It isn't the most beautiful thing in the world, but it makes good beer and that is good enough for a student with no income. When I graduate I plan on building my dream brew stand. It was originally built by Lonnie Mac of www.alenuts.com. I contacted him and he was nice enough to send me a PDF file of the exact instructions for the build of this system.
This is a picture of his system. As you can see it is a single tier system that is fed by two pumps. This system is not only beautiful but is functional. It is controlled by two controllers that keep a constant temperature of the hot liquor tank and the mash tun to +/- 2 degrees. This means that the process of brewing a specific recipe can be duplicated with far greater accuracy. 
This is a picture of the control panel of Lonnie's "Brutus Ten." As you can see the digital readout gives the brewer up to the second temperature readings and control over these temperatures. 
The "Brutus Ten" is still powered by propane, but the tank is connected to the back 2"x2" beam which doubles as a gas beam. Every burner is attached to a control valve and then to the beam. When the system sees that the temperature has dropped 2 degrees it kicks open the valve and sends gas to the burner raising the temperature 2 degrees and then shutting the value again. During this process the wort is constantly being recirculated by one of the pumps. It draws the wort off the bottom and returns it to the top. 
The temperature is taken as the wort is being drawn out. This ensures that the mash is evenly heated and the sugars don't scorch on the bottom of the kettle. 
When it is time to sparge all that is done is the lid from the boil tank is put on the mash tun, and the lid from the mash tun is put on the boil kettle. Then the pumps are turned on and you are mashing.Here is a video of Lonnie brewing on the "Brutus Ten." He gives a good explanation of how the system works and how to brew with a semi automated system.
6 comments:
That is a very elaborate system for home brewing. What is the approximate investment to set something like that up?
This is awesome!! I think that would be a really cool occupation to make some money. Not to mention all the beverage you can drink. Where did you learn how to use all this equipment?
A setup like this could cost you as much as you wanted it to. The brewery pictured was made with a stainless frame. I would use regular steel and the kegs that I already own. A total investment of maybe $750, where as the one shown cost $2300. He got the nice shiny kettles that cost him $500 for 3 and the stainless for the stand is pricey too.
I learned to use all this equipment at www.brewboard.com. It is a forum, some people like to make fun of forums, but I feel it is the best way to learn. Nothing like getting advice from brewers all over the world. Everyday there are interesting topics that I read.
That is cool to see that people can actually brew in their home. Also it is interesting what you could create with some imagination. Seems like a complicated process though with a lot of equiptment.
Cool stuff! You would have to brew a lot of beer to get the price per bottle down. Then again I'm sure cost is the last concern, and everybody needs a dream.
Nick you hit it on the head. Homebrewing is still a hobby and usually hobbies cost a little money. It is fun when you get the fishing product. It is something to be proud of when your friends compliment your beer.
Post a Comment