Jump to content

.....getting there....


F_in Ray Of Sunshine

Recommended Posts

 Now all I need is one of you'se to be an expert on Indistrial Controls...

 

 

Perhaps not an expert, but I wrote the control sequences for a $10M smelter to tie seven separate subsystems together so they would all interface with each other properly.

 

If you can find a place that recycles old machinery, I think you could pick up most of the parts you need rather inexpensively, particularly used temperature/pressure controllers and sensors.

 

This site has some stuff that might help, if you're willing to wade through wacko stuff like inflatable feet and such:  http://www.sciplus.com/

 

I'd be happy to help if you think I might be able to contribute...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 
I'd be happy to help if you think I might be able to contribute...


It's actually fairly simple, just cycling a burner on and off to maintain a temp - the tighter, the better. Some form of thermocouple talks to a controller that operates a Red Hat solenoid: http://www.ascovalve.com/Applications/Products/Solenoid2WayData.aspx There is already stuff out there: http://www.brewpi.com/introducing-brewpi-spark/ for controlling the brew as well as temp control for fermentation. (The fermentation chamber may get priority over the brewery in my to do list).

It's just tying it all together that's got me confuzzled.

Fortunately there's a software engineer in the house....

There are also 2 110 pumps that are just switched manually.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that you should consider the possibility that we could get very good temperature control by unnecessarily complicating this project with expensive equipment that you don't really need. ;) 

 

Asco does make a modulating valve (8202/8203) that you could put with PID type controller that would modulate the flame for some very even temperature control, if you're more interested in making the project about fancy controls than about brewing beer.

 

That little brewpi spark controller looks pretty sharp, although I think you'll have to carefully match its outputs to your control relays so the current draw on the relay coils doesn't exceed what the controller can supply.  If you find yourself looking for relays, diodes, LEDs, switches, or resistors send me a shopping list and I'll see if I have what you need.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think that you should consider the possibility that we could get very good temperature control by unnecessarily complicating this project with expensive equipment that you don't really need.

The basic premise behind this whole project is "overkill". I can brew with what I already have. The reason I'm building this is because I can.

I already have valves in place. (Hard to see in the photo). The way this works is there's a pilot light that gets lit at the start of brewing. When the thermocouple tells the controller it wants heat, the controller opens the ASCO.) I know, I know, kinda ghetto - there should be an igniter and an "eye"....

Edit: Okay, not quite this level of "overkill".... http://theelectricbrewery.com/gallery
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Perhaps not an expert, but I wrote the control sequences for a $10M smelter to tie seven separate subsystems together so they would all interface with each other properly.

 

If you can find a place that recycles old machinery, I think you could pick up most of the parts you need rather inexpensively, particularly used temperature/pressure controllers and sensors.

 

This site has some stuff that might help, if you're willing to wade through wacko stuff like inflatable feet and such:  http://www.sciplus.com/

 

I'd be happy to help if you think I might be able to contribute...

 

This one?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

Edit: Okay, not quite this level of "overkill".... http://theelectricbrewery.com/gallery

 

See?  Now that's the kind of overkill I was thinking of!  Very nice!

 

Of course the one problem with that is the power company sees your electric bill suddenly spike after you turn that thing on.  They report that to the local constabulary and federal offices because it exactly mimics the electrical use profile for an indoor pot farm.  The good officers come and break down you door (again) looking for said pot farm, don't find any, but confiscate your beer anyway.

 

I think you're taking the right approach in firing your system with propane.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think you're taking the right approach in firing your system with propane.


Well, aside from the whole Police State thing, there's the issue of "portability".... PLUS, as my BIL pointed out, if I had an evaporator tray made that thing would be kickass for boiling sap.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...