Brewie: Adding an additional inlet for filtered water

Brewie B20 is a fully automatic all-grain wort producing machine. It can do up to 22L batches although its great for 19L. The four hop additions are automatic however you can keep going if you manually change the hops.

My Brewie Arrives

I recently became the owner of a Brewie Automatic Brewing Machine. The unit arrived in a well packed box with all the necessary items for creating the wort for all grain beer recipes.

One Fitting to Rule them All

One thing I immediately noticed and didn’t like was the fact that you could not choose the sources of water for wort chilling vs the wort itself. I wasn’t about to make my beer out of tap water and I also don’t want to waste filtered RO water for the chilling process. So I hacked it.

Bits you will need

You will need the following items to allow your Brewie to have two separate water inlets. The existing inlet is converted to only supply water to the chiller. A new inlet is created to supply filtered water to the brewing process circuit.

12vdc DN15 solenoid

The Brewie’s existing water distribution is achived via a single inlet DN20, dual solenoid valve that feeds the chiller circuit and the tank fill circuit.

The solenoid below has a DN15 (1/2″ BSP) thread inlet and a DN15 (1/2″ BSP) thread outlet. It has a 12Vdc coil with two spade terminals. These specifications are important for our modifications.

You can buy this solenoid on Aliexpress using my link as it helps me out without any extra cost to you.

http://ali.pub/20ka04

DN15 to 12mm barb adapter

This adapter goes onto the OUTLET of the solenoid. Note DN15 is 1/2″ BSP. Since we will be using the Brewie’s existing hose we need the barb to be 12mm.

You can buy this adapter on Aliexpress using my link as it helps me out without any extra cost to you.

http://ali.pub/31bc63

DN15 to 1/4″ QUICK FIT adapter

This adapter goes onto the INLET of the solenoid. Note DN15 is 1/2″ BSP. If you want to use a straight version of this adapter that is fine too.

You can buy this adapter on Aliexpress using my link as it helps me out without any extra cost to you.

http://ali.pub/20kacr

TOOLS REQUIRED
  1. Step drill bit 20mm hole required
  2. Drill machine
  3. Screwdrivers (Phillips)
  4. Pliers (to remove hoseclamps)
  5. Scissors (to cut hose)
Other Bits

You may think you need hose clamps but you don’t. Because we are removing a pipe from the Brewie there will the right amount of hose clamps to do the job.

Making the Modification

WARNING

Make sure the machine is FULLY DRAINED of liquids 
and the power has been DISCONNECTED before proceeding.

You will need to lay the machine on its front side / back side and then proceed to remove the bottom cover. Basically unscrew the four black feet and remove all of the phillips head screws EXCEPT the screws holding the fans in place.

You can choose to disconnect the fans from the Brewie Control Board or just leave them connected.

The next stage is to remove the hoses connected to the water inlet solenoids.

You should then remove the existing solenoid assembly and take note of the markings. My unit’s chiller solenoid wires were marked as “C”.

“14” Wires are the for the water inlet solenoid.

Re-route the “14” wires to the centre of the unit where the hop tanks are. You will need to undo some cable clips to do this.

Move the “C” wires from the existing solenoid to the other solenoid. We are doing this to move the chiller input solenoid to the back now.

Remove the backing plate shown below:

Drill a 20mm hole near the power cord inlet. This is where the new DC solenoid will meet the outside world as shown below.

Reassemble the backing plate and fit the solenoid into place. Plug in the rerouted solenoid control wires into this solenoid.

Route the hose in the following manner and secure using the left over hose clamps.

NOTE: There is a check valve on the Tee piece where the hose connects…make sure it is in the right direction if you need to remove it.

That’s it you’re done. Put everything back together and give the machine a test run. You will now be able to have a separate water inlet for your filtered water that is only used for making wort. Straight tap water is used to chill the wort…

Build your own Searzall head for under $10

Sears All

Well as it gets more difficult to source a Searzall torch head; the item has been unavailable for a while now even from Amazon….Amazingly the price isn’t exactly cheap….so I said fark it… Im building one.

Ok what do I need? Lets examine the unit itself…

 

It would appear that effectively its a radiant heat device. The “high temp mesh” is probably some stainless steel mesh that does not corrode and acts as the radiator.

Ok well this looks easy enough to build?

Analysis?

What would it take to build one?

  • A adapter that allows the head to float off the torch body to reduce the heat soak; this can be done using 316L stainless steel filler rod 1.6mm
  • A mesh  or series of meshes designed to sit at the edge of the flame envelope
  • A way of channeling the heat through the mesh

DIY Route

As I see it, you need a stainless steel chamber that is suspended from the torch head to prevent heat moving back into the torch. The front of the chamber needs to have mesh that is capable of handling the heat.

EDIT: If you want to create insulation, you could NEST two of the chambers; a smaller one inside the larger one separated by high temperature ceramic/glass wool.

Medium Chocolate Powder dispenser

I found a medium sized chocolate duster that is used for coffee art. The size of the medium unit is almost on par with the Searzall unit.

  • 6cm diameter
  • 8cm tall
  • Medium size

Available from Aliexpress. Please use my link below as it helps me out at no extra cost to you. Make sure you get the MEDIUM SIZE.

 

All you have to do is drill a 20mm hole in the base large enough to allow the flame from the torch to not heat the dispenser itself.

Here are a list of affiliate links for this shaker. Your support benefits me without extra costs to you.

Source 1: http://ali.pub/2h2bjd 

Source 2: http://ali.pub/2h2bqr

Source 3: http://ali.pub/2h2bqy

Source 4: http://ali.pub/2h2brq

STAINLESS MESH

You can get this Mesh online. The size/grade you are after is “30”.

You can get it on Aliexpress. Please use my link below as it helps me out at no extra cost to you. Make sure you get the SIZE 30. This is the size that worked best for me.

Also make sure you get enough to make plenty of spare screens for your searing tip. As intially while you set this thing up you may burn them up.

Take a sharp kitchen scissors and cut circles to suit the powder dispenser. You want the fit to be fairly tight. For my tip I used 2 screens together as per Searzall. I also left the original screen in the dispenser but you can choose to remove it.

Source 1: http://ali.pub/20k7lz

Source 2: http://ali.pub/2h2bvf

Source 3: http://ali.pub/2h2by5

 

Stainless Steel TIG Welding wire 1.6mm

I have plenty of TIG filler rods around. Why not use it as the frame for our torch head?

 

Basically bend into shape and tack weld to the dispenser. Bend the wires up toward the hole of the dispenser. Leave some excess so you can fine tune it to fit your torch adapter (next item).

DIY TORCH ADAPTER: length of ALUMINIUM MACHIning round

A short length of aluminium 25mm diameter by 25mm long in which a bore to suit your torch tip can be made with a lathe or a drill if you are careful. For my torch it was 15mm so I bored a hole using a 5/8″ (15.8mm) drill bit.

You will need to tap a thread for a grub screw to attach the head to your torch.

Additionally 3 holes need to be drilled in the side of this aluminium to the diameter of the wire / filler rod being  used…

the result

Well I must say for a few hours work it was worth it. It works like a dream….

Say goodbye to the ol “Torch Taste” and enter a level of culinary excellence worthy of a Michelin Star kitchen…

Useful parts at the right price

PARTS PIECES

From time to time I find useful parts at the right price. Below are a list of items that you may find useful in your projects.

These are affiliate links which help me out without any extra cost to you. I do a lot of research on finding the best prices on items to save you the time hunting.

1206 Resistors in multiples of 100 in quite a variety of values.

1206 SMD Resistors (multiple values) http://ali.pub/29sp8r

FYD Opensource Hardware is a very reliable shop on Aliexpress. I have frequent purchases from them and its always on time and well packed. Not to mention its ESD protected unlike some other sellers.

FYD’s prices work well for bulk purchases too…

GP01 GPS Modules http://ali.pub/29sr7q

GP02 GPS Modules http://ali.pub/29sr3u

ESP-M2 Modules http://ali.pub/29srbt

ESP-01M Modules http://ali.pub/29sqva

3D magnetometer GY271 with original HMC5883L IC (Many others use QMC5883)  http://ali.pub/2ad0g9

IF you want the Chinese version QMC5883L IC http://ali.pub/2ad218

5V 2.1A Boost converter, charger, battery protection all in one for 18650 http://ali.pub/2c5dpe

Another 5V 2.1A Boost converter, charger, battery protection all in one for 18650 (NEWER MODEL) http://ali.pub/2c5eh7

1206 SMD resettable fuses http://ali.pub/2cg2fa

1812 SMD resettable fuses http://ali.pub/2cg2v8

WAGO Connectors http://ali.pub/2e9v9y

WAGO Connectors Alternative Color http://ali.pub/2e9v0m

MINI-SAS to 4 PORT SATA BREAKOUT Cable http://ali.pub/2ea0bk

Audi A4 B5 Coolant Sensor 059919501A http://ali.pub/2e9zrx

Black EVA Hot Glue Sticks http://ali.pub/2eshg1

Audi/VW Ecu relay 30 http://ali.pub/2f9tpq

18650 Battery Holders (Good quality) http://ali.pub/2gnpvu

MSSOP10/DFN10/QFN12 to DIP Prototyping boards (50pcs) http://ali.pub/2h5bii

5:1 Potting Compound http://ali.pub/2qfbu1

Gus Brewery

Getting Serious

I have been considering building an all electric brewery for sometime now. An undertaking such as this requires some funds and knowledge about the beer making process.

The Shopping List

Affiliate links. No extra cost to you but it helps me out. This list will keep growing as I continue to build the brewery.

12v 5v 220V power supply module http://ali.pub/22u22c

AF2000-2 Air Filter/Water trap – Essential to catch any spew up from your brew http://ali.pub/249e3b

8mm to 6mm push fit union http://ali.pub/249eg5

G1/4 male to 8mm push fit adapters http://ali.pub/249ezz

G1/4 male to 8mm compression fit adapters Stainless Steel http://ali.pub/249fd0

Bar glass hangers http://ali.pub/24gguh

Water filter tap http://ali.pub/26gdzk

Cupboard handles http://ali.pub/26jxe4

MR16 cupboard lamps http://ali.pub/26qb93

Alternative cupboard handles http://ali.pub/26qcp0

Alternative handles bulk http://ali.pub/26qdlo

Mixer Tap (Oil rubbed bronze) http://ali.pub/27g31z

12V 2A power supply http://ali.pub/27ybgf

0.96INCH OLED I2C DISPLAY http://ali.pub/28dxn6

4.5V to 24V to ADJUST Buck Converter http://ali.pub/28sog7

IRLML6244TRPBF SOT23 MOSFETS http://ali.pub/28zzyd

ESP12E/F Programmer Board http://ali.pub/293vce

ESP12E/F Programmer GOLD Pins http://ali.pub/293vj0

ESP12E/F Programmer NEW http://ali.pub/293vnv

WS2801 http://ali.pub/293wd5

1/4FFL to 8mm barb adapters http://ali.pub/297cr7

8pin sensor cable pairs IP68 http://ali.pub/2acyov

Beer tap tail nut/barb http://ali.pub/2avycv

Refrigeration Service Valves (Convert existing fridge to be serviceable) http://ali.pub/2bl2kt

Refrigeration Filter Drier with service port http://ali.pub/2cd925

5% Silver Copper Phosphorus Brazing Rods http://ali.pub/2d9drl

Flux Powder for Brazing http://ali.pub/2d9e9h

Tron 2010 – Odours and Laps On So You Chong

A bigger dude is chasing a littler dude.

B: Hey man! I aint train to kill yo ass…stop man…wait up!

The littler dude starts to frown, slow down…stops….smiles.

L: I am not running from you because Im scared.
<in a serious condecending manner)
I am only running to protect you from yourself.

B: Big dude goes in for the kill. BAM

Lil dude goes in for the kill as well BANZAI.

Next scene, they are arm in arm walking along with pina coladas.

A slightly large woman decides to visit a friend’s house. She arrives at
the door, presses the bell and waits…

Ding dong

1) The door opens…the large woman looks surprised when she sees
a tiny little woman the sixe of her socks, looking meekishly at the
floor.

2) The large woman welcomes herself in, and they sit.

House woman: Would you like some tea?

Large woman taking off her gloves…

Large Woman: Yes….make it a Lapsang Shoeshank.

Scene ends

A car (exhaust) that sounds like a velvety smooth ass
accelerating chord…like in Star Wars when Anakin was in the city
and chasing that other hover car.

Someone gets outs….

scene ends

V-Twin Petrol Electric hybrid

Reasoning: The purpose of this design is to create the opportunity for petrol cycle engines to have the ability to turn on and off based on demand without affecting rideability. This in effect would allow the petrol driven engine to have zero emissions at idle and under stop-go cycles.

Good reasoning is like great seasoning.

Components

– The heads are specially modified to run electronically controlled servos that open and close the valves according to a program

– The Engine block itself is stock and standard in design. The crankshaft has a sensor on it to detect engine timing.

– The fuel injection is electronic and the accelerator is “fly by wire” type.

– The ignition system is coil on plug

– The brake and foot levers have microswitches to detect braking action and the electronics can monitor duration of braking and hence intensity when graphed against deceleration calculated from speed.

– The clutch lever has a microswitch

– There is no starter on this bike. The starter is replaced with a geared electric motor with an electric clutch on its gearbox.

– Fuel injector can handle micro pulsing

– Purely oil cooled engine

Operation

Starting

1) Power to the bike and the valves are held  open as the electric motor is running bike

2) When bike is placed in gear, and the clutch released, the valvetrain resumes its cycle and the injection resumes and the electric motor is stopped

3)When the accelerator is released, depending on the time allowed, the engine would shift into electric idle mode where the injection stops, the valves go to fully open state and the electric motor maintains idle state.

4) During acceleration, the motor regenerates the kinetic energy into electrical energy to charge the battery.

5) When the battery is full and under long distance cruising under 1500rpm, the electric motor can provide additional drive torque to reduce fuel usage. This mode is electric assisted.

 

Mindshell Proposition Theory

Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus

Borrowing from Wittgenstein’s way of introducing propositions, I propose a method by which communicated/emanated ideas become cellular memory.

It is possible to emulate the self-adornment of these propositions by studying the traits and behavioural artifacts of the ‘native’ memes.

It is quite evident that there are primary, secondary and tertiary elemental propositions.

This theory was formulated through introspective observation of my relationship with broadcast media and its effects on me, although reinforced in full by its effects on others around me.

Primary Propositions

  • Origin of life
  • Trust based on intuitive processes
  • Existence of extraterrestrial god
  • Configuration of body phisiology

Secondary Propositions

  • Group or social relationships
  • Close knit dynamics and rules of engagement
  • Incest/Monogamy/Polygamy
  • Submission of guilt
  • Traversal of guilt and other non-desirable feelings and behaviours

Tertiary Propositions

  • Encountered ideas via active/passive communication methods
  • Ideas do not immediately / apparently persecute Primary propositions

The Preface

When an active persecution of the primary elemental propositions is detected, secondary and/or tertiary elemental propositions play very important roles in re-upholstering the primary elemental proposition(s). In fact, it can be hypothesised that the secondary and tertiary elemental propositions exist to continuously validate and eventually protect the primary propositions.

It is entirely possible to cause primary elemental propositional examination by passive persecution. Eg, the use of imagery (art/music/sound/visual cues) in the form of pulsed light and sound harmonics.

We need to establish average time scales for each of the elemental propositions in terms of their ability to be paradigm shifted.

Ideas ideas everywhere, not a thought to think

The proliferation of mass media has inevitably resulted in the equal expotential growth in ideological memes. These memes truncated or otherwise generally are treated as tertiary propositions by the mind.

The nature of these propositions cause no immediate threat to secondary or primary propositions at an anatomical level purely because they have not yet been decoded in a cellular fashion.

Generally speaking, tertiary propositions can be considered benign at face value. However ALL tertiary propositions have the ability to shift in or shift out base level primary propositions if even of them are aggregated.

The Aggregation of Propositions

Over time, as more and more tertiary propositions aggregate based on our mind’s ability to pattern match, the “pattern matching” hippocampal neural networks form to validate and solidify the old addage “neurons that fire together, wire together”.

At this point, the aggregated tertiary propostions have formed a secondary proposition logic network in the brain.

The apparent realisation when this happens is one recognising that one’s behaviour has changed in a manner that one would not have expected or considered in the past.

Some consider it epiphany. It is interesting to note that the original meaning behind that word is the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.

Once a secondary proposition is formed, its direct connection to the tertiary propositions becomes apparent but no longer questioned directly even if one or more of the constituent tertiary propositions are dispelled/discarded.

The Assimilation of Ideas to Cellular Memory

Effectively the journey from secondary to primary is no longer a function of aggregation as it presents too simple a method of avoidance and obscurity for the subconscious.

The method by which a secondary proposition and/or propositions can manifest to a primary level proposition involves a time frame at a neurological and physiological level involving neurotransmitters and peptides that are systematically released through the activation of the hippocampal logic networks.

The continual programming of the extra-cranial cells in the body results in a body-wide acceptance of the secondary proposition(s) resulting in an autonomous response to specific stimuli, leading to an immunological / physiological response to once apparent benign ideas.

"Practise makes prefect" - Gusius (2008)