*note: Actual orientation in picture, however stand is missing.
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Two Tier All Grain Brewing Enhancements
I am currently an extract only brewer, but am ready to go all grain. Below in a design that I am working on to handle all grain brewing efficiently. I have no actual experience in all grain brewing, so all of this is based on reading and speculation.
Above is my initial design for an all grain brewing system that will hopefully support my brewing wishes. While discussing this design and fluid movement, all valves are assumed to be in the closed position unless otherwise stated.
The first step should be Filling the hot water tank with water by opening Cold Water Valve C1. Progress can be monitored using the sight on the side of the modified keg. Bring the water up to striking temperature by adjusting the flame via Gas Valve G1.
To Fill the RIMS open Brew Fluid Valve B1 until a couple inches of water is above the false bottom. Open valves B2 and B6 to allow the pump to prime, then close valve B6. Next add all grain and continue filling with hot water (using valve B1) until the water is a couple inches above the top of the grain.
Start recirculating the steeping water by opening Brew Fluid Valve B2. Turn on the pump and slowly open Brew Fluid Valve B3 until a minimal trickle flows out the sparging arm. Slowly increase the flow by opening B3 until water is flowing at about 1 gallon per 5 minutes. Using Gas valve G2 regulate the flame to keep the recirculating Mash at temperature and for all temperature boosts thought the mashing period. To keep the wort from scorching, a plate at the inlet causes the wort to flow rapidly along the bottom of the RIMS unit over the flame.
 | If the wort is still prone to scorching, I will heat with a soft-heat module which can be quick connected into the setup between the pump and the sparge return. The soft heat module will circulate hot water around a coil through which the wort is being pumped. The design of the soft heat module is such that the wort can only be heated to 212F because water is the heating medium, not direct flame contact. |
When it is time to Brew the wort, close B1 and open B4 until a trickle of wort is flowing into the brew pot. Open B1 and use it to regulate the water level in the Mash Tun while filling the brew pot. Once the brew pot is full, or the wort is too diluted close valves B4 and B1. Continue closing B2, G2, and then turn off the Pump.
Cook the wort as you normally would. If the wort needs to be diluted add water to it by opening Cold Water Valve C2. Use Gas Valve G3 to regulate the rate of boil in the brew pot.
When it is time to cool the wort and fill the primary, Swirl the wort in the brew pot so that all sediment will accumulate towards the center bottom. Next, open the Cold Water Valve C3 fully. Open valve B5 fully and begin to fill the primary fermenter. If the temperature of the wort entering the primary is too low close C3 partially until the correct pitching temperature is reached. If the wort temperature is to warm, partially close B5 until the correct wort temperature is flowing into the primary.
Flushing the system when done brewing could be accomplished by the following method. Fill the hot water vessel with water and heat till boiling. With all other valves closed open valve B1 to flush the returns into the RIMS unit. Open Valve B3. Open Valve B6 and flush for a few seconds, then close B6. Open valve B2, turn on pump, let RIMS unit recirculate and fill for a few seconds, then close B1. Open B4 and close B3 to pump cleaning solution up to the brew pot. Open valve B5 and allow cleaning solution to flow through counter current chiller until the Brew Pot is empty. Turn off pump, and sequentially open valves B7, B2, B6, B4, B3, B1, B5 to drain all hot fluid lines. To continue cleaning, disconnect all quick connect fittings and remove the hot fluid mixer. The fluid vessels can then be removed for further cleaning.
| Qty. | Description |
|---|---|
| 15 Gallon Stainless Steel Kegs | |
| Cold water valves | |
| Hot fluid valves | |
| Propane Gas Valve (low pressure) | |
| Counter Concurrent Wort Chiller | |
| Food Grade High Temperature Pump |
| Qty. | Description | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 Gallon Stainless Steel Kegs (legally purchased) |
Still doing initial research to make sure methods and design principles are correct.
Works great in my imagination, see Building Notes.