A Different Recirculating Mash System
Tony Verhulst
(what's different is the heat exchanger)
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Why recirculate the mash? Good
question. If you've ever stuck a long probed thermometer in various locations of
a typical mashtun, you'd be surprised at the wide range of temperatures within
the tun - even if you stir the mash occasionally. For me, the prime reason for
recirculating the mash is to have a more even temperature and better temperature
control. There are several other good reasons to recirculate. Because the wort
is circulating through the grain bed, the wort is constantly being filtered so
that, at sparge time, the runoff is exceptionally clear. To a large extent the
mash can be left unattended leaving you time to do other things. Step infusions
and mashouts are also much simpler. Conversion rates are higher too. The list
goes on. I do want to make it clear that you don't need a Recirculating Mash System to make great all-grain beer. For some, it's just personal preference and for others it's a gadget thing. You should be proficient and comfortable at all-grain brewing before committing to a project like this. There are 2 principal types of Recirculating Mash Systems, RIMS (Recirculating Infusion Mash System) and HERMS (Heat Exchange Recirculating Mash System). In short, classic RIMS systems have an electric heating element in the wort flow to control the temperature. Classic HERMS systems run the wort through a heat exchanger in the Hot Liquor Tank (HLT) to control the temperature. The HLT water will later be used for the sparge. I decided against the classic HERMS system because I wanted to be independent of the HLT - I want to start recirculating and regulating the temperature long before the HLT is anywhere near the mash temperature. Since I principally brew 10 gallon batches, electric control over the mash meant serious power if I wanted to do step infusions (I do) - about 4500 Watts would be needed. I, therefore, also decided against a RIMS system because when the wort is in direct contact with a high power heating element, the possibility of scorching the wort is a serious concern. My solution was a hybrid system using a separate, electric powered, heat exchanger that was not part of the HLT. Not every one has the desire to design and build their own systems. Those who would prefer to buy a "turnkey" system are advised to have a look at Beer, Beer, and More Beer brewing "sculptures". RIMS/HERMS Links brewery.org library page Rick Calley's RIMS page Joe Stone's RIMS page Keith Royster's RIMS page Dion Hollenbeck's RIMS page Misc http://www.howtobrew.com - A great online brewing book by John Palmer Some pics of the rest of my brewery Brewing is my hobby but this is my passion
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visitors Last updated on
09/07/2011