Mad_Scientist wrote: ↑

7 years ago

That's the first time I've seen a stainless steel braided hose used for recirculation. What material is the hose made out of?
MS

PistolPatch wrote: ↑

7 years ago

If the hose you are using is the type I'm thinking (flexible gas or water hose found in hardwares or home depots), it is basically a rubber hose protected with stainless steel braid to stop it bursting or being pierced.

In brewing though, that will cause problems as it will definitely taint your wort, probably even on the first brew unfortunately.

Anyway, definitely double-check that

PistolPatch wrote: ↑

7 years ago

Great first post on the board JP

I even watched the video, something I never do! Nice job!

Is that an app you made yourself? I don't know much about apps but it looked very clean and neat

I'm not sure that BeerXML recipes will live up to such an app as there are several major flaws in the logic and terminology of recipes published as BeerXML's but you'll discover those with a bit of reading here.

If you are into automation, you must also be super-vigilant with your cleanliness and sanitisation as the "moving" parts are not as easy to keep pristine as we'd think. In fact, it's much harder for an automated home brewer to keep things sanitised than it is for a commercial brewery because the commercial brewery is always flowing so there is no time for things to become stagnant.

Also, if you are in your early days of all-graining, keep a close eye on things even though things are automated. There are problems that can occur that you wouldn't anticipate such as hot and cold spots and "channeling." So poke a thermometer in various parts of the mash during the mash. And take measurements of volume and gravity pre-boil and post-boil as these will help identify if you have any problems or are on track.

I might have this next bit wrong but I'll have a crack

Vive le brassage!

Scott wrote: ↑

7 years ago

Hi JP,

That looks like a lot of work... I applaud your efforts.

What was your EIB number (Efficiency Into Boil), and your wort OG? I take a more basic approach where the mash gets agitated with a potato masher a few times throughout the mashing process. Did not want to have a pump and additional hoses to set up and clean. For your additional labor, hope you can get at least a couple points higher efficiency numbers... You may, and you may not.

Thanks for sharing. You must be involved in automation for your career. The system looks like you put a lot of thought and effort into it, so again...I applaud your efforts.