New Equipment Planning--Are there holes in this setup?

[storunner13]

So, after 4 years with the same system, I'm feeling the itch to upgrade my system and add a little more control over mashing and sparging. Currently I use a 10gal Rubbermaid cooler with an 8 gallon aluminum pot. I brew on the stovetop with the help of a 2000w electric heatstick. I occasionally brew 10 gallons with 2 keggles and a dual burner propane setup. I've done a number of infusions and short decoctions for step mashing, but I’m looking to get some more control with a recirculated mash. On top of that, I've already purchased a new 15 gallon kettle (for 5 and 10 gallon batches) with a whirlpool inlet and ball valve (I was siphoning from kettle to the carboy before).

Here's my planned setup. Please punch holes in my setup so that I know I’m missing something, or could do better than I’m planning.

Have:
15gal Tall Boy Kettle w/ ball lock valve, diptube, and high port whirlpool tube.
10 gal Rubbermaid Cooler w/ nylon false bottom and ball lock valve
1/2" OD x 50' copper immersion chiller
March Pump (plastic head) -- I've never used this
2000w heatstick + stove and/or propane burners
O2 setup with .5micron stone

First additions:
Cam Lock attachments and 1/2" ID silicone hosing for all valves, kettles, pumps
1/2" OD x 50' stainless immersion chiller
Loc-Line recirculation and sparge return

I'm planning to ditch the copper IC in favor of stainless. The new chiller will serve to function as both a HERMS and an Immersion chiller. I'm planning to attach camlock fittings to the ends so I can immerse the chiller in the sparge vessel (currently no ball locks on my other kettles) for maintaining temps and step mashing. What limitations am I not seeing with this HERMS/chiller set up?

I'm planning to continue to pseudo fly sparge until I get a dedicated HLT with ball valve.

Second additions:
15gal Stainless Kettle (looking at the Concord kettles for a Benjamin)
Ball valve
Whirlpool return
$20 food grade 12v Chinese magnetic pump
PID for automated temp control

What am I forgetting about with this set up? Should anything be added? What would be a better upgrade?

My only concern is cleaning the new setup--the current setup is a breeze. What can I change to limit the amount of cleaning I need to do?

 

[jekeane]

I have seen some setups like what you are describing. I personally don't see a herms system being worthwhile until you are using a full 3 vessel system with temperature controls. I'm just not sure what benefits you are going to see for the added headache you are going to get with and intermediate herms type system.

I would dial in what you have doing either batch or fly sparging. Then collect all the items needed for a 3v herms setup over time. Once you have everything switch. Otherwise you will have to keep figuring out your system and likely get frustrated with it.

 

[storunner13]

You're right, HERMS is not worthwhile as a constantly recirculated system until there's PID temp control. However, I'm planning to use it now for step mashes--which can be monitored manually--and then more control once I have the PID setup.

My current setup has been dialed in for quite some time--I'm looking to try out some different methods (quick BIAB brew days) and add some complexity. You're right that I should put the PID setup higher on the list of priorities.

 

[jekeane]

Have you done much BIAB? I just finished my control panel for a 3 vessel system that I purchased a set of custom kettles for a year or so ago.

I was doing BIAB while saving funds for my panel. I enjoyed it a lot and have had great success with the method. If I hadn't already invested in my custom kettles I wouldn't have bothered with going 3 vessel. At this point I am going to do 10 or so batches on the 3v system and decide whether to keep it or sell it and stick with BIAB.

 

[storunner13]

BIAB? Not for 5 years. I started when I only had one pot--before BIAB became a widespread brewing system. I'm thinking of adding a BIAB option to save some time on simple 5 gallon brew days.

I've been looking at the BCS controller for temp controls--it might be an option I can put together soon, but I need to do a little more reading.