Lego Mindstorms Electric Brewery

mjmarsha · Post by **mjmarsha** » Fri Jun 29, 2012 3:33 pm

Relatively new to brewing so decided to go AG from the start. I started building this rig (see link) over the last xmas break and brewed the first batch memorial day weekend. Still haven't tried the first batch (not ready yet) but the second (wheat) and third (hefe) batches turned out great.

http://hackaday.com/2012/05/30/brewing-beer-with-lego/

DrPaulsen · Post by **DrPaulsen** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 9:19 am

Nice work! I really like the plastic tubing covers for your heating elements and the 3-way ball valve.

Here's a link to my electric rig. Will you be at the July meeting? I'd like to trade notes sometime.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33275630@N ... 123075865/

bf514921 · Post by **bf514921** » Sun Jul 01, 2012 10:53 am

dig the element covers, i may reuse that on my rig, what size tub is that , and is it just pvc?

mjmarsha · Post by **mjmarsha** » Mon Jul 02, 2012 9:26 am

The tubing is clear pvc flexible stuff I got from Ace Hardware on Center Pt Rd. Not sure what the ID is, maybe 1 1/2"?? I took my element with me and found something that would fit snug and then secured it with a hose clamp.

While its not really water proof it does protect you from accidently touching the terminals while still providing access to the terminals for maintenance. It was a cheaper compromise to potting them in place with some sort of goop and using electrical quick disconnects. I am going to add a quick disconnect for the rims heater though because I need to remove the element for cleaning once in a while.

I still have a couple improvements to make like:
Adding a operations checklist decal/placard
Welding up a taller BK for full half barrel batches

FYI the 3 way valve was from Grainger, was about $20ish.

I'll likely be at the meeting unless something pops up.