Cost Effective Thermowells

[jonw]

I need to add DS18B20 temp probes to my HLT, Kettle, and Mash Tun outlet.

For the tun outlet, I've been looking at the Gryphon brewing setup he uses for his HERMS kit, i.e. putting a T piece between tap and camlock, and using a short BSP thermowell.

Parts list would be: T piece, thermowell, and presumably a hex nipple to connect Tpiece to tap.

Does that sound like the way to go for the tun, or is there a better way of doing it?

When it comes to the kettle which is a converted 58L keg - thinner walls than a CUB keg., could I just use the same thermowell fashioned into a weld-less bulkhead style fitting with a washer and nut inside & out? The HLT would be along the same lines.

Alternatives I've looked at (for the MLT and kettle) include buying pre-made temp probes like this and compression fittings like this. That comes to ~$30 plus shipping, so it's a bit more than the Gryphon option, but includes the sensor and the cable.

Cheers,

Jon

 

[PeteQ]

How about this - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/350586769099

I should mention I'm using one of these in my braumiser build, works a treat!

 

[Online Brewing Supplies]

I need to add DS18B20 temp probes to my HLT, Kettle, and Mash Tun outlet.

For the tun outlet, I've been looking at the Gryphon brewing setup he uses for his HERMS kit, i.e. putting a T piece between tap and camlock, and using a short BSP thermowell.

Parts list would be: T piece, thermowell, and presumably a hex nipple to connect Tpiece to tap.

Does that sound like the way to go for the tun, or is there a better way of doing it?

When it comes to the kettle which is a converted 58L keg - thinner walls than a CUB keg., could I just use the same thermowell fashioned into a weld-less bulkhead style fitting with a washer and nut inside & out? The HLT would be along the same lines.

Alternatives I've looked at (for the MLT and kettle) include buying pre-made temp probes like this and compression fittings like this. That comes to ~$30 plus shipping, so it's a bit more than the Gryphon option, but includes the sensor and the cable.

Cheers,

Jon

Feel free to contact me to discuss your options, I can work most things out in a few emails.
Nev

 

[jonw]

How about this - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/350586769099

I should mention I'm using one of these in my braumiser build, works a treat!

Cool. Thanks. I hadn't found units with a screw fitting on ebay before. Two are now on their way. What size is the screw thread?

Nev, I'll be in touch regarding my HLT setup.

Cheers,

Jon

 

[lukasfab]

How about this - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/350586769099

I should mention I'm using one of these in my braumiser build, works a treat!

what do you need to display the temp?

 

[jonw]

what do you need to display the temp?

Have a search for "Matho's controller" or Braumiser (they're the same thing). It's a microcontroller (Arduino) based unit built from (more or less) off the shelf parts that does a bunch more than displaying temps, i.e. it controls a heating element, a pump , and somewhat automates a process flow.

 

[PeteQ]

I have no idea what the thread size is, I'll have a look tonight but at a guess around M10.

I use Mathos arduino driven controller - http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum/inde...showtopic=59563

 

[PeteQ]

Definitely M10 thread on that sensor, it did come with the nut as well...