GoCobbers95
Member
Hi Folks,
I am jumping in head first and designing/building my first Electric Brew Rig. The plan is to make a 15 Gallon 240V - 2 Pump E-Herms system. This post will be utilized to aid in designing as well as get feedback along the way.
Considerations going into the design/build:
-I have invested a lot of money into my current 3 tier system and feel like I am brewing great on it. But with that, I am DONE investing more money into gadgetry and small upgrades, that are at this point only incrementally raising my product level. With my skill set (and I say that referencing MANY shortcomings) I feel like the best next step is a single tier HERMS system that provides a bit more control than I currently have.
-I own a pump, therminator, and a few other items that are pushing some of my decision making and design.
-I have a construction background but generally am incompetent in regards to Welding and Electrical work.
-In terms of budget, for me $3,000 is on the high end, $2,000 is about right, and $1500 would be a nice surprise
My initial component list:
Kettles
This is my first area of contention...
-I have priced out Spike Kettles which are identical to the ones on their "Spike Brewing System" with all recommended components (listed in the note section of bid) as well as tri-clamp upgrades and believe my total cost for a HLT, MLT, and BK to be $1794. Link to bid with detailed specs: https://goo.gl/xU9grk. My main thoughts on this was that I likely could save a significant amount of money by sourcing components such as HERMS coil, heating elements, pickup tubes, false bottoms, etc elsewhere saving myself significant money.
- I also priced out 15 gallon Stout Tanks, configured the same as the Spike Kettles that included stock tri-clamp fittings, but without heating elements and found the price for HLT, MLT, and BK to be $1481.
HLT- https://conical-fermenter.com/HL15TW-RHC16-LL-EL1-TI.html
MLT- https://conical-fermenter.com/15-Ga...-Recirculating-Fitting-and-Bottom-Outlet.html
BK- https://conical-fermenter.com/BK15TW-TI-LL-EL1.html
My Kettle Questions
- Is there another brand I should be looking at with similar valve placement and offerings? Should I consider drilling and installing my own?
-If not the $75 5500Watt element from Spike Brewing, what other recommendations would you offer?
-If not the HERMS coil from either kettle company, what would you recommend and how easy is it to accurately drill and set up re circulation valves for the system?
-Am I missing any glaring options to consider?
PID/Controller/Panel Etc...
Hosehead Raspberry Pi3 Controller $495 https://goo.gl/uuJfSH
-Building a control panel looks amazing, but definitely out of my comfort zone!
-Hosehead looks to do everything I need it to at a fairly affordable price.
-Am I missing anything major here?
Misc.
Brew Table- $100 https://goo.gl/Wez7d7
Chugger Pump - I own one already. $150
Misc fittings, brackets, etc... $200
TOTAL Cost ranges from $2500 - $3000
It all seems pretty simple... Which makes me feel like I'm forgetting something! I appreciate any feedback you can offer. Let me know if I can clarify my ramblings!
Blessings!
I am jumping in head first and designing/building my first Electric Brew Rig. The plan is to make a 15 Gallon 240V - 2 Pump E-Herms system. This post will be utilized to aid in designing as well as get feedback along the way.
Considerations going into the design/build:
-I have invested a lot of money into my current 3 tier system and feel like I am brewing great on it. But with that, I am DONE investing more money into gadgetry and small upgrades, that are at this point only incrementally raising my product level. With my skill set (and I say that referencing MANY shortcomings) I feel like the best next step is a single tier HERMS system that provides a bit more control than I currently have.
-I own a pump, therminator, and a few other items that are pushing some of my decision making and design.
-I have a construction background but generally am incompetent in regards to Welding and Electrical work.
-In terms of budget, for me $3,000 is on the high end, $2,000 is about right, and $1500 would be a nice surprise
My initial component list:
Kettles
This is my first area of contention...
-I have priced out Spike Kettles which are identical to the ones on their "Spike Brewing System" with all recommended components (listed in the note section of bid) as well as tri-clamp upgrades and believe my total cost for a HLT, MLT, and BK to be $1794. Link to bid with detailed specs: https://goo.gl/xU9grk. My main thoughts on this was that I likely could save a significant amount of money by sourcing components such as HERMS coil, heating elements, pickup tubes, false bottoms, etc elsewhere saving myself significant money.
- I also priced out 15 gallon Stout Tanks, configured the same as the Spike Kettles that included stock tri-clamp fittings, but without heating elements and found the price for HLT, MLT, and BK to be $1481.
HLT- https://conical-fermenter.com/HL15TW-RHC16-LL-EL1-TI.html
MLT- https://conical-fermenter.com/15-Ga...-Recirculating-Fitting-and-Bottom-Outlet.html
BK- https://conical-fermenter.com/BK15TW-TI-LL-EL1.html
My Kettle Questions
- Is there another brand I should be looking at with similar valve placement and offerings? Should I consider drilling and installing my own?
-If not the $75 5500Watt element from Spike Brewing, what other recommendations would you offer?
-If not the HERMS coil from either kettle company, what would you recommend and how easy is it to accurately drill and set up re circulation valves for the system?
-Am I missing any glaring options to consider?
PID/Controller/Panel Etc...
Hosehead Raspberry Pi3 Controller $495 https://goo.gl/uuJfSH
-Building a control panel looks amazing, but definitely out of my comfort zone!
-Hosehead looks to do everything I need it to at a fairly affordable price.
-Am I missing anything major here?
Misc.
Brew Table- $100 https://goo.gl/Wez7d7
Chugger Pump - I own one already. $150
Misc fittings, brackets, etc... $200
TOTAL Cost ranges from $2500 - $3000
It all seems pretty simple... Which makes me feel like I'm forgetting something! I appreciate any feedback you can offer. Let me know if I can clarify my ramblings!
Blessings!