Plans for a 5 gal length Herms system

[rlucas]

I've been really inspired by reading this forum, and I'm starting to think about upgrading my brewing plant. Currently I have a trusty Burco boiler that is at least 30 years old, an equally elderly Bruheat I use for mashing and the usual collection of plastic fermenting bins. There's a lot of manual handling involved and I'm not getting any younger, apart from having ME/CFS to deal with. Being able to pump hot liquid about the system is a must. I really like the idea of the temperature control of the mash that HERMS seems able to give.

So, I'd really appreciate some suggestions on how to set about building a small HERMS brewery. A 5 gal length is ample for me - I'd rather brew small amounts of different beers than lots of the same. I've got a big garage to put it all in and a substantial wooden bench to stand things on. Electricity and water are on hand. I do'nt want to use gas at all - I'd worry about the fire risk in my particular situation. The garage is an old stable with lots of wood in its construction.

I'm guessing that the Burco could form part of the system. I get lost in the jargon of PID Controllers etc, so an idiot's guide to what's needed would be welcome. Then I just need my soon-to-be-married daughter to get all her stuff out the garage, and I can make a start. I am not a millionaire - cost concious advice only, please!


Many thanks
Richard

 

[Monster Mash]

If you have an immersion chiller you can double it up as a HERMS by dropping it into your hot liquor tank and recirculating your wort through it. You just need to raise your water a few degrees higher then your target temperature.

 

[rlucas]

If you have an immersion chiller you can double it up as a HERMS by dropping it into your hot liquor tank and recirculating your wort through it. You just need to raise your water a few degrees higher then your target temperature.

I'd been wondering about that - thanks for the tip.

I've one of these in mind for a mash tun: http://cgi.ebay.fr/MARMITE-THERMOS-CAPA ... 2c5d026808

I'm reading up on the control system, and it's starting to make sense. AKAICS I need a PID controller, a couple of thermocuples, a Solid State Relay, a cooling coil, a pump and the piping and I'll be good to go.

Can someone point me a guide for the mash tun mods I'll need to make - I'm thinking a perforated false bottom, and a sparging manifold?



Many thanks
Richard

 

[tazuk]

yes a few people use these talk to muddy disco brb i think may be to little too mutch cider lol he good man to ask : :thumb:

 

[keith1664]

I've not gone as far as HERMS as yet but some of the stuff I've done is common to both.

The false bottoms not too hard to do though it's not cheap. You'll need some of this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Perforated-304-St ... 19bb77f2a3

and something to cut it with.

I used stainless cap nuts to hold it off the bottom and stainless cupboard handles to pick it up with.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWNX:IT

Then some silicone tube around the edge as a seal. I don't have the link for that at the moment I'm afraid! :shock:

 

[keith1664]

One hint with PID's is to make sure that the one you buy is compatable with your sensor
I have a PID sat on my desk which will work fine with a k type thermocouple.... but not the PT100 sensor I bought to go with it that cost 3 times as much!

So I'm currently waiting for one of these this to turn up.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0628533057

..and have one of these sat on my desk if anyone needs one!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 5188532018

 

[rlucas]

Thanks for all the advice and the links. I'm looking forward to getting this show on the road!

--
Richard

 

[tazuk]

snap i have 2 of these in the post i got mine for £22.00 each with free post i have got 2 pt100 here is the data sheet for the pid :

http://www.e3b6a5y.com/365/WiringDiagra ... 6power.pdf

One hint with PID's is to make sure that the one you buy is compatable with your sensor
I have a PID sat on my desk which will work fine with a k type thermocouple.... but not the PT100 sensor I bought to go with it that cost 3 times as much!

So I'm currently waiting for one of these this to turn up.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 0628533057

..and have one of these sat on my desk if anyone needs one!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 5188532018

 

[beermonsta]

Can someone point me a guide for the mash tun mods I'll need to make - I'm thinking a perforated false bottom, and a sparging manifold?
Many thanks
Richard

Here is a post I made on another forum, it may give you some ideas if you are willing to try making your own false bottom...
http://www.jimsbeerkit.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=41588&p=446795#p446795

 

[Vossy1]

I've one of these in mind for a mash tun: http://cgi.ebay.fr/MARMITE-THERMOS-CAPA ... 2c5d026808

Lots of info on the forum on converting the larger ones, for replacing the taps on smaller ones I believe Aleman has a link, here's one for the larger ones.