National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: 4beer on July 04, 2017, 09:52:48 PM

Title: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: 4beer on July 04, 2017, 09:52:48 PM
Hi Guys,

I am in the process of gathering the equipment I need for a DIY single vessel BIAB project and I'm looking for guidance and also any suggestions you may have.

1) I just purchased a 30L Cygnet hot water urn. I need to change the tap on it. Is it ok to use a brass fitting for the bulkhead attachment?

2) I have seen a false bottom on some of the youtube videos I have looked at. Its a shallow s/steel dome with lots of small holes in it and a hole for a fitting in the centre. Can anyone advise where I can get one?

3) I want to use a re-circulation pump to recirculate the wort. I have seen people use small aquarium pumps and others using expensive pumps. It seems most are 12V DC. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced pump that will do the job?

4) Can anyone recommend a good BIAB bag for the brew?

5) My set-up will be located in my man-shed and I will be using a hose to get water to it. Is there such thing as a food grade garden hose or should I buy a hose specifically for my water supply?

6) I plan to buy a pre-prepared kit for my first brew. I am interested in doing either a pale or red ale. Any suggestions on what kit I should try?

7) With a 30L vessel what size brew can I expect to achieve?


I am sure I will have more questions but I think that's enough for the mean time! :)

Also, very happy to hear advice/suggestions based on experience.

Dave
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: Gerryjo on July 04, 2017, 10:23:18 PM
Quote from: 4beer on July 04, 2017, 09:52:48 PM
Hi Guys,

I am in the process of gathering the equipment I need for a DIY single vessel BIAB project and I'm looking for guidance and also any suggestions you may have.

1) I just purchased a 30L Cygnet hot water urn. I need to change the tap on it. Is it ok to use a brass fitting for the bulkhead attachment?

2) I have seen a false bottom on some of the youtube videos I have looked at. Its a shallow s/steel dome with lots of small holes in it and a hole for a fitting in the centre. Can anyone advise where I can get one?

3) I want to use a re-circulation pump to recirculate the wort. I have seen people use small aquarium pumps and others using expensive pumps. It seems most are 12V DC. Can anyone recommend a reasonably priced pump that will do the job?

4) Can anyone recommend a good BIAB bag for the brew?

5) My set-up will be located in my man-shed and I will be using a hose to get water to it. Is there such thing as a food grade garden hose or should I buy a hose specifically for my water supply?

6) I plan to buy a pre-prepared kit for my first brew. I am interested in doing either a pale or red ale. Any suggestions on what kit I should try?

7) With a 30L vessel what size brew can I expect to achieve?


I am sure I will have more questions but I think that's enough for the mean time! :)

Also, very happy to hear advice/suggestions based on experience.

Dave
Hi Dave, I just converted mine recently and you can get the complete tap from eBay though replace the o-rings with ½ tap washers and seal with either food grade or aquarium grade silicone and let it cure for at least 24 hours before testing.
I calibrated mine last night and brewed with it today using to heat my sparge and strike water as well as boiling wort for two brews.
Excellent piece of kit.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/291b58568847425fd1ec34464762ef5e.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/e44a8c82dbcd251888ea8a7122f311fa.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/7fedd35d1c7ab74ee851d0a77020ac7c.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/ff941b845ae2fe10acbcf4378332d5cb.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/5d0dfa28ed7bbd226e85b5d1f2b5cf3f.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/f85522b154286f18e37b515047f888d3.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170704/cec86a8be6b381ce0ef60791fdb6c6f7.jpg)

Gerry

Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: Gerryjo on July 04, 2017, 10:24:27 PM
Oh and 27 litres is your max with around 4 litres boil off over the hour.

Gerry

Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: 4beer on July 05, 2017, 09:53:50 AM
Gerry,

Thanks a lot for your response. It is really helpful.  I had not even thought of calibrating the boiler but its a great idea and will definitely do it.

I hope you don't mind a few more questions.

1) Re the s/o valve, is this similar to package you bought?

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/New-1-2-Stainless-Steel-Weldless-Ball-Valve-Barb-Home-Brew-Beer-Kettle-Kit-/162510902110?hash=item25d667935e:g:tq4AAOSwfRdZETLi

2) Re the recirc pump, I see there are 12V and 5V versions available online.

-I see yours is a 5V pump - how do you power it?
-Is there a particular reason you did not go for the 12V?
-When recirculating do you submerge the pump in the boiler? if not what is your pump supply set-up?

3) The digital temp display unit sitting on top of the tank. Can you let me know who makes these and the source? 

Quote from: Gerryjo on July 04, 2017, 10:24:27 PM
Oh and 27 litres is your max with around 4 litres boil off over the hour


This is really helpful info! Many thanks.


Dave
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: Gerryjo on July 05, 2017, 10:42:43 AM
The valve is identical but this is cheaper
Look at this on eBay  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262802827483

The thermometers have gone up in price but here's a good deal
Look at this on eBay  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311761552695

The pumps I got too experiment with are usb powered and can either be submersed or inline by connecting with silicone hoses but be sure to clip them on with a spring clip or a jubilee clip.
Unfortunately the ones I have managed to get have soared in price as they had a working temperature of 100° and were only a couple of quid but if you search eBay you may find ones with a similar specification as below.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170705/af3b5815f303ae47a91368b1761f66d0.jpg)

Gerry

Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: 4beer on July 05, 2017, 11:10:30 AM
Thanks again Gerry. Really appreciate the help.

Dave
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: Gerryjo on July 05, 2017, 11:18:12 AM
Just noticed your post on HBF and wondering if your local as I'm in Derry.

Gerry

Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: 4beer on July 05, 2017, 12:22:37 PM
Unfortunately not Gerry. I'm in Dublin.
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: Gerryjo on July 05, 2017, 01:50:43 PM
Quote from: 4beer on July 05, 2017, 12:22:37 PM
Unfortunately not Gerry. I'm in Dublin.
Well you should be in good hands in that neck of the woods as there are plenty of accomplished brewer's around you.

Gerry

Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: johnrm on July 05, 2017, 10:15:21 PM
I have an Ardbir kit if you're interested.
Cost about EUR100, yours for EUR50 if you sort postage or pickup.

https://goo.gl/vp8WFr
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: 4beer on July 06, 2017, 06:48:55 PM
Hi John,

Probably a bit early for me to be honest.

Thanks for the offer anyway.

Video not working by the way.

Dave
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: Will_D on July 11, 2017, 09:24:02 AM
Quote from: johnrm on July 05, 2017, 10:15:21 PM
I have an Ardbir kit if you're interested.
Cost about EUR100, yours for EUR50 if you sort postage or pickup.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgtcVKN_nspF1l_mY4cKUbQ
Linky no worky
Title: Re: Newbie Single Vessel DIY BIAB project - advice/guidance needed
Post by: johnrm on July 11, 2017, 11:37:22 AM
apologies, this will give you the idea...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZENoEclWCHU