My HERMS Set Up

[maggiegirl]

Hello All,
I came across this forum while researching HERMS. I read most of the threads and had a good look at the pictures. I used a PID controller and SSR I bought from Ebay. I already had a PT100 probe left over from another project. I used an 8 litre SS pot and an element from a cheap kettle. The exchanger is made from 1/2 inch copper tubing.
I have used it twice and it worked beautifully. I am yet to drink the beers as they are still fermenting.
Thank you to all the people who have posted about their HERMS and the pictures they uploaded. It certainly made it much easier to build mine.
Cheers

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

looks great, welcome to the HERMS club.. :clap: :clap:

BB

 

[Northern Brewer]

Nice set up! :thumb: Bet you can't wait for the beer :
Welcome aboard.

 

[evanvine]

Very impressive. :thumb:
Will be interested to know how long the silicon sealer lasts before it parts company with the SS.

 

[maggiegirl]

Very impressive. :thumb:
Will be interested to know how long the silicon sealer lasts before it parts company with the SS.

It doesn't matter if it does as it doesn't really serve a purpose. I fill the pot to below that level.
Thanks guys for the compliments on the build.

 

[31bb3]

Nice herms build there :thumb:

 

[Vossy1]

Great set up mg when are the brews ready :drink:
Did the first brew days run smoothly?

 

[maggiegirl]

Hello Vossy,
I have used the HERMS for two brews so far and it all worked as good as I hoped. The first time I had the set point set at 66C. I mashed in at about 60C and let the controller take over. It overshot to 66.3C and then came back and flicked between 65.9C and 66C. I have a temperature probe in the mash tun which came up to 65.5C within 18 mins. Left it for 90 mins, added some sparge water (I batch sparge) and set the controller to 75C. It took around five mins to get to 75C. Run off to kettle, sparged again, drained to kettle.
The second time I used it, I mashed at 65C and it over shot to 65.9C, but within 4 mins the temperature had come back to 65C.
Both the controller and temperature probe, plus the grain bed probe and indicator have been calibrated together with a certfied calibration bath, so they both read the same at the same temperature. One of the advantages of working in the instrument field.
I'm probably two weeks away from trying the beers to see how they turned out and am looking forward to seeing if they are different than when brewing without the HERMS. I have done around 40 brews on my rig and 2 with the HERMS so it will be interesting.

 

[Hawks]

That looks great !!! :thumb:

Be interested to see if you think it makes a difference