Hi there,
New ADI member and first time poster. I am planning out a purchase list for my first RIMS system and wanted to bounce my efforts off the community here to see if I'm on the right track. I currently have a 26 gallon column distillation spirits still that I plan to use during my proof of concept phase and want to invest in the mashing aspect of the process to mimic a large scale, commercial quality distillery design. I'm targeting around 75 gallons as my mashing volume size initially, which should effectively utilize my still's volume capability once a beer stripping run is performed. For the mashing/fermenting process, I found this site and like the price points and the items available:
http://conical-fermenter.com/
My plan is to buy:
-75 gallon Mash Tun
-RIMS Module
-Sparge Arm
-75 gallon HLT
-80 gallon conical fermenter
-2 pumps (http://morebeer.com/view_product/17319/103556/March_Pump_-_With_High_Temp_Stainless_Steel_Housing?a_aid=theelectricbrewery)
-Control Panel (http://www.theelectricbrewery.com/control-panel)
-Oxygen stone? (not yet determined)
-Miscellaneous parts (temperature nodes, surgical tubing, quick release hose ends, etc)
Does this sounds like a comphrensive parts list for such an endeavor?
Also, what are the the opinions on heating an HLT tank of this size - electric or direct fire/flame? If feedback suggests direct flame, I may find a simplier and less expensive control panel for the RIMS system.
Any help or sharing of personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Josh