New Brunswick Craft Brewers Association

Uncategorized Boards => My Rig => Topic started by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 09:43:18 AM

Title: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 09:43:18 AM
Received two new Brewhemoth fermenters on the weekend.  Both fermenters are 22GAL max capacity, come with sanitary fittings, and pressure tested to 100psi I believe.  
For stainless conical fermenters, these are very affordable, but do come bare bones, no fittings, no clamps, etc.  
They are big enough, in person, to create some oohs and aaws, but are compact enough that they still fit in my fermentation chamber and can be hidden away.   Not sure I'd want to hide them though ;)

The sanitary fittings on these really make me wish I had sanitary fittings on all my other brewing vessels.

I also bought a used commercial bar fridge which I'll be installing 2 quad tower taps on that I've acquired over the months.  The fridge, to be honest, is one of the nicest, most versatile fridges I've seen.  Solid stainless top, great for a counter or work bench, and the fridge compartment has 3 doors, with a light on the inside.  Fully temp adjustable.  If I had to guess, I would say the fridge holds for sure 18+ corney kegs.  I even laid down in the fridge and had lots of room.   The fridge, IMHO, is a life long investment.   the only thing that can break on it is the motorpump, which is serviceable through a slide out drawer type compartment on one end.

Main reasons for buying the brewhemoths and fridge, cost aside:

1.  clean in place system for the brewhemoths.  no water will be carried or dumped...all done with pumps.
2.  In place carbonation.  option to naturally carbonate beer in the fermenter
3.  Dispense fully carbonated beer directly into kegs - ready to server
4.  Large cold storage in fridge for lagering and long term storage.
5.  fridge is the center point to build a bar onaround.

Here are some pics of the fermenters on the fridge and in my fermentation chamber.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 09:56:16 AM
[attachment=2:2w14n9o0]IMG_1248-2.jpg[/attachment:2w14n9o0]
[attachment=1:2w14n9o0]IMG_1252-2.jpg[/attachment:2w14n9o0]
[attachment=0:2w14n9o0]IMG_1253-2.jpg[/attachment:2w14n9o0]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 09:57:38 AM
[attachment=2:1fymoyih]IMG_1254-2.jpg[/attachment:1fymoyih]
[attachment=1:1fymoyih]IMG_1261-2.jpg[/attachment:1fymoyih]
[attachment=0:1fymoyih]IMG_1263-2.jpg[/attachment:1fymoyih]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 09:58:52 AM
[attachment=2:na5zdvq4]IMG_1264-2.jpg[/attachment:na5zdvq4]
[attachment=1:na5zdvq4]IMG_1266-2.jpg[/attachment:na5zdvq4]
[attachment=0:na5zdvq4]IMG_1267-2.jpg[/attachment:na5zdvq4]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Jake on February 25, 2013, 10:26:36 AM
That. Is. Awsome!!!!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: pliny on February 25, 2013, 10:37:06 AM
So shiny!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 10:53:16 AM
I'm just waiting for the buyers remorse to kick in!  haha!

But seriously, this is the biggest step in my craftbrewing hobby, and the most exciting next to the very first glass of all grain I ever made.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on February 25, 2013, 11:33:20 AM
Quote from: "fakr"
I'm just waiting for the buyers remorse to kick in!  haha!

But seriously, this is the biggest step in my craftbrewing hobby, and the most exciting next to the very first glass of all grain I ever made.


 :lol: "hobby"  :lol:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: chrismccull on February 25, 2013, 12:22:50 PM
Nice setup.

You need to start drinking more.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Richard on February 25, 2013, 12:27:32 PM
I think when I finally get my shit together (once I've got a house), I'll be making a home for one of these badboys.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 25, 2013, 01:01:01 PM
Quote from: "Richard"
I think when I finally get my shit together (once I've got a house), I'll be making a home for one of these badboys.


Good plan Richard.  These are solid fermenters that will last, well, forever if you take care of them.

Personally, I would recommend buying your toys before a house....ever heard of being new home broke?  it's true...the first 5 years can be very hard on the pocket book.

You should just get one now Richard!   :lol:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on February 25, 2013, 08:30:30 PM
Yeah those are beeeutiful....

You have any extra 2" tri-clamp "caps"? The one with the ball lock connector on it, you bought that right? (didn't make it?) Or did it come with the fermenter?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Kyle on February 25, 2013, 08:43:02 PM
+1 to Brew
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 26, 2013, 12:04:18 AM
those are 1" TC caps with 1/4" NPT male threads.  bought the corney plug and liquidgas fittings from OBK.  put them together myself.
They are real slick.  A gas port at the top for spundingpressurizing the fermenter, and a liquid port on the racking valve to transfer directly to a keg with a liquid to liquid fitting transfer hose.

So, spunded, naturally carbed, and kegged fully carbed, ready to chill and serve!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 26, 2013, 03:41:04 PM
Brew, if you're looking for 2" TC caps, you can get them here:
http://www.brewershardware.com/2-Tri-Clover-Cap.html (http://www.brewershardware.com/2-Tri-Clover-Cap.html)
Pretty cheap at $3.75 each.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 26, 2013, 03:43:39 PM
Rearranged the brewery last night.  For anyone who's seen it, it wasn't ideal.  HLT, MT and kettle were on one side of the garage, and the fermentation chamber and fridge were at the opposite end.

With one less couch, and the new fridge in it's place, I moved everything into one corder of the garage.  MUCH simpler, no more lugging from one end to the other, etc.
[attachment=0:2ybws1vc]brewery.jpeg[/attachment:2ybws1vc]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: chrismccull on February 26, 2013, 03:45:28 PM
You should have host a meet sometime, that would be fun, we could go to Pump House for supper.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 26, 2013, 03:57:03 PM
that's a great idea.  I've wanted to offer, but don't want the drive to Moncton to prevent people from attending when they otherwise would have in Fredericton.

I'll volunteer perhaps in April when the weather is better.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on February 26, 2013, 03:59:07 PM
+1

Thanks for the link - they have a great bunch of stuff there!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: jamie_savoie on February 26, 2013, 05:01:26 PM
sweet setup!  loving the speakers, nothing like brewing with good tunes!  :rock:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 26, 2013, 05:39:58 PM
Thanks Jamie!

yeah, my garage is definitely a true man cave.  With the new toys for the garage, I've been gathering up a bunch of junk to throw out on garbage day.  I hope to keep things real tidy in there.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on February 26, 2013, 07:04:03 PM
Quote from: "fakr"
that's a great idea.  I've wanted to offer, but don't want the drive to Moncton to prevent people from attending when they otherwise would have in Fredericton.

I'll volunteer perhaps in April when the weather is better.


I'd be game for that!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 27, 2013, 08:25:28 AM
ok, I'll plan to host a meeting in April then!  
We'll include the pump house for supper as well.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: chrismccull on February 27, 2013, 09:26:49 AM
I wonder if Pump House would give us a tour?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 27, 2013, 09:29:37 AM
The tour would be over at the barnyard where their main brewery and bottling facility is located.
I can definitely arrange that.  I believe it's something like $2 a head, but I'll confirm.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: pliny on February 27, 2013, 03:27:50 PM
Ribs!!!!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: jeffsmith on February 27, 2013, 04:22:04 PM
Marky's Laundromat might be an interesting stop as well. Especially if there's any Acadie Broue on tap.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Kyle on February 27, 2013, 04:56:00 PM
From what I've heard from Tom, the Laundromat is definitely a destination for good, craft beer.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Richard on February 27, 2013, 05:45:45 PM
Absolutely; been meaning to get out there for a while.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: jeffsmith on February 27, 2013, 10:46:58 PM
Perhaps some of us Brewnosers in the area will stop in at Marky's for a beer with you guys.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Richard on February 27, 2013, 11:33:18 PM
Sounds like a plan  :cheers:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Kyle on February 28, 2013, 08:28:47 AM
Sounds good!  :cheers:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 08:57:27 AM
Trying out one of the new fermenters with 20GAL of SMASH using 2-row and amarillo.

The filling and pitching process was very easy.

Hooked up the blow off keg to the fermenter, and the spunding valve to the keg.  Precharged the whole system up to 8psi, and used the spunding valve to adjust the pressure down to 5-6psi.

Here are a few pics of the fermenter all setup and spunding.

by the way, for those who have spunded before, I removed the liquid dip tube from the keg and replaced it with a gas dip tube bought from OBK.  No chance of backwash into the fermenter.

[attachment=1:q9sdjbjq]spumding.jpeg[/attachment:q9sdjbjq]

[attachment=0:q9sdjbjq]spunding 2.jpeg[/attachment:q9sdjbjq]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: chrismccull on February 28, 2013, 09:13:40 AM
What are your plans with the big batches?  Are you just hoping to have to brew less than before?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Jake on February 28, 2013, 09:15:27 AM
I can help you drink it if you're planning on brewing as frequently
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on February 28, 2013, 09:29:15 AM
Ill be interested to hear how easy / hard it is to clean? I am using a 58L keg for fermenting and im always wondering if ive cleaned it well enough for the next batch?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 09:50:18 AM
I'll probably continue making 15 gallon batches like I used to, but wanted to try filling the fermenter up the first time.

I have buddies that come over and help with the brewing process.  They typically pitch in on material and take a keg home with them when its ready.  

Special events, like super bowl, drain the beer surplus pretty quick.  Last super bowl drained 2 full kegs down to maybe a gallon left in each.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 09:57:36 AM
Cleaning these fermenters is quite simple actually.  I have a rotating clean in place ball (CIP) that gets clamped into the 4" lid on the top.  I'm using a high output sump pump to circulate cleanser through the fermenter.  Just let it run for 10-15 minutes, then pass a fresh water rinse through, then a pass of starsan.  Cap all orifices and it's ready for brew day.

I've contacted a cleaning product company that sells caustics and acids to breweries for their CIP systems.  Their products need to be purchased in minimum 5GAL containers, but the prices are really good.  $116 for 5 GAL of concentrated caustic cleanser, and $90 for 5GAL of acid brite to passivate stainless steel.  I've also aske for a quote on their acid sanitizer, same idea as starsan.

Once I get pricing + shipping on all 3 products, I'll post on the forum to see if anyone would be interested in a club bulk purchase.  I believe John and I will be splitting on 5GAL of each product, but we can order extra if you guys want to split 5GAL 5 ways or something.

According to the head brewer at the pump house, you can fill your keg with caustic solution, let it sit for an hour or so, and it is spotless, no need to scrub or anything.  He told me this after hearing me complain about cleaning out kegs that were fermented in.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on February 28, 2013, 10:16:15 AM
This sounds cool - i remeber another post about cip as well. I need to read up on cip...
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 10:23:41 AM
It's not a great pic, but here is a pic of the CIP ball.  when fed with high pressure water, it spins and sprays 360 degress in every direction...cleaning the entire inside.

After seeing how slick this works, and since I already have a sump pump to power it, I think I'm going to buy smaller 1/2" cip balls and install them on the lids of my mash tun and boil kettle....do a little CIP cleaning in those too.

The fact that you start the pump and walk away makes them more than worth the cost of the CIP and pump.
[attachment=0:1h8dzwmb]IMG_1272-2.jpg[/attachment:1h8dzwmb]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Kyle on February 28, 2013, 01:29:10 PM
Is that TC stuff all from brewershardware? I'm think of picking up some of their stuff. Was there a lot of duty at the border?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 02:02:12 PM
yeah, got all the parts from brewershardware.com.  Their prices are very good and they have a large selection.

I just had about $90 in parts shipped directly to me and cost $20 shipping.  Not sure what kind of bill I'm going to get for the duty, but it can't be that bad.

All the other parts John and I ordered for our fermenters were sent to Houlton for pickup.  John was over for 48+ hours so no big duty charges.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on February 28, 2013, 03:01:21 PM
To bad those CIP balls didn't come with a 2" TC connector - for using on a keg... sizes go from 1" to 3" - bummer...

Mind if I ask how big is your sump pump? It have good pressure? Also wondering where you're getting your acid solutions? I'd like to read about them...
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 03:12:45 PM
the sump pump I bought is a 1/2HP flotek high output that is rated for 4680 GPH, so roughly 78GPM.  I have a 1/2" line setup from it and it does a great job.  I've ordered a few 1" fittings for the fermenter and pump so my output will be much better.  1/2" is good enough, but more will reduce the cleaning time.  
Got the pump for about $180.  Sounds like a lot, but the pump is quite versatile.  I'll also be using it as an automatic drain.  Put it in a bucket with a hose attached running outside...when the water in the bucket hits a certain level, the pump turns on and drains the bucket.  The pump will pass 3/4" particles too I believe.

Brew, you could always buy a 2" TC end cap with a 1/2" or larger NPT thread.  Then screw a cip into it.   Yes, threads are exposed but who really cares seeing as though you're using it for cleaning.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on February 28, 2013, 03:23:12 PM
forgot the acid solution question.

The manufacturer is Birko corp (http://www.birkocorp.com/brewery/ (http://www.birkocorp.com/brewery/)).

The 3 products I'm looking at is:

1. Acid Brite #2 - for conditioning and passivating Stainless
2. Cir-Q-Late - Heavy duty caustic for CIP cleaning
3. Birk-OX - Rinseless acid based sanitzer, like starsan

Because they supply bigger breweries, they sell in 5Gal and 1Barrel formats.
Once I get final information from them, I'll put up a post in case anyone in the club wants to do a bulk club purchase.

The stuff is pretty cheap in those quantities.  Kicks the crap out of five star pricing.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on February 28, 2013, 03:44:12 PM
Very cool - yes most def I would be interested in going in with you and john on those cleaners!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 03, 2013, 10:54:07 PM
Thought I'd share my very first conical trub dump.  
Next dump will be in a sanitized growler to repitch in the next batch.

[attachment=0:2iicg9t3]trub.JPG[/attachment:2iicg9t3]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 05, 2013, 10:20:57 AM
Well, I had the unfortunate opportunity to pressure test one of my brewhemoths way up past 80PSI.....with 20GAL of fermenting beer in it.

Long story short, there was a major clog in a poppetgas fitting, that caused pressure to build in the fermenter...I presume from day 1 of fermentation.
for 5 days, the blowoff pressure was a constant 5-6psi, and no hiss...
Thinking fermentation hadn't started yet, I removed the gas fitting from the top of the fermenter and it nearly blew out of my hand.

I replaced the fitting and gas line feeding the blow off keg, and listened for over 10 minutes as high pressure CO2 exited the pressure release regulator.

This definitely explains the "whipped cream" like beer samples and trub dumps I took.

I'm fairly certain that all yeast in the fermenter is dead, and I will confirm this evening.  From there, going to have to repitch and cross my fingers.

Regardless, someone is drinking the 20 GAL of brew in that fermenter!

lessons learned.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: chrismccull on March 05, 2013, 10:44:48 AM
Is there a port on the tank to add a pressure gauge?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 05, 2013, 10:57:17 AM
Not exactly no, but I could add one with a sanitary Tee.

I'm going to modify things a bit for the next batch of beer.  Specifically, I'm going to remove the poppet from the gas fitting at the top of the fermenter, as that is where the gum up occurred.

I also don't think this would have happened if I had have made 15GAL.  20GAL is a bit too close to the top for spunding with all the fittings I'm using.  I suppose I could ferment with a blow off tube for the first 3-4 days, then hook up to a keg to finish off...

lots of ideas....
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 06, 2013, 09:01:32 AM
Well, the 80+ PSI pressure in the fermenter killed off most of the yeast.  Fermentation stalled at 1.026.

I released the remaining pressure and repitched....and dry hopped.  

Unfortunately the beer has been left with a slight "fruity" or "homebrew" taste to it...I'm assuming because of the big lag in fermentation.

Very disappointed but a huge learning experience with the new hardware.  The beer will still be drinkable, just not fresh and crisp like I usually make.

So, moving foward, I'll either make 15GAL spunded batches, or use a blow off tube until the krausen has eased up, then attach the spunding valve to finish fermentation and carbonate.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Richard on March 08, 2013, 06:29:39 PM
Wow... yeah, you probably lysed the yeast pretty hard doing that.

You might be able to re-start and remove some of the yeasty taste & green flavours by pitching some krausen.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 08, 2013, 07:18:46 PM
I think I might have saved it somewhat.  I repitched with a hydrated slurry and dry hopped at the same time.  It took off and fell 20 points in less than two days.  Either the yeast has taken care of the fruity aroma or the dry hops are really masking it...

And on top of all that, I let the fermenter pressurize before cold crashing and what do ya know...my F#$*ing ferm chamber freezer died....

Not sure what else could go wrong with this maiden run, but I think enough has gone wrong already.

realized the freezer was dead when I got home from work and the chamber was still at 16C...2 hours later, I have another identical sized freezer sitting in my garage waiting to be swapped in...

I can drive around town with only 1 winshied wiper for 2 weeks, but I'll be damned if I go a half day without a beer freezer!   :lol:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Richard on March 08, 2013, 07:38:08 PM
Priorities.  :party:
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 11, 2013, 10:13:15 AM
New freezer is in place and working well.  Made roughly 18gal of john's Good Day to Die IPA yesterday with my Dad and it all went smooth this time around.  

I decided this time around to use a blow off tube, mosty because of the aggressive fermentation I expect from this batch...and I'm still a little sour from my previous spunding experience.

I have a few points to share regarding wort aeration and yeast pitching that I've observed with repeated batches of beer.  For some this might seem common knowledge and practice, but for others it might be that little bit of motivation to change their procedures a bit.

1.  Aeration of Wort:  I've brewed many batches of beer with and without aerating the wort before pitching yeast.  Hands down, every time I aerated the wort, fermentation took off within 12-18 hours.  I've observed fermentation lags of up to 36 hours when not aerating.  

2.  Yeast pitching Dry vs Hydrated:  For the longest time I've just sprinkled dry yeast on top of the wort and have observed that it would take a considerable amount of time for the wort foam to collapse allowing the dry yeast to hydrate in the wort.
Recently, with the addition of a yeast stir plate, I've  been pre hydrating the dry yeast in wateryeast nutrient for about an hour or so prior to pitching.  The stir plate agitates and aerated the yeast slurry to the point that thick foam forms on the surface and climbs half way up the flask, like whipped milk.   When pitching, the slurry instantly finds itself mixing with the wort.


With the combination of wort aeration and a yeast slurry, fermentation in this last batch took off like a rocket.  8-10 hours after pitching and the blow off tube is bubbling away quite vigorously in the bucket.  This is, hands down, the fastest fermentation start I've observed in my brewery.

Needless to say, aerating wort and hydrating yeast is now common practice in the brewery.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: chrismccull on March 11, 2013, 10:45:03 AM
Do you use an oxygen bottle to aerate?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 11, 2013, 10:47:59 AM
Yes I do.  I buy them in the welding section of Canadian Tire.  not overly expensive at around $10 each.  I've aerated roughly 8 batches of beer with this bottle, and there's still oxygen in it.  I have a backup bottle in case this one runs out.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on March 11, 2013, 11:22:15 AM
I highly recommend the O2 setup as well.  Worked wonders for reducing lag time for me.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 11, 2013, 12:28:33 PM
took a video of the brewhemoth fermenting away and posted it on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYUeUOOHuWw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYUeUOOHuWw)
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on March 18, 2013, 05:39:45 PM
Hey fakr - so there are 5 ports on the fermenter? I guess the top one is 4"? What are the others, all 1.5"?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: JohnQ on March 18, 2013, 06:02:06 PM
Quote from: "brew"
Hey fakr - so there are 5 ports on the fermenter? I guess the top one is 4"? What are the others, all 1.5"?


Since fakr hasn't answered immediately...

Top 4" - Cleanout
Beside the top, 1" - Spunding, Loading
Just above the cone, 1" - Sampling, Temp probe
Just above the bottom, on the cone, 1" - Racking
Bottom, 1.5" - Trub dump.

JQ
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on March 18, 2013, 06:21:35 PM
Cool thanks... how do you think the bottom port would work if it was 1"?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on March 18, 2013, 06:31:55 PM
What are you up to brew?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on March 18, 2013, 06:44:42 PM
I'm trying to cost out the hardware needed to convert my keg fermenter into the "Fermonster"!

I'm thinking of cutting the skirt off the bottom of the keg and welding some lengths of bedframe to the keg to lift it off the floor (like the bo-heem-eth). I'd be fairly easy to cut holes after that and weld the proper size ferrules in place. At the very least I'd like to have a bottom port in the fermonster so I can use a CIP ball to clean it with... I really like the sample valve idea as well. Toying with the value of the bottom port vs. the racking port though...
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 18, 2013, 07:04:21 PM
Sorry guys didnt see the post.

The dump port is very useful in the conical but if you're using a keg you could get away with just a racking port and install a rotating dip tube.  I see guys using them with sanitary fittings on non conicals.  The gasket you use is teflon i think and allows you to rotate.  
Keep the dip tube pointing down to suck up the trub n yeast, the. Rotate it to the side to rack the beer.
I'll see if i can find the link for the rotating racking arms.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on March 18, 2013, 07:04:38 PM
Hmmm.  Interesting idea.
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 18, 2013, 07:50:16 PM
Here's one, 2" though.

http://morewinepro.com/view_product/7547 (http://morewinepro.com/view_product/7547)
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 18, 2013, 07:55:39 PM
Ah here it is:

http://morebeer.com/view_product/5941 (http://morebeer.com/view_product/5941)
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on March 18, 2013, 07:58:40 PM
Cool - food for thought there...
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: pliny on March 19, 2013, 09:31:06 AM
I don't have a big setup but I do have a diptube like this:
http://www.bargainfittings.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=151
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on March 19, 2013, 11:03:23 AM
Fyi Brew, 1" and 1.5" sanitary fittings use the same diameter clamps and gaskets so they are interchangeable.
The other size fittings are not so i'd suggest sticking with 1" and 1.5".
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: brew on March 19, 2013, 11:06:25 AM
Ahh I see! I was wondering why they were listed on the site as 1"/1.5" ...
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on May 02, 2013, 11:19:56 AM
Thought I'd post a couple of updated pics of the brewery.  Finally got a range hood, running water and finished my HLT with a 50' 1/2" herms coil.

Only thing left is to mount the new grain mill to it's base.

[attachment=2:22tslyls]hlt.JPG[/attachment:22tslyls]
[attachment=1:22tslyls]coil.JPG[/attachment:22tslyls]
[attachment=0:22tslyls]brewery.JPG[/attachment:22tslyls]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on May 02, 2013, 11:29:19 AM
Very nice.  This is awesome!
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on May 02, 2013, 12:52:55 PM
And here's the new grain mill.  It's a crankandstein 3D, 3 roller mill.  This sucker is damn heavy!
Going to mount it in the new mill table tonight!

[attachment=1:3ql9hmx8]crank1.JPG[/attachment:3ql9hmx8]

[attachment=0:3ql9hmx8]crank2.JPG[/attachment:3ql9hmx8]
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: Chris Craig on May 02, 2013, 01:25:20 PM
What's the benefit over the barley crusher?
Title: Re: New equipment - Fermenters and Fridge
Post by: fakr on May 02, 2013, 01:31:16 PM
the first two rollers of a 3 roller mill has a wide gap to break the husk from the grain, then it passes between the second and third roller to crush and separate the husk from the grain.  Makes a more uniform crush.
It has bearing races in it as opposed to a solid brass bushing so it runs smoother and will last a lot longer.
It's throughput is also quite a bit faster than the barley crusher, one of the bigger reasons for getting it.  Milling 50LB of grain takes a while in the barley crusher.

It's a heavy duty monster that I've always wanted.
Same grain mill Shiretown uses in their brewery.