I am mounting the pumps this weekend and should have the plumbing done soon. Then it is off to the races.

I am just super busy, I literally haven't wanted to take the time to take pictures. Soon though....

 

[jvino]

I understand the busy thing. Have been trying to start a build for months. Something else always gets in the way.

By the way, how is the swagelok bender working out??

 

[IrregularPulse]

Everyone's sig lines disappeared. I'm sure they'll be back eventually.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

The swagelok bender is unreal. Seriously an impressive tool. Perfect bends and it is really easy to make accurate layouts. One of the more impressive tools I have used. I am using super thin walled stainless too.

 

[klyph]

Man that swagelock looks like the cadillac of tubing benders

I use a bender like this:

Works great on copper, haven't tried it on SS.

 

[jvino]

.020 wall??

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

yep. No kinks, stretches, binding, scars or anything. Perfect bends on the thin stuff. I have even done a 180º bend just to check it out.

 

[jvino]

Sweet!! Sold, I gotta find a bender now.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

ebay. For sure. Don't pay for new. I am sure you could wear it out, but I find it incredibly unlikely. It is all stainless and heavy duty.

 

[dozer4412]

Where did you get your .020 wall tubing? I got some .032 from nybrewsupply and am unhappy with the bends I am getting.

I'm using the following bender by IMPERIAL:

 

[jvino]

Just looked at NYBrewSupply. It seems that they only have .020 listed on their site. If I had to guess the heavier the wall the easier it is to get a nice bend. (from steel experience, not stainless) The thinner material seems to kink in crinkle easier.