National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 11:09:55 AM

Title: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 11:09:55 AM
Been working hard on the build of new braumeister style brewing system for the last few months and taught i would update with some pics. Allot of work still to be done but its coming along.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Garry on November 12, 2013, 11:18:07 AM
I think I just got a stiffy  :o That looks cool, fair play to you.

How many litres will the pot hold?

How much grain will the tube hold?

What kind of elements will you be using?
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Jacob on November 12, 2013, 11:21:51 AM
Brewers porn is what it is  :P
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Covey on November 12, 2013, 11:26:46 AM
no kids so.....lucky bastid
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Garry on November 12, 2013, 11:34:41 AM
Quote from: Jacob on November 12, 2013, 11:21:51 AM
Brewers porn is what it is  :P

Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 11:39:00 AM
We have created the attached program. It feeds out different temperatures at different times as well as other information about when to add in any additions/ turn on pump. The program sends info to the arduino which in turn changes the set points on the temperature controller. once temperatures have been reached the signal also gets sent back to instruct the program and start timers. we could have used it to control the entire process but by keeping it connected we can pull values back into the database that is connected to the program and create graphs. The idea is that we can make very small adjustments to the process each time.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 11:43:55 AM
Looks fantastic. What pump are you using :). Looking at the top plate in your malt tube tells me you have access to some good metal cutting equipment. :) :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 11:51:44 AM
the pot  will hold 100L brimmed, we only expect to do 50l batches. There are 2 2KW elements formed in semicircles  in the bottom of the pot (still to be fitted ) each element is 5 ft long. the grain tube should hold up to 16kg of grain but we might make a few versions of this for smaller batches and higher % . Still allot of tricking about to do.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 11:54:48 AM
http://www.lowara.ie/lowdata/doc/EN/ecocirc-ed-en.pdf.  This is the pump. as far as i could find out it is similar to the Braumeister one
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Shane Phelan on November 12, 2013, 11:57:38 AM
That looks great dude!

Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 12:29:38 PM
Quote from: Covey on November 12, 2013, 11:26:46 AM
no kids so.....lucky bastid

1. but sleeps like an angel from 7:30 pm.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 12:30:45 PM
Picking your brain here now :) what head height pump are you using is it a 4 meter or 6 meter version :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 12:35:23 PM
Its the 6m version Ecocirc 25-6/130. we only have one on the tank at the moment but have left enough room for a second if needed.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 12:40:10 PM
thanks I am looking for a pump for a different job and this one might do the trick. Do you have access to a fabrication workshop cause I lurve the neat strainer plate on top of the malt tube :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 12:49:10 PM
Lucky enough to have access to some very good fabricators and their work shops, who think the pursuit of good homebrew is a noble one. Basically we have called in that many favors that we will be giving away our first few good batches. The strainer plate is made of 2 identical plates with a fine stainless mesh sandwiched between them. The plates can be taken apart to replace the mesh or even add muslin cloth.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: brenmurph on November 12, 2013, 02:15:28 PM
thats clever, seems the same idea as the coffee cafetiere plunger only bigger, is that where u got the idea?
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 04:11:21 PM
€116 in a local plumbing supply store. It could probably be got a little cheaper if you tried a group buy, they had to buy it in for us. Seems to be a good pump but can't be run dry.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Garry on November 12, 2013, 04:14:12 PM
Quote from: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 12:40:10 PM
thanks I am looking for a pump for a different job and this one might do the trick.

I been looking at this one (http://www.homebrewbuilder.co.uk/pumps.html). It seems to be a bit sturdier than the solar pump I have.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 04:29:23 PM
It all depends on the flow and the head. With the ecocirc you can get up to 50L/min at a low head. try and get the pump curves.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Shane Phelan on November 12, 2013, 04:36:17 PM
Quote from: Il Tubo on November 12, 2013, 04:20:33 PM
Solar pumps ones are she-ite.

Sent from my U9200 using Tapatalk 2

In what applications though? Aren't they ok if there isn't any material in the liquid you are pumping?
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 04:39:33 PM
Quote from: Garry on November 12, 2013, 04:14:12 PM
Quote from: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 12:40:10 PM
thanks I am looking for a pump for a different job and this one might do the trick.

I been looking at this one (http://www.homebrewbuilder.co.uk/pumps.html). It seems to be a bit sturdier than the solar pump I have.
That source should be good as he is a JBK man and so a homebrewer at heart  :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 04:42:25 PM
Solar pumps are not shite you get what you pay for. They are very cheap and do work but can give problems when used with viscous liquid. I use them but you best have a stand by and since they are cheap,did I mention they are cheap :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: JD on November 12, 2013, 05:37:34 PM
And, Dempsey, as well as that they are cheap, to boot  ;D
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Ciderhead on November 12, 2013, 05:47:36 PM
Quote from: Garry on November 12, 2013, 04:14:12 PM
Quote from: DEMPSEY on November 12, 2013, 12:40:10 PM
thanks I am looking for a pump for a different job and this one might do the trick.

I been looking at this one (http://www.homebrewbuilder.co.uk/pumps.html). It seems to be a bit sturdier than the solar pump I have.

shipping is expensive, i asked, 15stg even using PMotel
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: alealex on November 12, 2013, 09:41:46 PM
Quote from: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 11:51:44 AM
There are 2 2KW elements formed in semicircles  in the bottom of the pot (still to be fitted ) each element is 5 ft long.

Hi Buttons,
where did you get low watt density elements from? or was it a special order? mine are 2x2kW, about 100cm and doing great but when I start mashing at 45-50*C starch is catching on elements as temperature rises. Simple solution is to start at 55-60*C
Is it the insulation or double wall on the vessel?
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on November 12, 2013, 10:21:54 PM
We have 25 mm of insulation sandwichedbetween the tank and a thin outside layer of steel. The elements came from(http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewitem?itemId=130488731809). They were easy to bend and cheap enough to buy a few spares just incase. They are formed into M. Shapes then curved to the circumference of the pot.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: alealex on November 12, 2013, 10:38:05 PM
Cheers man.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on January 28, 2014, 09:08:43 PM
Finally ready to brew. So its taken allot longer than planned but after a successful malt free run last weekend we are ready for a big brew day this weekend. The build is finished, leak free with elements and pump installed. all the electrics seem to be operational and haven't blown the fuse box off the wall. (Have each element connected up to different loops in the house). The temperature controller is doing what its meant to and switching the relays and seems to learn the process quickly and not overshoot. The programme is recording everything and changing the temperature set point properly during the mash and bringing to boil, even giving the notifications for all the hop additions. Will post some pics after the brew. Figures crossed
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Ciderhead on January 28, 2014, 09:24:12 PM
Pics of the gear, bever mind after  ;D ??
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on January 28, 2014, 09:39:30 PM
Maybe tomorrow, going to try and get out too the shed an put yeast starter on. On that note has any body any experience with one of these https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/wortoxygenator-set-brewferm-p-1005.html.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: alealex on January 28, 2014, 10:23:33 PM
I have (had) one of them aeretors, works (worked) fine. Think I've killed it. I'll worry about it on the next brew day.
Does the job, can't complaint. Better than mixing with the paddle.
As a brumaister clone user I'd love to know the final results.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on January 28, 2014, 10:31:13 PM
Will defiantly let you know . Was hoping to get on to you before it comes time to bottling. Not looking forward to bottling my 50L brew (all going well) and was thinking some of your corny's might be the answer, if you had any.  You seem to be the go to guy for kegging.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: alealex on January 29, 2014, 12:54:02 PM
Bottling 50 litres of beer is fun.. if you're retired  :)
BTW I'm filling few bottles with every brew just to taste the difference between bottle conditioned and draft.
You know where to find me if you want some.
The only concern I have with that air pump is the aeration stone, ss one would make me think it's all more higienic.
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on April 17, 2014, 11:51:58 AM
Bump here to see how things have fared out. :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: DEMPSEY on April 22, 2014, 04:58:27 PM
Bump again,how she cuttin :) Would be interested to hear how you got on with this build and has the pumps lived up to expectation. With having to push wort up through the grain bed it will need a good bit of umph :)
Title: Re: Braumeister Style Build
Post by: Brew_for_Buttons on May 14, 2014, 04:59:12 PM
Quote from: DEMPSEY on April 22, 2014, 04:58:27 PM
Bump again,how she cuttin :) Would be interested to hear how you got on with this build and has the pumps lived up to expectation. With having to push wort up through the grain bed it will need a good bit of umph :)

Hi DEMPSEY, Just seen this now, been mad busy over the last while. to answer your question, this pump is by no means short on power. the filter plates in the build were two 3mm thick stainless plates with mesh in the middle. There was enough power in this pump to bend the filter assembly into a u shape when when we first turned it on on constant power. we got it working eventually by using a coarser grind on the grain and got some very nice beer out of it. Will post up some pics when i get some time to get them off phone and reduce size.