Brewtools Glycol Loop & Quantor MiniChilly09 Setup

[@andievans7656]

That’s next level shinny stuff 😍. Love it

[@AddkisonAlesAndLagers]

Absolutely beautiful setup. Well done.

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Thank you. 🍻

[@BentGateBrewing]

Absolutely gorgeous! If you only had one fermenter, would you still need to do this sort of setup (recirculation line + fermenter lines)? Or could you just go direct to the fermenter and then use an inkbird to control the main pump? Or would that stop recirculation within the chiller itself when it's off? Getting the finishing parts for my setup! Great inspiration here :)

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Thanks! If you only had one fermenter this set up wouldn’t make too much sense at all. It’s only really practical for two or more fermenters. The big benefits really come in at 3+ fermenters id say. I have added a port to have a pump I can control myself with an inkbird as a “just in case”. I think the real advantages of this chiller will really shine when Brewtools releases their temperature controller. I think if you use an inkbird or alternate temperature controller for the Chillers pump it may also stop the mixing function. I’m not 100% sure about that though. It does appear its possible to wire up the pumps power switch to a controller though.

[@TheRubinio1980]

Very nice setup, thanks for sharing. Can you tell me what the role of that solenoid valve is? I see that it is powered, but is it controlled by anything else, or has it been put in between for safety reasons?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Thanks! The solenoids basically play the same role pumps do. The solenoids will be plugged into the cooling side of the inkbird so they open when temps need to come down. The glycol continuously flows through the lines ready to supply very cold glycol and remove warm glycol as needed. There is a pump in the chiller that will work for both tanks. Also have added the extra port if id like to use my own pump in a more traditional homebrew way. Its pretty flexible.

[@Baize85]

Is there any advantage in attaching the spunding valve to the blowoff pipe instead of mounting it to the 4th empty port on the top of the fermenter ?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

I mostly do it to keep it out of the way of yeast coming in contact with it. Also, I add a butterfly valve underneath so if I need to service it or if yeast blows off and into it, then I can easily remove it and clean it without removing pressure from the tank and put it back again. Also in my opinion it’s more aesthetically pleasing that way.

[@Baize85]

@@MasteringHomebrew ah ok yes, truly a good point to keep it away from the yeast ... think I'm also going to use that approach ... thanks !

[@jesper6784]

Thanks for the inspiration! I am to set up a system with 4 fermenters and thinking of using your loop. But why is there a valve in the middle of the main glycol loop.The one separating the the cold and "warm" or in and out. Also im looking to do the main loop in 12x18 but is downsizing the dimension to the individual fermenters to an inner 10 using quick connecters or another connection type of 10 mm a problem?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Hi! So the valve that is in the middle of the loop is to give the “glycol in” / bottom line a little bit of back pressure so it fills the jackets correctly when all the solenoids are open at once. It’s important to note that the brewtools fermenters jackets should never be under any pressure and the out lines should always be free flowing back into the chiller. The other valve I have on the glycol in line towards the other end is to shut the glycol line when not in use so I can disconnect it without the lines all emptying out. I don’t see changing the connection type size being a huge problem. Im using a few different sizes myself.

[@jesper6784]

@@MasteringHomebrew thanks again, ill give it a go. how open/closed is the valve to reach the proper backpressure?

[@KristianKlaveness]

Nice! Do you have a link for the power supply you used for the solenoid? Do you plug that directly into the inkbird?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Yep I plug it into the cooling side of the inkbird. So here is the link where I purchased it from but they seem to be sold out everywhere here. I actually only have one right now. Trying to prevent the need to drive super far. Im actually just about to head to the shop to find an alternative. Just make sure its DC24V, 10W www.clasohlson.com/no/Batterieliminator,-24-W/p/36-4400

[@KristianKlaveness]

@@MasteringHomebrew Cool, could you give an update if you figure out another solution?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

@@KristianKlaveness i just ordered this one. www.kjell.com/no/produkter/elektro-og-verktoy/stromforsyning/stromadaptrer/acdc-stromadapter/justerbar-utgangsspenning/luxorparts-justerbar-stromadapter-924-v-dc-24-w-p45187

[@PetrKlobása-x8w]

hi, I want to ask what is the purpose of the Ball valve in the whole system?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Hi! It is to create a small amount of back pressure to help push glycol through both tanks if/when both solenoids happen to be open at the same time.

[@PetrKlobása-x8w]

thank you @@MasteringHomebrew

[@sethadams5034]

I'd also add that in most commercial chillers, the pump is always on. That valve functions as a bypass so there is always flow and the pump isn't deadheading. That's a pretty slick set up with all high ends parts. You ever try running it to a heatex to cool knock out?

[@michaelchandra9913]

How do the glycol ciruculate without mini pump inside the quantor?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

There is a pump visible in the center of the reservoir together with the stir stick

[@zkosslow]

What's that grid system you attached to your wall??

[@MasteringHomebrew]

Its just a random one i found from a shop here downtown. Here is the link online. Its from a swedish interior design shop. They sell baskets, hooks and shelves for them for pretty cheap too so they are super practical for me www.granit.com/se/forvaring/hang-vaggforvaring/forvaringstavla-rutnat-60x42cm-silver-400416/

[@tdgmtx]

have u done 20l batches in the f80? if so how do u find it?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

I have not. I think the smallest ive done is 40L. You can do it but i dint imagine it would be great

[@mattbirchall5326]

How much did that lot cost?

[@MasteringHomebrew]

It will run you almost few thousand $/£/€ for the glycol chiller and line set up. The tanks are a different story….