Tower of Power in a HERMS Configuration?

[dcbc]

Either way will probably work, and it's only the cost of a t-fitting to try it one way versus the other. But I think the programming of the PID controller in the TOP is done with the idea that it is used to measure the wort after it passes the heat source, be it direct fired RIMS or HERMs.

Best way to find out is to try it.

 

[BrandonS]

In my testing with the RTD on the herms outlet the controller fires on and off too frequently once the setpoint has been reached. I have a 2nd pump in the hlt to avoid temp stratification which makes my temp drop very slow. This makes the unit turn on and off that much more. Without the second pump going the temp drops faster and its less of an issue. I'm curious if any of you had to adjust the offsets a lot to get it working right?

 

[chigundo]

Bumping this to see if anyone has anything new to add. I may go this route vs direct fire with my ToP.

 

[BrandonS]

I've done a few batches now. I had to adjust the sensor offset using an ice bath and it was off quite a bit (13 deg). With that adjustment and using a steady state offset of around 200% I can keep the mash within a degree (lower) from the top display.

I was told by Midwest and blichmann that the frequent cycling was normal. For gas I still think it's screwy, but it holds OK. They also both told me to put a piece of tape over the alarm in the cable storage space which has prevented me from wanting to stab someone while mashing at least.

If I had it to do over again for a gas HERMS set up I think I might pursue other more advanced controllers for less money. I'll post some pictures of the set up eventually.

 

[BeerMaverick]

Hey guys, great minds think alike - I'm also moving onto the setup described in this forum. It seems I'm late to the party and people have had success. This might be useless now, but figured I'd post my conversation with a person at Blichmann:

Hi Mike,
The Tower of Power is advertised as a RIMS system because that is how it was designed to be used and is the easier way we have found to brew. In our experience HERMS is a little more complicated. However, the Tower of Power could be used as a part of a HERMS system if you wanted to do that. There are several different ways it could be incorporated, but since that is not what it was designed for I would not feel comfortable advising you on how to do it and would recommend against it.

Thank you

Quinton

Ticket: https://blichmannengineering.freshdesk.com/helpdesk/tickets/24951

On Wed, 11 May at 9:15 PM , Mike <[email protected]> wrote:
Hello, I'm considering purchasing the TOP, which is advertised as a RIMS system. I'm wondering why it can't be considered as part of a HERMS system as well (which is what I'm considering using it for). I figure the wort can exit the MLT go through the HERMS coil in the HLT (which would have the burner under it) and then through the TOP and back into the MLT. I assume the TOP assumes direct-fired MLT, but isn't what I mentioned above pretty much an equivalent setup? Thank you for your time!

Not very helpful, but figured I'd share. Now that it has been about a year since the last post does anyone have more success stories to motivate me?