58 replies to this topic

[positiveContact]

what is the black board on the outside of the box?

[HVB]

what is the black board on the outside of the box?

Plywood.  I just painted it black.  I have the pegboard on the back end to help with cooling.  I had planned on putting a cover on it but at this point I am not sure I am.  If I do it may just be the short section where the chiller stick out from the shelf/table I have.

 

[matt6150]

Very nice. I figured you had something cool for the disconnect.

[HVB]

Very nice. I figured you had something cool for the disconnect.

They look to be the same as what SS brewtech sells here https://www.ssbrewte...=12468315619399 but mine are not black.

 

https://www.usplasti...18175&catid=743

[positiveContact]

So the glycol is in that orange tube? Is that without insulation in place? I was expecting the tube to be a larger diameter unless that's without insulation.

Edited by Mando, 15 July 2020 - 09:53 AM.

[HVB]

So the glycol is in that orange tube? Is that without insulation in place? I was expecting the tube to be a larger diameter unless that's without insulation.

No, that is the power cord.

 

The glycol is in the clear 3/8 ID tube.  You can see it covered in sweat here by my bandaged up finger

 

 

[positiveContact]

Oh, how is it getting down into the box? Is there a hole in that shelf?

Edited by Mando, 15 July 2020 - 11:23 AM.

[HVB]

Oh, how is it getting down into the box? Is there a hole in that shelf?

Yes, In the back I have an opening to get the hoses and the inkbird control plug through.

 

My goal will be to have two glycol controlled fermenters next to each other.  We will see how long that takes..LOL

[3rd party JKor]

Looks good.  I like the double disconnect.

 

 

This is so tempting.  Defrosting the AC every day this time of year is a PITA.

Edited by JKor, 16 July 2020 - 11:49 AM.

[HVB]

Looks good. I like the double disconnect.


This is so tempting. Defrosting the AC every day this time of year is a PITA.

Do it! I am sure you have most parts already.

[HVB]

First test run today. I knocked out quickly and only got to 91. Hooked up the glycol chiller and got it to 66 in 20 minutes. Glycol reservoir started at 37 and got up to 42.

[matt6150]

That's pretty awesome.

[Genesee Ted]

That's pretty awesome.

This

[HVB]

So far so good with this. I plan to add the last gallon of glycol after this beer is done and then get going on a festbier.

[strangebrewer]

You still happy with your AC powered glycol chiller? After doing some reading im thinking this is the way I'm going to go as well.

Started my hunt for a cheap analog window AC unit and finding mostly 5K BTU units. That going to be enough to lager in that Spike CF5? Its in my basement so ambient air temp is high 60's F.

[HVB]

You still happy with your AC powered glycol chiller? After doing some reading im thinking this is the way I'm going to go as well.

Started my hunt for a cheap analog window AC unit and finding mostly 5K BTU units. That going to be enough to lager in that Spike CF5? Its in my basement so ambient air temp is high 60's F.

I am very happy with it compared to what it would have cost for a commercial unit.  I had planned on going 5K BTU but I had this bigger unit kicking around and it had the manual control so I figured why not.  The 5K BTU unit should be find for your needs.  I have crashed to 35 or lower in the flex and the glycol temp was 26 I think.  The only change is I want to add a pump into the reservoir just to disturb the mixture to keep it from stratifying. I just plan to have it kick on when the AC unit does to make sure liquid is moving around the fins.

 

I wish I did not wait so long to build this to be honest.  

[strangebrewer]

I am very happy with it compared to what it would have cost for a commercial unit. I had planned on going 5K BTU but I had this bigger unit kicking around and it had the manual control so I figured why not. The 5K BTU unit should be find for your needs. I have crashed to 35 or lower in the flex and the glycol temp was 26 I think. The only change is I want to add a pump into the reservoir just to disturb the mixture to keep it from stratifying. I just plan to have it kick on when the AC unit does to make sure liquid is moving around the fins.

I wish I did not wait so long to build this to be honest.

Thats what I was hoping to hear! Especially this time of year window AC units are going cheap and I've got an old cooler I can use for the reservoir so its down to a little fabrication and some quick disconnects to make it work.

[HVB]

Thats what I was hoping to hear! Especially this time of year window AC units are going cheap and I've got an old cooler I can use for the reservoir so its down to a little fabrication and some quick disconnects to make it work.

 

The pump and disconnects I got work great.  I think the numbers or links are in here but if you need them let me know.

 

This place had the best Glycol prices even with shipping.  I could not find any local to me.  https://www.dudadies...php?id=propglyI

Edited by HVB, 04 November 2020 - 08:19 AM.

[HVB]

I had planned from day one to run two fermenters off the chiller.  I picked this up for about $40 and will use it to covert my chapman to be glycol cooled as well.  Looking forward to getting lagers down to pitching temp quickly now.