HERMS Upgrade

[nigel_c]

So a while back when we first put in the chugger group buy I decided it was time for an upgrade. I spent a good while deciding on and researching both HERMS and RIMS systems. After more research I decided on HERMS and the fun of  deciding on and sourcing hardware.
I decided on the following.
I'm keeping my current brewery size (23L batches) with the intention to upgrade capacity again when space allows. Brewing in an apartment cam be a right pain.
Sticking to plastic for the same reason.

I picked up some new buckets. 1 x 35L for the kettle and 1x 25L for the HLT

First i decided on the HERMS coil. I went with 10m of 10mm copper.
Right angles compression fittings through bulkhead, valve and quick disconnects (to follow)


Next was whirlpool, HLT and Boiler fittings ( quick disconnects as well)


I decided on a 3.5Kw low density element as the main heat source in the boiler. This well be hooked up to a 3.5kw dimmer so allow a more controllable roiling boil. I may add another argos element as well to help initial boil.



The HERMS coil will be in the HLT and will have 2 Argos elements in it. 1 will be a simple on/off at the wall and the other will be wired into a temp controller to allow fine tuning.
I use this one and find it great.
http://www.buyincoins.com/item/12371.html#.U6RWaJRdWSo

Temp probe will be on the output of the HLT through a thermowell ( to be drilled yet).


Sight gauge and thermometer for boiler

and false bottom.


Its been fun so far getting all the bits and pieces together. Have more to come still though before the fun can begin. I have 2 weeks off next month and plan on building it then.

I'm undecided about chilling. Either keep my existing immersion chiller or invest in a plate chiller. I found a company in Germany that have very good prices.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Stainless-Steel-Plate-Heat-Exchanger-10-20-30-50-Plates-Insulation-IRL-/281220203008?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air&var=&hash=item871a3d8d25


All comments and tips welcome.
Nigel.

[Bogwoppit]

Looks like we've lost some of the replies on this thread.

I wanted to reply on the plate chiller post, can't remember who it was though.

The comment was about recirculating the wort through the chiller and back into the boil kettle. Doing it slowly will indeed give you a cooler returning wort but the aim is to cool all the wort as fast as possible.
If you can recirculate back to your brew kettle the you are better off recirculating as fast as your equipment will allow. The reason being that you are using the cooling effect of the tap water far more efficiently as the counter current in the plate chiller works best with a high temperature difference between the two liquids.
If you can't recirculate back to the holding vessel the you should slow the flow of the wort down.

I could explain it better with diagrams but don't have the time just now.

Bw

[nigel_c]

Have been looking around for thermowells to take temp readings from the exit of the HLT for a while now and could only find them on amazon & eBay for about €20 plus shipping for stainless. This is a crazy price so I got a 1/2 " hex plug from
mbaw and called in the services of my dad who is a toolmaker by trade. 10 mins work and happy days a nice shiny stainless thermowell for about €3.
Is drilled to take the probe for temp controller.
Another thing can be crossed off the list.

[Will_D]

This is a crazy price so I got a 1/2 " hex plug from mbaw and called in the services of my dad who is a toolmaker by trade. 10 mins work and happy days a nice shiny stainless thermowell for about €3.
Is drilled to take the probe for temp controller.

I need to meet up with your dad!