Hi, So I'm thinking about building a new setup and started by comparing the equipment and process using different scenarios. I currently use a 3V HERMS. It works fine, but I would like to 1-improve ease in cleaning, 2-simplify process by reducing hose changes and 3-not spend too much money. To improve cleaning I have been looking for domed-bottomed kettles and it looks like they are finally coming into home brewing, yay. To simplify my process I've considered using a valve tree, but with 2 pumps and 3 vessels it's still complicated and costly. I've been brainstorming on ways to eliminate the HLT (and associated pump, heater, controls, piping) as a way to simplify and reduce costs.
Obviously there is the single vessel biab method, which I have tried using a Braumeister for a few years. I didn't keep it. But I have also just noticed the 2V E-HERMS setup from Friedies blog; BK/HLT plus MLT which uses a full volume method to eliminate sparging. In this case strike and sparge water are combined in one mash step. That got me to thinking if I had the same setup, I would have the sparge water in the BK/HLT for heating the HERMS coil anyway, why not add the sparge water on top of the mash, only not lauter off the wort until the BK/HLT is empty. Shouldn't the sparge water sit rather nicely on top of the wort and rinse the grains as the wort is lautered and the water level drops? I have seen other posts claiming a hybrid sparge, but I would argue that this a true hybrid between batch and fly sparging.
Then I would only have 1 pump, 1 heating element, ect. I could also use the HERMS coil in the BK for knockout (at least to get below 80C.) The main disadvantage I see is cleaning the BK with a permanant HERMS coil, even if I have the luxury of the bottom drain. In order to avoid this possible problem, I have also considered doing the 1V RIMS in the MLT; that is, second heating element under the false bottom recirculating, and no HERMS coil in the BK/HLT. Of course here I would have 2 heating elements and added control components.
If either case should workout, I believe a version of the valve tree should be possible to realize being that only 1 pump is used.
Any feedback from you guys side?
Thanks for looking
Obviously there is the single vessel biab method, which I have tried using a Braumeister for a few years. I didn't keep it. But I have also just noticed the 2V E-HERMS setup from Friedies blog; BK/HLT plus MLT which uses a full volume method to eliminate sparging. In this case strike and sparge water are combined in one mash step. That got me to thinking if I had the same setup, I would have the sparge water in the BK/HLT for heating the HERMS coil anyway, why not add the sparge water on top of the mash, only not lauter off the wort until the BK/HLT is empty. Shouldn't the sparge water sit rather nicely on top of the wort and rinse the grains as the wort is lautered and the water level drops? I have seen other posts claiming a hybrid sparge, but I would argue that this a true hybrid between batch and fly sparging.
Then I would only have 1 pump, 1 heating element, ect. I could also use the HERMS coil in the BK for knockout (at least to get below 80C.) The main disadvantage I see is cleaning the BK with a permanant HERMS coil, even if I have the luxury of the bottom drain. In order to avoid this possible problem, I have also considered doing the 1V RIMS in the MLT; that is, second heating element under the false bottom recirculating, and no HERMS coil in the BK/HLT. Of course here I would have 2 heating elements and added control components.
If either case should workout, I believe a version of the valve tree should be possible to realize being that only 1 pump is used.
Any feedback from you guys side?
Thanks for looking