Fermenter Temp Control

[william.heinric]

Can anyone give me a rundown on how to build a control panel for fermenter control? I don't really know enough about solenoids, controllers, and the electrical fun stuff to do it.

I guess I need to know how to build from the control panel to the solenoid.

Thanks
Bill

[ArmstrongBrew]

Fermtroller

Bill

You might want to check out Brewtroller. The project is called Fermtroller and it is a homebrewer project plan, but I don't see why it couldn't work for a larger system. The good news is the board if built and you just connect the solenoids to it on the glycol line.

https://www.brewtroller.com

Nick

[william.heinric]

Neat program

That's a pretty nifty setup. I'll give them a call and see what's what.

That being said...I feel like I should know what the industry standard is, just for the sake of knowing.

Thanks Nick,

Bill

[jimvgjr]

There's quite a variety of options to consider from a central panel with a bank of programmable controllers to utilizing individual temperature controllers that are mounted at each vessel.

For the glycol control valves you can go with pilot operated solenoid valves or with, more expensive, actuated valves. We recommend using the 0-2 PSI pressure differential solenoid valves that don't require a big pressure drop across the valve to open and close. Actuated valves are more expensive but are also more fail safe and reliable.

We can provide some quotes on different valves and temperature control options, please get in touch with our Inside Salesman, Andrew. He can answer any additional questions, please email him at andrewl@prorefrigeration.com

Good Luck,

Jim

Pro Refrigeration Inc.

https://www.prochiller.com

[CaptainEBC]

I used a couple of these:

http://www.auberins.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=106

Just hook up an RTD or Thermocouple to the sensor input, then connect your tank solenoid valve to the relay output of the controller.

The relay will make contact when the tank temp rises higher than the setpoint (cooling mode selected), and will turn off when the temp is met.

Just be sure to ground everything.

[BonedaleBeer]

Anyone have a link to a good solenoid valve?

[kyle.carbaugh]

Red Hat

Anyone have a link to a good solenoid valve?

I went with these guys:

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/RED-HAT-Solenoid-Valve-3UL19

[lhall]

The Asco Red Hats from Grainger work well. Just make sure to get the ones with ZERO pressure differential. The 2 psi ones will stick open.

[kugeman]

Asco makes the Redhat 2 solenoid that works really well. I also recently purchased a Parker solenoid from McMaster Carr. It's working great, both were about the same price ($130).

I would definitely recommend buying a zero differential solenoid. It makes life alot easier. Also some valves can be mounted either vertical or horizontal and some cannot. Just be sure which kind you get.

[Moonlight]

I am really fond of my Honeywell T775 controllers.
Beyond that, I veer off into an odd direction. Instead of having a big glycol pump and solenoid valves, I use a small pump for each tank. It takes a small pump (be sure pump is rated for cold fluids as some hot water circulators cannot handle cold) for each tank, but they are energy efficient and cost effective when you don't have a ton of tanks needing glycol at the same time.

[dast]

Alternative to Solenoid Valves

Hi,
I have attached a picture of an actuated ball valve that we sell a lot of to Breweries instead of a solenoid valves.Rated votalge 80-240V DC or 50/60Hz AC. Sizes 3/4" to 2"
This valve have the benefits of:
Full bore
No servo channels that can clog
No pressure drop
8 seconds from fully open to fully closed so no water hammers
COOL-FIT ABS plastic so no corrosion and less condensation
insulation kits available
Manual override
Two limit switches
IP65
You can install our manual type 546 ball valve in your system and later on if you want mount the actuator.
Can be mounted in any directions

We also offer other electric actuated valves and pneumatic actuated valves.

Cheers!

Dan Strömberg

Market Segment Manager
Cooling & Refrigeration

GF Piping Systems
2882 Dow Avenue
Tustin, CA 92503
Tel. 714-368-4196
Cell 951-642-2339
dan.stromberg@georgfischer.com

https://www.gfpiping.com