Hi AHBers,
I am considering upgrading my system and would appreciate some input on my ideas.
I am currently running a Birko BIAB setup with recirculation and temperature adjustment (including step mashing) via a Keg King Controller (thermowell into birko). I have been enjoying this setup for years however the main problems are wort clarity (I can Vorlauf to get lovely clear wort but then hoisting the bag squeezes it and undoes this work) and some issues with the exposed Birko element getting caked up with ‘mash gunk’ making a rolling boil difficult in higher OG batches. Also, the limited space (with grains added) mean that batch sparging into another container is often necessary to make something like a Dopplebock.
I am considering upgrading to a 2V system inspired by the Brutus approach (http://www.alenuts.com/alenuts/brutus20.html) but am wondering if I NEED a second element in the mash tun. I was thinking an alternative would be to use my Counter Flow Chiller as a pseudo-HERMS with the heat coming from my Birko boil kettle (via the ‘water’ ports). Of course, my main concern is weather this would be sufficient to hold mash temperatures considering heat loss from pumps / tubes / external surface area of CFC and Mash Tun. If it IS, my options are much greater of what I can afford for a mash tun (to potentially be used in a 3V system later) such as this: https://cheekypeakbrewery.com.au/36ltr-nano-brewery-304ss-pro-series-mash-tun
If NOT I will have to go with a crown urn (don’t need the power of birko exposed element) and create a false bottom / mash screen solution. Obviously, this would be more expensive but the other benefit is that I could heat cleaning solution (to circulate through pumps / CFC / Kettle) while kettle is standing or emptying after whirlpool. Image of my proposed (non-heated) setup below.
Would love to hear your thoughts =)
Cheers,
I am considering upgrading my system and would appreciate some input on my ideas.
I am currently running a Birko BIAB setup with recirculation and temperature adjustment (including step mashing) via a Keg King Controller (thermowell into birko). I have been enjoying this setup for years however the main problems are wort clarity (I can Vorlauf to get lovely clear wort but then hoisting the bag squeezes it and undoes this work) and some issues with the exposed Birko element getting caked up with ‘mash gunk’ making a rolling boil difficult in higher OG batches. Also, the limited space (with grains added) mean that batch sparging into another container is often necessary to make something like a Dopplebock.
I am considering upgrading to a 2V system inspired by the Brutus approach (http://www.alenuts.com/alenuts/brutus20.html) but am wondering if I NEED a second element in the mash tun. I was thinking an alternative would be to use my Counter Flow Chiller as a pseudo-HERMS with the heat coming from my Birko boil kettle (via the ‘water’ ports). Of course, my main concern is weather this would be sufficient to hold mash temperatures considering heat loss from pumps / tubes / external surface area of CFC and Mash Tun. If it IS, my options are much greater of what I can afford for a mash tun (to potentially be used in a 3V system later) such as this: https://cheekypeakbrewery.com.au/36ltr-nano-brewery-304ss-pro-series-mash-tun
If NOT I will have to go with a crown urn (don’t need the power of birko exposed element) and create a false bottom / mash screen solution. Obviously, this would be more expensive but the other benefit is that I could heat cleaning solution (to circulate through pumps / CFC / Kettle) while kettle is standing or emptying after whirlpool. Image of my proposed (non-heated) setup below.
Would love to hear your thoughts =)
Cheers,
