BIAB Automation

1. Documenting my Single Vessel Automated Brewing System

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   First post by jhwerner1, 12 years ago

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   Don’t know for sure were to post this within the Forum structure, however since my SVABS is (If I'm using the wrong section of the Forum, maybe a Mod will move it to where it belongs.)
   
   In my Intro I said would post photos, but I’m going to start with a .pdf of the sketch of my system with some dimensions and sizes. Hopefully this will help make the photos a little more understandable as I post them.
   
   On the Sketch of the system I indicate that I’m using a Liquor tank, this is where I will...

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   OMG,
   
   I have seen a LOT of builds, maybe into the hundreds, as I have been looking at them for at least 7 years. Butbthis os one of the best I have seen.
   
   The build quality is beyond professional, it is a work of art. The notes, the pictures the pacing and description are PERFECT.
   
   A really REALLY great post.
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   Last post by Yettiman
   7 years ago
2. SmartPID - smart temperature&process controller

   11 Replies 27831 Views

   First post by arzaman, 9 years ago

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   Dear Homebrewing friends i start this thread in order to introduce SmartPID most andanced temperature and porcess controller for consumer market. In few words SmartPID Controller is a professionally engineered Hi-tech product for temperature and process control having lots of functions and features, which are not present in other or normal 'Thermostats'
   
   Before entering technical details few words about the “philosophy” and idea behind the project
   
   When I start designing the SmatPID I try to...

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   Long time since last post and lot of things happens !
   Many homebrewers adopted SmartPID controller and I got lot of feedback that allow me to enhance and improve either HW and SW
   Before summer break (at least in north hemisphere it’s summer time !) just few update on the project
   
   Still working on the improvement of the overall quality of the engineering of smartPID and from next batch I'm happy to announce that the front panel has been replaced with a new one.
   Not just a graphical and...
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   Last post by arzaman
   9 years ago
3. eBrewery : fully automated BIAB system Android controled

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   First post by freedom2000, 9 years ago

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   Hi all,
   Here is my first post on this great forum.
   
   I have designed, for my son, a BIAB system.
   
   eBrewery.jpg
   
   It's composed of :
   - one 70 liters stainless steel kettle
   - a 12V recirculating pump
   - a 4500W electric heater, controled via a 40A Solid State Relay
   - a temperature probe
   - all this controled with a custom ESP8266 wifi board
   - and an android application ;)
   
   ESP8266 handles all the sensors and controls the PID temperature regulation
   Android App does all the glue and GUI
   
   - import...

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   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...
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   Last post by freedom2000
   9 years ago
4. Automated Single Vessel Brewing System revisited

   6 Replies 15583 Views

   First post by jhwerner1, 9 years ago

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   A few months ago, I was asked to post photos of my revisions to my Automated Single Vessel Brewing System (A-SVBS). Photos and info system was first documented here three years ago, link to that post.
   
   Some of the readers of this post will be asking, Why, build a BIAB system like the one documented here? Good question, since BIAB brewing concepts as I understand them, to simplify the brewing process, simplify the equipment required, lower equipment cost and consistently brew excellent beer....

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   No sight glass?  How on earth do you know your volumes? :lol:
   
   I am very impressed with your brew day history, competition entries, etc.
   Hi MS,
   At the present time I'm using a plastic spoon with markings every 1/2 to equal the volume in gallons. 
   
   I'm building a Sight Glass, hope to have installed on system very soon. Slight Glass will actually mount on wall behind SVBS with tube between BK and SG. On the SG will be 2  Capacitive Proximity Sensors mounted to the glass tube with the ability...
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   Last post by jhwerner1
   9 years ago
5. Single vessel electric system - Braumeister clone

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   First post by arzaman, 14 years ago

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   Hi
   
   I’m an Italian homebrewer and I have started some moths ago a project in order to build a single vessel electric heated brewing system ..something similar to the well known Speidel Braumeister . The main driver behind this project was to build an “all in one” system very compact, light, easy to use, easy to clean system that implements the BIAB process and brewing philosophy
   
   Now I’m completing last construction details and I’m near to close the “make” phase and start testing the system. In...

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   Perfect :)
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   Last post by Yettiman
   9 years ago
6. Electrim mashing bin and BIAB?

   16 Replies 32373 Views

   First post by djseaton, 13 years ago

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   I purchased a Electrim mashing bin/boiler last year with the intention of doing All Grain brewing.
   
   Does any one use one of these for BIAB?
   And maybe have a step by step instructions on how they brew with it?
   
   If so what sort of bag do you use?
   what do you use to cover the element so it does not burn the grain?
   What temp does each setting reach on there thermostat
   
   Pics would help if possible

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   Thanks Mally !
   
   I've measured my evaporation and KFL across 4 brews so am reasonably happy with those numbers.
   
   section G hop sock must have been a typo - I'll double check.
   
   I will also use Irish ale yeast.
   
   I'll have a play with the sparge v dilution and see what I come up with. One of the other members Pistol Patch has given me some pointers on dilution pre boil in his volume thread. I'll go back and reread everything to be sure.
   
   Much appreciate the time you e taken to respond. Thanks a...
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   Last post by JayP
   9 years ago
7. Dual mode E-Biab control panel build!

   6 Replies 17966 Views

   First post by blitz, 10 years ago

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   Hi Guys,
   first sorry for my english, i'll try to write at my best :roll: .
   
   After one year messing on it, finally finished the brewery control panel, it will work on 26 gallon/100 liters (14g/52l of final product) Electric Biab setup with automatic stirrer. Panel is dual purpose, most exciting characteristic, auto and manual mode.
   
   It works automagically via Raspberry Pi, loaded with Strangebrew Elsinore software (open source project, really nice one, simple and effective, lots of options). it...

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   I can't see the wings or the tailplane?
   
   Hold on... I thought I had stumbled upon an aeronautical engineer's forum :lol:.
   
   I'll reply more in your other thread :peace:.
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   Last post by PistolPatch
   10 years ago
8. Automated eBIAB System

   24 Replies 40908 Views

   First post by Aries, 13 years ago

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   So i had some time to build the cage to hold the bag at the egdes of the kettle:
   cage_for_bag.jpg
   
   Here the inside with the motorized stirrer:
   motorized_stirrer_insidekettle.jpg
   
   motor_stirrer_view.jpg
   
   Control is based on USB via my small Netbook. Not yet tested with the BIAB, but well as a 3-tier system some time ago.
   
   Cant wait to test it next weekend :peace:
   
   edit: Should remove the corroded screw :headhit:

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   Sometimes i think, how easy it could be, if i were just happy with the normal BIAB system... :blush:
   
   You'll get back to there eventually, trust me.
   
   ---Todd
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   Last post by thughes
   11 years ago
9. Braumeister

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   First post by Lylo, 13 years ago

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   Will I be horribly shunned if I go the Braumeister route?
   I believe it was what got this whole BIAB thing started wasn't it Pat?
   I have always struggled with mash temps, thermometers and subzero ambient temps,and decided that I could afford the system and I like the control offered by it.
   In the years to come it would make brewing a much easier option for me.I can see no hindrance to my association here and will probably still break out the bag and burner in the summer or if I should happen...

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   Yessir.. that's where I saw it. Thanks.
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   Last post by HbgBill
   11 years ago
10. Simple wiring diagram of a 2 circuit rotor selector

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    First post by kmmacker, 11 years ago

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    Hi all
    My build is starting to take shape. I have an electrical housing box coming with an SCT-1000 and I have also ordered a 2 circuit rotor selector that I want to switch from mashing with the SCT and potentially a recirculating pump, then over to a full boil directly connected to the two heating elements...my pot is 72ltr. I hope to have everything plugged into a double outlet at the rear of the electrical housing and wanted to simply turn the switch so the full boil mode takes over from the...

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    Should listen to my peers....panel worked well but was only 10amps....needless to say as it approached boil it frazzled.....new (more expensive) switch on its way! (Only a practice run with water thank goodness)
    
    It was all linked up and working as I hoped as far as wiring goes, so not an entirely lost cause! Even fashioned a brilliant mounting system with indicator lights, labels and also attached a separate timer to it....a real thing of beauty!....and totally unesseccary, but hey!
    
    I should...
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    Last post by kmmacker
    11 years ago
11. An article about my simple BrewPi Spark control-box project

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    First post by rvoith, 11 years ago

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    For those who are interested I have completed an article on my blog Bobs Bittelille Bryggeri (= Bobs SuperSmall Brewery ). It is in Norwegian, but has some photos for illustration. Since a picture tells more than 1000 words (:-)), I hope that there might be something of interest for non-Norwegians too. You find the article here:
    
    If you run it through Google Translate, you might even get an idea of what it says :-) Note that Paint basket is Mesh basket :-)

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    thughes - Thanks for your thoughts. I agree that it would be (much) better to have the heatsink outside. joshua - thanks for your links! The control box look fantastic! By the way - for monitoring purposes and security, I do have a temperature sensor inside the box. I was very uncertain about the what amount of heat the Raspberry Pi and/or SSRs would generate. So far it is stable on the 27 degrees Celcius with the load of an ordinary oven.
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    Last post by rvoith
    11 years ago
12. Documenting my build

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    First post by thughes, 14 years ago

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    Building a single vessel electric BIAB rig. Finished the e-kettle (except for installing the temp probe). Next up is building the control box, then fabricating some type of stand to put it all on.
    
    The kettle is a 62 qt aluminum from Bayou Classic with the steamer basket. I installed 2 weldless bulkhead fittings, one for the drain valve and one for the sight glass (the temp probe will be installed in the sight glass tee). The rig is fired with a 5500w/240v heater element (installed ala Kal's...

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    Thanks joshua, good to see you're still hanging around here too.
    
    ---Todd
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    Last post by thughes
    11 years ago
13. Test run with home made Brew controller (Braumeister clone?)

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    First post by Tytonegro, 11 years ago

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    Hello to all,
    
    I love brewing and electronics, but most of all I like things to be good and simple :thumbs:
    
    Currently I'm using a small Biab setup to do my brewings. Recently I've done some brews that required multi-step mashing (I made a very good Duvel-like Belgium strong ale!).
    Since I have a temperature controller, I could do this, but of course I needed to lift the bag to prevent burning or scorching the bag or grain on the bottom of my pan.
    
    So I started thinking and designing an...

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    Thanks Pat, no problems here, I already had version K some time. Will have another look at version T
    
    I will definitely come back on the issue.... Heared the interviews with James Spencer as well....
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    Last post by Tytonegro
    11 years ago
14. RIMS BIAB with Stand and Pulley Build.

    12 Replies 24663 Views

    First post by rumdrinka, 11 years ago

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    Hi brewers thought I'd show you guys my biab stand I've been building. ready for a test run tomorow too see how it all runs. I still have a rims tube and control panel to mount just waiting on parts to arrive. Whilst I wait on these I'm making a stainless basket to replace my old grain bag.

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    Hi onkeltuka feel free to harass me all you want lol
    Did my first brew through it yesterday all went well except for the recirc of mash I milled grain for biab which was too fine I suspect as I had to stir grain from bottom to get it too drain properly. So I'm goin too have to open up my mill a bit on the next batch also goin to add more slits in bottom of basket to eliminate this problem hopefully. I ended up with 74% effeciency I didn't account for wort left in rims tube and hose in losses. I...
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    Last post by Mad_Scientist
    11 years ago
15. Automated multi step BIAB

    10 Replies 23206 Views

    First post by aamcle, 13 years ago

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    Morning All.
    
    The system a Burco tea urn/water boiler with a mesh bottom to keep the bag away from the element.
    
    I've been trying to think of a way to do multi step mashes like the Braumister , my problem is getting decent temperature values.
    
    The only ways I can think of are stirring or recirculating to reduce temperature gradients and generally move some heat about.
    
    I have enough stainless mesh that I could use some to 'line the bag' and stop it getting caught in a stirrer paddle so mixing...

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    Hi.
    
    Well the brew worked, I achieved my temperatures But it's messy and messy is very bad for my ears.
    
    So I'm now part way through a Brutus 20 build neat and easy to clean :-) like biab it's a full volume no sparge setup in effect biab with the grain moved to a second vessel.
    
    Atb. Aamcle
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    Last post by aamcle
    12 years ago
16. Braumeister

    3 Replies 13031 Views

    First post by Homemade, 13 years ago

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    I thought I'd start a Braumeister thread as it seems there are quite a few units out there and they are very similar to a BIAB operation.
    
    These are comments from my first use of mine and some from a fellow user.
    
    After a comment by madscientist in his feedback on my recipe, I rang my supplier of the Braumeister to check on full volume mashing ala BIAB. They said a full volume mash was fine to do and the guy I spoke to has a 20L version and that's what he does. So we went full volume and didnt...

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    Good idea Todd not sure why I didn't do that especially as they have the same thread title :lol:
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    Last post by Homemade
    13 years ago
17. New Low Cost Completely Automatic Electric BIAB System

    5 Replies 22582 Views

    First post by flyingpole, 13 years ago

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    I posted in the New Member Area that I have developed an Automatic Electric BIAB system that I'm working on making available to others. It is much less expensive than other commercialized options and easier to clean. Start to finish including cleanup in 4 hours for a 1 hour mash and 1 hour boil batch. It uses a 10 gallon kettle and yields 6 gallons tot he fermenter.
    
    I have a preliminary web site set up with crude pictures and video I took during my last batch . I have developed a purpose built...

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    Any comparisons between your system vs High Gravity Brewings system. Im in the market evaluating the options
    
    Thanks
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    Last post by sanmarzano
    13 years ago
18. How to get quality temperature measurements? - for automati

    1 Replies 9995 Views

    First post by aamcle, 13 years ago

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    My automation project is moving on (slowly) and I have or have ordered nearly all the bits I need to enable me to do step mashes in an electric urn.
    
    But I'm struggling with one big issue how to get reliable temp measurements.
    
    My initial thought is to use a humping great stirrer, but it would be big expensive and probably heavy. Another possibility is to use a pump and just swill some of the liquid about.
    
    How do you get good readings? What has been tried and works?
    
    Many Thanks. Aamcle

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    aamcle,
    
    A few folks on this forum found that a pump is probably over kill for BIAB. They had problems and abandoned it. Some people use a old ice cream stirrer to stir mash. The speed is about right and all you have to do is mount it on a board and lay it across the pot. I just use a 90 minute mash and maybe stir a couple of times.
    
    For reliable temp measurements I use more than on thermometer. I use a digital that I can calibrate. I have a built in (bi-metal) probe in my keggel and a long...
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    Last post by BobBrews
    13 years ago
19. First brew day on my electric BIAB setup

    1 Replies 11009 Views

    First post by DrHops, 13 years ago

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    image.jpg I've been reading this forum for years while extract brewing. Earlier this year I decided to pull the trigger and build an electric BIAB setup. I finally finished with it a month ago and brewed my first brew a few weeks ago. A Sam Adams Alpine Spring clone. From start to finish it took a little under 4:00 from pulling out the kettle to getting the fermentation bucket into my chamber and the cleaned kettle back into the corner of the garage where it stays. Thank you to everyone here...

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    DrHops,
    Thank you to everyone here but the knowledge and inspiration to finally ditch the propane tank forever!
    
    I take total credit, your welcome! Thanks for doing the actual brewing and cleanup! Please deliver the beer and leave it at my garage door!
    
    P.S. If it's raining? leave the beer inside the garage!
    
    P.S.P.S. Nice picture! Congratulations and lets hear more from you! :champ:
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    Last post by BobBrews
    13 years ago
20. Shiny Fever BIAB v Braumeister questions for the Masters of

    5 Replies 15616 Views

    First post by aamcle, 13 years ago

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    I read a post about the Braumeister and of course ambled over to their site which was a mistake cause I got a bad case of the Oh It's so shiny it's automated and so on.......
    
    It's also vastly expensive, ignoring the automation for a moment what real advantages does it offer?
    
    Ease of use?
    Better Beer?
    Obviously better bragging rights.
    Indoor use?
    
    My current Biab set up is a small one, but capable of easy and accurate temp control although the temps have to be set manually at each step so it's...

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    I'll be putting a plug outside soon as I love brewing out there in the sun. (and wind and rain)
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    Last post by Lylo
    13 years ago
21. Something to look at E-BIAB'ers

    2 Replies 12517 Views

    First post by BobBrews, 13 years ago

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    E-BIAB toy. I just found it interesting.
    
    final render better.jpg

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    I just thought it looked cool! Your right about cleaning!
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    Last post by BobBrews
    13 years ago
22. Arduino controllers for mash and FV temp

    3 Replies 15162 Views

    First post by aamcle, 13 years ago

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    Morning All.
    
    I'm would like to put together temperature controllers for mash and for fermentation using an arduino.
    
    My son can take care of the coding and I'm going to do the physical build,it seems straight forward 2 x SSR plus a good temperature probe.
    
    I can find Lots of discussion of PDI programming/tuning but very little on the actual build. I would like it to have a simple digital display and set up via panel buttons.
    
    Can you recommend a probe type and point me to schematic/ circuit...

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    I have gone quite a long way to coding an Arduino to control a mash temperature and time. I have also been playing around with timing and alarms for hop additions during the boil. The status is shown on a 16 x 4 LCD disply.
    
    I agree with mirogster that the DS18B20 or DS18S20 are the way to go, much more accurate. I have enclosed mine in a 500mm length of stainless steel tube which has been TIG welded closed at one end, a 5 to 6mm internal dia tube will fit the probe complete with heat shrink...
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    Last post by YulungahBrew
    13 years ago
23. Build it or not?

    8 Replies 22831 Views

    First post by cooldood, 13 years ago

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    I am thinking about turning this
    
    into this
    
    What do you think?
    I am thinking I could do BIAB with it.

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    ...in the meantime I have found a sanke keg and I am going to use that. I think this is going to be a better way to go. I think the tank in post #1 is just too tall and narrow. Pulling the bag from it would be more like pulling a syringe plunger with your finger over the end as there is very little surface area for the wort to drain from. It could take forever.
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    Last post by PistolPatch
    13 years ago
24. Eletric Kettle Layout

    4 Replies 14630 Views

    First post by lukez, 13 years ago

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    Hey everyone, glad to be a new member of the forum!
    I'll start off right away with picking your brain.
    
    I'm building an electric biab setup with 5500 ULWD straight element. I will be recirculating with a chugger pump. I have the control panel complete and now it's time to make some holes in the kettle!
    I'm trying to layout the holes for the kettle and wanted to make sure it makes sense. I have a 62 quart bayou classic with the steamer pot. I'm planning to put the ball valve about 1 from the...

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    FWIW, mine is in the T after the outlet valve. Use recirculation during initial ramp up to mash temps then when recirculating during chilling with immersion chiller. Other than that, set the pid to a manual setting of 5% if you need to keep at mash temp and call it good. Not quite as simple as Todd but pretty close.
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    Last post by lonetexan
    13 years ago
25. Documenting my build, PID and electric pot

    11 Replies 30048 Views

    First post by Ante, 13 years ago

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    After thinking about it on and off for a couple of years, I decided that it was time to try out brewing.
    Beeing on paternity leave, I have had some time to come up with different ideas for a build, (which has resulted in some strange ones) but in the end I decided to go for a simple BIAB pot with PID control.
    
    *I went for a 25L pot (as this pot was really cheap, I would have prefered 30L) with a 2.4kW heating element.
    The heating element is the one from PECOservices ,
    quite often used by...

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    If you have a manual setting on your pid, set it to about 4-5% and stir every 15-30 minutes. At that setting, the element is not putting off that much heat, so no scorching, and puts off just enough to keep the temp from dropping too much. I brew in my detached garage and, while having heat to keep it at 50-55*F, just leaving the kettle with no heat it loses too much, even if covered. KISH! (keep it simple homebrewer)
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    Last post by lonetexan
    13 years ago