I've been researching for a while the difference between a HERMS and RIMS system, and I've reached the point where I've decided that the concept of a HERMS system appeals to me. But, some of the technology needed to make the system automated is something that I do not fully understand, and I'm hoping that some of you can provide some more details that might clear up some of the things that I don't yet "get" regarding how it actually works.
First, I plan on a copper heat exchange in the HLT. I understand that the wort recirculates from the mash tun through the heat exchange and back to the mash tun. What I don't get is how this becomes completely automated on, say, a single tier system.
Assume that the system would be continuous recirculation. That would mean that a PID, I guess, would somehow control the heat applied to the HLT in order to heat the wort to the appropriate temperature going back to the mash tun. If the HLT were heated by an electric element, I get how the PID/Temp controller would simply turn the heat plate on and off as needed. But how to folks adjust the heat to the HLT who use propane? I don't get how the flame is turned on and off.
Is there an alternative way to "automate" the HERMS system? For example, would it work to keep a flame on the HLT the entire time, but not control the temp of the HLT, and simply have the recirculation pump turn on and off as the mash temperature dictates?
I guess I'm just confused. While I get the theory behind a HERMS system, I don't understand how the "nuts and bolts" work and what items I would need to buy to make it work. Any help or clarification is much appreciated!
First, I plan on a copper heat exchange in the HLT. I understand that the wort recirculates from the mash tun through the heat exchange and back to the mash tun. What I don't get is how this becomes completely automated on, say, a single tier system.
Assume that the system would be continuous recirculation. That would mean that a PID, I guess, would somehow control the heat applied to the HLT in order to heat the wort to the appropriate temperature going back to the mash tun. If the HLT were heated by an electric element, I get how the PID/Temp controller would simply turn the heat plate on and off as needed. But how to folks adjust the heat to the HLT who use propane? I don't get how the flame is turned on and off.
Is there an alternative way to "automate" the HERMS system? For example, would it work to keep a flame on the HLT the entire time, but not control the temp of the HLT, and simply have the recirculation pump turn on and off as the mash temperature dictates?
I guess I'm just confused. While I get the theory behind a HERMS system, I don't understand how the "nuts and bolts" work and what items I would need to buy to make it work. Any help or clarification is much appreciated!