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Hi all,
We have received such incredibly helpful info from the community recently in our startup endeavors, we can not thank everyone enough. Hate to "dip into the well" continuously, but we have another question that is relatively important.
We have (2) 15 BBL FV's w/single zone jackets that we need to pipe into our newly purchased chiller. We also have a small Plate HEX that we are using to chill tap water into our CLT. The chiller has a single process out at 1". We understand the need for a supply and return manifold to achieve 3 independant process loops controlled by individual temp controllers at each vessel. NO prob. BUT, we have heard many brewers indicate the headaches that solenoids seem to cause invariably over time and wanted some recent feedback from brewers. I believe Diamond Knot indicated that instead of using solenoids, he would recommend using motorized ball valves ( I think he said). Any thoughts? justifications?
Also, should we install manual ball valves in the loop as an emergency cut-off should we need to replace the solenoids or motorized valves?
Are the Chinese models of these offered by GW Kent worth the effort? I see a 1" motorized ball valve for $50 and solenoids for $79 whereas our chiller manufacturer quoted us $192 ea for the Asco RedHat solenoids.
Finally, we are considering using Nitrile hose for the entire run from manifold to vessels and returns to final manifold. We understand that we should insulate with pipe wrap or foam wrap, would we be better served to use a hard piping in the vinyl family? cost is a consideration as always. Any input would be greatly appreciated. THX.
We have received such incredibly helpful info from the community recently in our startup endeavors, we can not thank everyone enough. Hate to "dip into the well" continuously, but we have another question that is relatively important.
We have (2) 15 BBL FV's w/single zone jackets that we need to pipe into our newly purchased chiller. We also have a small Plate HEX that we are using to chill tap water into our CLT. The chiller has a single process out at 1". We understand the need for a supply and return manifold to achieve 3 independant process loops controlled by individual temp controllers at each vessel. NO prob. BUT, we have heard many brewers indicate the headaches that solenoids seem to cause invariably over time and wanted some recent feedback from brewers. I believe Diamond Knot indicated that instead of using solenoids, he would recommend using motorized ball valves ( I think he said). Any thoughts? justifications?
Also, should we install manual ball valves in the loop as an emergency cut-off should we need to replace the solenoids or motorized valves?
Are the Chinese models of these offered by GW Kent worth the effort? I see a 1" motorized ball valve for $50 and solenoids for $79 whereas our chiller manufacturer quoted us $192 ea for the Asco RedHat solenoids.
Finally, we are considering using Nitrile hose for the entire run from manifold to vessels and returns to final manifold. We understand that we should insulate with pipe wrap or foam wrap, would we be better served to use a hard piping in the vinyl family? cost is a consideration as always. Any input would be greatly appreciated. THX.
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