How about an Equipment Thread?!

[BREWsmith]

I added a new brewing structure and pump this weekend. It usually takes me a brew session or two to smoothly incorporate new gadgets into brewing process. On top of this, I was experimenting with dumping the wort on top of the yeast left after secondary fermenation. Apparently, there were just too many new variables. I was so excited to use the new pump I forgot to turn on the water for my chiller until I'd pumped some near boiling wort into the fermenter likely killing any viable yeast. I went home at lunch today, dumped the dead yeast and added some dry yeast. If nothing else, this was a good learning experience! By the way, the brewing structure is configured from Gorilla Rack from Menards and assembles/disassembles in just a couple minutes. The cost was just over $100. I have a question on the pump. It seemed to work o.k., but I'm wondering if I should mount it with the inlet/outlet vertical as I've seen in a few catalogs such as MoreBeer's brew sculptures. Any advice would be appreciated.

[msjulian]

I had all kinds of issues getting the pump to prime until I put the inlet to the bottom as shown in the pic

IMG_8184.JPG

[BREWsmith]

I had all kinds of issues getting the pump to prime until I put the inlet to the bottom as shown in the pic

IMG_8184.JPG

That's interesting. I would never had guessed that that would improve the priming.

[Chris Norrick]

This is how mine is set up for easy priming:

photo.jpg

[msjulian]

Finally got my third faucet installed...

DSCN0831.jpg

Now all that is left is to purchase a stout faucet to sub in for the Guinness clone brews...

[Don Armstrong]

Here is the info for the fermentation chiller that I brought to the meeting. I brewed my first all-grain last Friday and used the Chilly Willy on its maiden voyage, worked great!! Best $75 ever.

I used these plans:

http://home.roadrunner.com/~brewbeer/ch ... hiller.PDF

Parts list: (Lowes)
1 - 4x8 Extruded Polystyrene Foamboard, $26.21
1 - Foamboard adhesive tube, 3.34
1 - Thermstat heat & cool, $15.77
1 - 8'x5/8" quarter round molding, $4.29
1 - 5/16"x48" dowell rod, $0.74
1 - 27pcs grommet kit (tarp repair), $8.97
1 - 3/8"x3/16" weather strip, $2.08
1 - Indoor/Outdoor thermometer, $8.97
1 - 12V D.C. power supply, laying around the house
1 - 3" computer fan, savaged from old computer around the house

Total, $69.83 + tax = $ 74.37

Pictures:

[Don]

I like the paint job.
(Cooler looks good too)

[BREWsmith]

I've decided that I must have some quick disconnects for my mash and boil kettles. Plastic or stainless?

[Don]

I've tried plastic (and still have them in a bag) if you want to try them.
I now use brass from McMaster-Carr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#

6739K64
Hose Couplings for Coolant Sleeve-Lck Sckt X Barb, 3/8" Cplg Sz, 1/2" Hose ID
$6.47 Each

6739K59
Hose Couplings for Coolant Plug, 1/2" NPTF Male, 3/8" Coupling Size
$1.98 Each

6739K68
Hose Couplings for Coolant Sleeve-Lck Sckt, 90 Deg Barb, 3/8" Cplg, 1/2" Hose ID $8.01 Each

Stainless Steel are way to much $$ for me.

[Don Armstrong]

Chilly Willy update!

I tried to use my fermentation chiller to crash cool my "Not Murphy's Red Ale" to improve the clarity. I haven't bottled it yet so I'm not sure how effective it was. However, here is what I discovered: It took about 36hrs. to drop from 72° to 50° with 2 gallon jugs of ice with the fan set to run constantly. I then added 2 more frozen gallons (4 total) but was only able to drop to 46.7° during the next 24 hours. I think it is safe to say that with frequent ice changes lagering temps can be maintained but more drastic measures will need to be taken to drop temps below 45°. I may experiment with Rock Salt to get colder temps.....stay tuned.

[BM1]

but was only able to drop to 46.7° during the next 24 hours.

Very good on your temperature drop,there.Product temperature generally can only get to within 10-15 deg F of the cooling media.You should be proud

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks for the info Steve.

[BREWsmith]

I've tried plastic (and still have them in a bag) if you want to try them.
I now use brass from McMaster-Carr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#

6739K64
Hose Couplings for Coolant Sleeve-Lck Sckt X Barb, 3/8" Cplg Sz, 1/2" Hose ID
$6.47 Each

6739K59
Hose Couplings for Coolant Plug, 1/2" NPTF Male, 3/8" Coupling Size
$1.98 Each

6739K68
Hose Couplings for Coolant Sleeve-Lck Sckt, 90 Deg Barb, 3/8" Cplg, 1/2" Hose ID $8.01 Each

Stainless Steel are way to much $$ for me.

Thanks for the advice, Don. I will be placing an order on Monday, Aug 16. if anyone would like to add to my order, let me know.

[BREWsmith]

I've tried plastic (and still have them in a bag) if you want to try them.
I now use brass from McMaster-Carr
http://www.mcmaster.com/#

6739K64
Hose Couplings for Coolant Sleeve-Lck Sckt X Barb, 3/8" Cplg Sz, 1/2" Hose ID
$6.47 Each

6739K59
Hose Couplings for Coolant Plug, 1/2" NPTF Male, 3/8" Coupling Size
$1.98 Each

6739K68
Hose Couplings for Coolant Sleeve-Lck Sckt, 90 Deg Barb, 3/8" Cplg, 1/2" Hose ID $8.01 Each

Stainless Steel are way to much $$ for me.

Thanks for the advice, Don. I will be placing an order on Monday, Aug 16. if anyone would like to add to my order, let me know.

Great service! I placed the order on Monday and it was on my step Tuesday using UPS Ground at a cost of less than $5.

[BREWsmith]

Here's the newest addition to my brewery. It seems to work really well.