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Re: Single tier, 3 pump automated build

Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 9:29 am
by JonW
MeLoveBeer wrote:Looks great Jon. Did you end up deciding against the switch to electric + RIMS? Still looks very clean despite the gas plumbing being relocated to the front.
Thankfully, moving the gas to the front didn't really do anything to clutter up the layout, but it did make it much easier for making adjustments. Yes, I'm going to stay with the natural gas direct fired RIMS approach. Going electric would mean either a RIMS tube or a HERMS setup, neither of which I'm a fan of. I was intrigued with trying electric, but the total cost of trying it out was going to be a lot higher than I wanted to spend just to experiment with. I'm pretty happy with the gas setup, so I'm not going to mess with trying electric now.

Re: Single tier, 3 pump automated build

Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 9:45 pm
by MeLoveBeer
JonW wrote:Thankfully, moving the gas to the front didn't really do anything to clutter up the layout, but it did make it much easier for making adjustments. Yes, I'm going to stay with the natural gas direct fired RIMS approach. Going electric would mean either a RIMS tube or a HERMS setup, neither of which I'm a fan of. I was intrigued with trying electric, but the total cost of trying it out was going to be a lot higher than I wanted to spend just to experiment with. I'm pretty happy with the gas setup, so I'm not going to mess with trying electric now.
Well I'd be happy to let you know how mine goes when its finished (if you're interested). My frame will be finished tonight or tomorrow night and I'm aiming to have the build to a point that I can brew within the month (mine is roughly based on your 3 pump/6 valve setup, however has electric HLT and RIMS tube, float controlled fly sparging in my MLT, plus gas fired kettle).

Re: Single tier, 3 pump automated build

Posted: Wed May 11, 2011 10:02 am
by JonW
MeLoveBeer wrote:Well I'd be happy to let you know how mine goes when its finished (if you're interested). My frame will be finished tonight or tomorrow night and I'm aiming to have the build to a point that I can brew within the month (mine is roughly based on your 3 pump/6 valve setup, however has electric HLT and RIMS tube, float controlled fly sparging in my MLT, plus gas fired kettle).
I am very interested to see how yours goes - it may have impact on future changes that I could make! :mrgreen: I'll keep an eye out for your build thread.

When I said I wasn't a fan of a RIMS tube or HERMS setup, I meant that from the stand point of additional complexity, valves, plumbing, wiring, etc. I think the direct fired approach is simpler and sufficient for my needs.

Re: Single tier, 3 pump automated build

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:25 am
by clearwaterbrewer
I notice the pump heads are silver... underside pics show 1 silver and 2 black, front pics show 3 silver... what's the deal? are those stainless heads?

Re: Single tier, 3 pump automated build

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 9:28 pm
by JonW
Yes, all Chugger stainless heads. Earlier pics had some March heads on them. Chugger heads are working great.

Re: Single tier, 3 pump automated build

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:50 pm
by rhagerbaumer
Awesome looking system. Where did you get your NG burners? Are you happy with the BTU's? Thanks in advance.