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Author Topic: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing  (Read 11581 times)

Offline Lowell Brewing Co.

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    • Lowell Brewing Co.
Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« on: February 15, 2011, 12:39:41 pm »
Hey guys,
I am new to this forum and just finished building my brewery in the little tiny 1/2 garage that I have. This was part of the reason for building a single tier rig. My brewery is semi-automated with the BCS-460 system (ECC), but can also run manually if I choose to do so. I heat my mash through a RIMS tube and recircualtion. I also have an in-line oxygenation system and plate chiller on the outlet of the brewery. Take a look and let me know what you think! I have tried to document the build of the brewery as well as the brewing that has finally begun to take place in a blog.

http://lowellbrewing.blogspot.com/

Enjoy and any feedback, positive or negative, is always appreciated. Have fun brewing, everyone!
Lowell Brewing Co.
www.lowellbrewing.com

Offline denny

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2011, 01:06:56 pm »
Snazzy!
Life begins at 60.....1.060, that is!

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Offline tschmidlin

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2011, 01:11:11 pm »
Very nice :)
Tom Schmidlin

Offline realbeerguy

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2011, 01:26:04 pm »
Welcome to the Forum!

Nice build.
Member Savannah Brewers League & Lowcountry MALTS

Bluffton SC

Offline Mark G

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #4 on: February 15, 2011, 01:50:00 pm »
Impressive. I'm jealous. I keep telling myself, "one of these days."
Mark Gres

Offline bluesman

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #5 on: February 15, 2011, 02:19:12 pm »
Sweet!

Is that a Sabco single tier brewstand?
Ron Price

Offline Lowell Brewing Co.

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2011, 04:37:58 pm »
 No, not the Sabco one. The stand came from a guy in Texas on the HBT forum and everything else I just built and added on. Thanks for the props, guys! It has been a long time coming.
« Last Edit: February 15, 2011, 04:41:22 pm by alowell »
Lowell Brewing Co.
www.lowellbrewing.com

Offline maxieboy

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2011, 05:03:40 pm »
Nice rig! I've seen those stands. Must.....Keep.....It.....Simple.....Stupid....... ;D
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Offline kcjaz

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2011, 10:55:07 pm »
Very very cool.  I was proud of myself when I added an indication lamp to tell me I had power to the electric heater in my plastic HLT to help keep it from melting.  I have a ways to go before I get into BCS.  I had not seen BCS before, so thanks for posting.  I love seeing different set ups and everyone's different approaches to automation or lack there of.  Lots of ideas here to think about.
Jason Zoller

Offline euge

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2011, 12:07:47 am »
I want one.
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. -Richard P. Feynman

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Offline phillamb168

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #10 on: February 16, 2011, 01:49:55 am »
What was total cost for your build-out? I've always wanted to switch to a converted-keg system but I can't for the life of me find the darned things. I can get SS kettles etc no problem, but they are $$$, and I would like to -$$ that $$$.
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Offline mrbowenz

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #11 on: February 16, 2011, 04:09:36 am »
Most excellent brewery !
Brewing up history

Offline Lowell Brewing Co.

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #12 on: February 16, 2011, 08:04:45 am »
What was total cost for your build-out? I've always wanted to switch to a converted-keg system but I can't for the life of me find the darned things. I can get SS kettles etc no problem, but they are $$$, and I would like to -$$ that $$$.

Man, I wish I kept track of how much it cost....wait, I take that back. I basically sold off all of my old brewing equipment to upgrade. The keggles and one of the pumps I found on craigslist. The stand I bought from Marcus on HBT. Everything else was ebay scores and hardware stores. Honestly, I think if I bought everything straight out, it would be about $2000+. Keep trolling craigslist for keggles, they pop up every now and then. Other than that, you have to be pretty resourceful in acquiring stuff and know what to get. Keep hanging around these forums and asking questions, eventually you'll know what you want and know how to get it all. Keep us posted!
Lowell Brewing Co.
www.lowellbrewing.com

Offline Tim McManus

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #13 on: February 16, 2011, 12:10:43 pm »
Is that shipping or packaging insulation you've got wrapped around the mash tun?  What is that material and how well does it work as insulation?
Tim McManus
Haskell, NJ

Offline euge

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Re: Single Tier Semi-Automated, Lowell Brewing
« Reply #14 on: February 16, 2011, 12:13:39 pm »
Is that shipping or packaging insulation you've got wrapped around the mash tun?  What is that material and how well does it work as insulation?

It looks like Reflectix- silvered bubble-wrap. Works ok as an insulator but is better as a radiant barrier.
The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool. -Richard P. Feynman

Laws are spider-webs, which catch the little flies, but cannot hold the big ones. -Anacharsis