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  • System upgrade recommendations

    Howsit guys!

    Im currently using a 40L urn for a single vessel BIAB system. I built a modular control box for an STC1000 temp controller (plus 15A relay circuit) and a circulation pump (using old dishwasher pump). The system is loosely based off a single brewing system such as a Brewzilla / Grain father and is working really well.

    The only problem I have is the small volume/yield I get. My system limit is starting with +-30L water, plus grains, and leaves me with a little headroom and then I only get about 20L yield.

    Because I built the system plug 'n play I can still use the pump, control box and temp controller if I upgrade and I was thinking of just getting a bigger urn. My main objective with an upgrade is to get at least double (40L) or more yield to make it viable to consider.

    I contacted Basterfield engineering and the biggest urn they sell for single phase power is 3000W @ 75L. They do have a 100L and 150L urns but as its 3 phase it wont work. I asked them if they cant custom build be a 100L urn with a 3000W element, but I am yet to hear back from them (using a 3000W element on a larger volume will increase by brew day by +-30min).

    The only other alternative I can think of is to buy a 100L stainless vessel and maybe pop in a 3000W low density element, but I am hesitant due to extra complexity & keeping the element clean.

    Considering I dont have the space for a 3 tier system, is there anything else I should consider?

    Any advice appreciated.
    Last edited by tman32; 13 May 2021, 14:40.

  • #2
    Maybe the Demacraft 60lt? But it's a big investment

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    • #3
      Originally posted by BackOffMyBrew View Post
      Maybe the Demacraft 60lt? But it's a big investment
      Thanks for the recommendation, but at R16 000 its out of the question unfortunately.

      Plus as mentioned I already have modular temp controller, pump and control box I will migrate to the new system

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      • #4
        hang out for basterfields response or give them a call? i believe that their elements are uncovered anyway, so there is that

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        • #5
          You could try brewing a higher gravity brew and dilute the wort with distilled water afterwards to desired gravity into the fermentors. Ive read somewhere John Palmer talking about this.
          You'll need to considder hop IBU additions as per your final fermentable volume.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by groenspookasem View Post
            hang out for basterfields response or give them a call? i believe that their elements are uncovered anyway, so there is that

            This........

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            • #7
              Mash a 2nd batch in a coolerbox. Add that liquid to the 1st batch in the urn. Fill to the brim. Boil slower or for a shorter period. Should be able to get close to 40L from a 50l urn??? NOT ??

              You could even circulate from urn to coolerbox back to urn ... just need to control the flow with ballvalves/taps
              The Problem With The World Is That Everyone Is A Few Drinks Behind.!

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              • #8
                Originally posted by tman32 View Post
                Thanks for the recommendation, but at R16 000 its out of the question unfortunately.
                I'm planning to get that at some stage

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                • #9
                  Another option would be to buy a big stainless vessel of your required size, take it to an engineering works and get them to weld a 2" triclover port near the bottom.
                  You can easily get low watt density elements in the triclover configuration to put into that port.

                  The plus with that is its a doddle to remove from the vessel for cleaning purposes. If you decide later that you want a change you can just put a blanking plate on to cover the fitting and move the element to another vessel.

                  - - - Updated - - -

                  Originally posted by BackOffMyBrew View Post
                  I'm planning to get that at some stage
                  Dont look at any Aussie brewing suppliers then, it will really annoy you to see how little they cost in the rest of the world!
                  That same system is around R6k overseas.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Rocket-Boy View Post

                    Dont look at any Aussie brewing suppliers then, it will really annoy you to see how little they cost in the rest of the world!
                    That same system is around R6k overseas.
                    Indeed, something we have to live with

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                    • #11
                      Almost wat jigsaw said but slightly tweaked. If you search deep enough you will find this advice from one of the other members on one of the urn threads. BIAB in the urn BUT don't add all the water keep 10+l for sparging after the bag is lifted.

                      So if like me you bought the logic urn you have 40l actual volume.
                      5-5,5kg grain in 25 -30l water should JUST fit.
                      Then once your higher OG mash is done sparge to extract more sugar but also dilute to planned pre boil gravity. Could get really close to 40l.

                      As a final note someone on here shared a pick of a porter boiling that was absolutely filled to the brim so you really dont need 5l deadspace above the boil

                      Sent from my SM-A515F using Tapatalk

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                      • #12
                        You could .. of course step one back .. and modify your 50litre coolerbox into a mash tun.

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                        • #13
                          +1 to what Jannie said.

                          I have a CaterPride 50L urn I improved my mash efficiency on my last brew. I sparged (rest my bag in a large colander over the urn) with 5L to get more "juice" out of the grains.

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                          • #14
                            Originally posted by groenspookasem View Post
                            hang out for basterfields response or give them a call? i believe that their elements are uncovered anyway, so there is that
                            Yes. This is 1st prize. I've sent a follow up email to John after speaking to him on Monday

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                            • #15
                              Do what toxxyc does!! Two vessel system!!

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