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Re: Brewers Hardware, All Stainless, Single Tier, BCS-462 rig

Posted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 5:16 pm
by JonW
Hi Pat, welcome to the BCS!
pat wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:29 pm
1) In your older setup, why did you go with 2 independent valves instead of a single 3-way valve at each pump?
On the old setup, it was actually cheaper at the time I bought the valves to use two 2-ways than a 3-way. Additionally, there's no way to stop flow with a single 3-way as it always has to be open one way. On my new system, it's really important to have the separate 2-ways as I have the fill valves that can push into the kettles through the kettle output when both of the other valves are closed.
pat wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:29 pm
2) How do you prevent backwards flow of liquid? For example, when you run Pump #2 to recirc the MLT, do you simply close the HLT/Sparge valve and let that line plug up? I don't see any check valves.
Yes, in that case the HLT/Sparge side would be closed. Sure there's some liquid in the stub leg of that tubing, but it's not going to affect anything. At the end of the brew it is flushed with hot water and then every few brews is is fully PBW cleansed. There's never issues with build ups.
pat wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:29 pm
3) I noticed you don't have any air bleeds for your pumps. Have you run into any problems with priming?
For the most part, I don't have priming issues. On occasion, when it does happen, turning off the pump and then restarting usually fixes it. Also, if you wait to attach the return tubing (inside the top left of kettle) until after the pump is primed, then it usually never has an issue.
pat wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:29 pm
4) I love the idea of doing a pre-chill for whirlpool hops but where do you transfer the wort to the fermenter?
I attach a hose to the connector inside the BK (at the top). I do that just prior to my hot recirc (last 10 minutes of boil) to ensure that it gets sterilized.
pat wrote:
Sat Apr 15, 2017 4:29 pm
Finally, I'm super new to BCS. I've done a bit of programming in the past and know the basics of electric wiring so if anyone can suggest resources for beginners that would be greatly appreciated!
There are several examples here in the forum. If you have specific questions of how to go about approaching something, just ask and there's several of us here who can help.