How many times have I said "almost"? I've lost count. I think I've been saying "I'll be ready to brew my first test batch in about 2 months" for the last year now. Well, this time "almost" is taking on a new meaning because I'm really almost there. There's some electrical wiring connections to be made, immersion chillers and internal kettle arms to be formed, and tests on the controller programming. And then, it'll really be ready!!! And you better believe I've got my fingers crossed that it'll all work as hoped!!!
Just found your site, awesome stuff. If you dont mind me asking, what was the price tag on all of this???
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous. I started preparing some spreadsheets awhile back to post here but haven't gotten them finished yet. One of those sheets that is mostly finished contains all the electrical and related components, which includes the pumps, electronic gas valves, float switches, solenoid valves and enclosures and the rest of everything that I categorized as part of the electrical system.
ReplyDeletehttps://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AtUlhisD_R9QdGR0XzlydjROQk84OW5NcG5GVEp1YXc&hl=en
And as you can see the total is just over $7500. Some of the big ticket items on there are the NEMA4x rated main enclosure and five satellite enclosures, and the pumps. The other small electrical components add up fast.
The stainless for the frame was roughly $1000, and the kettles were about $625 to 750 each depending on accessories purchased with them. Then there's the sanitary fittings, which also add up really fast. I'd guess I've spent about $2k on a collection of sanitary fittings, not all of which are in use on the configuration pictured. I will end up with alot of spares there because I've just tried to estimate what I thought I might need.
There's the black pipe for the gas and tubing for the liquid, which I don't have on any spreadsheet yet, but I think probably adds up to a few hundred dollars.
And while others may not need to, I have no prior experience with mechanical or electrical engineering or welding, so I paid for some professional help there.
This is a prototype, so it was fairly expensive for me. I've definitely made some research and development type mistakes and could suggest some ways to save some money on a future project like this.
But I do think this thing will have some very good output capabilities, and when comparing it's output ability to some commercial 2 vessel systems on the market with the same output ability, I've seen some new ones that cost more, and some used ones that cost less.
John,
ReplyDeleteJust spent a my Sunday readying the blog. You are my hero! Like you, I have zero welding and electrical experience. What is the professional help going to cost me for that?
Looking forward to you posting the final cost spreadsheets.
Also, you think that a Bluto could be installed in a basement if the proper ventilation hoods were used? Cheers,
John
Chicago
Hey John: I'd like to provide the costs of the professional help I've gotten, but I think these guys would probably prefer to provide that info themselves if someone were interested in utilizing them for another build. It has been a learning experience for all of us. Hopefully, I've provided enough drawings and info that someone could duplicate the effort. One thing I do hope to do is eventually make a post about where I've learned I could have saved money. I didn't make much progress in March due to a bunch of other issues coming up, but we have been making slow progress on the wiring, which should be complete this week if all goes as hoped.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I'm working on an article for Draft Magazine and I'm trolling for about-to-open breweries (within six months, say). If this describes Southern Farmhouse Ales, would you contact me? the_beerax (at) yahoo.com. Thanks and good luck--
ReplyDeleteJeff: I'd like to say I'm 6 months away, but I can't. I may be 6 months away with respect to personal property, but I haven't taken any steps on real property. Alabama's law is still in flux, and when we end up with something that makes sense, I hope to develop some affordable property just outside of Auburn.
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous looking system! I always love the shine of new stainless! My folks live in Auburn so I'm excited to see/hear of progress you make and hope that things sail as smoothly as they can with the arcane and shifting laws in regard to beer in Alabama.
ReplyDeleteHi John,
ReplyDeleteThe system you've built is truly magnificent! My aspirations were not nearly as grand as yours. Last year I was laid off and the wife and I moved to Northern California with the idea that I would start a nano brewery. I purchased the Stout Tanks and Kettles 1 bbl system plus a few odds and ends to store the finished beer and that's something, I don't believe you have mentioned yet. Fermenters and brite tanks really add up especially if there is more than one type of beer going. For me the equipment purchase was less than half the total and the costs still continue to climb. Lucky for me I have electrical and welding experience.
I wish you the best in what ever you endeavors are.
Willie
Lake Almanor, CA