Swede Posted September 15, 2012 Share Posted September 15, 2012 I built these for a fellow in Sweden recently, they are a very nice, fully functioned design. I thought I'd share some pictures with the community... These are "semi-automated" controllers that have several functions including auto heat up and hold (column temp just below distillation temp), manual distiller controlled heads and hearts take off rate, and auto tails run out and shutdown. It's a really convenient system that allows input when you need it, and automates control for the parts of the process that don't need that artisan input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViolentBlue Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 yes our 60 gallon units use Swedes controls, and our customers are very happy with them. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mash Posted September 16, 2012 Share Posted September 16, 2012 That controller is an outstanding piece of equipment. My still is very touchy when it comes to temp control and that controller allows precise temperature controll. I use the three element, 15 kw, variable control on each element, allowing even heating throughtout the boiler. Worth every penny, Swede sent me two just to make sure I got one. Well.... the 2nd was an error and I thought about keeping it, (for about a second).., but naw... he's a good guy, makes a quality product that exceeds expectations. For the record I've never met him, and only talked to him online to get the second unit back to the rightful customer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swede Posted September 16, 2012 Author Share Posted September 16, 2012 And a big thanks to you for helping me out with the shipping error Mash. I'm glad you're making good use of the controller, it's good to know that it's working well for your application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ViolentBlue Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 That controller is an outstanding piece of equipment. My still is very touchy when it comes to temp control and that controller allows precise temperature controll. I use the three element, 15 kw, variable control on each element, allowing even heating throughtout the boiler. yes the control system is super smooth and linear, there's not hunting for the right spot to get your still to perform the way you want, one of the nicest controllers I've had the pleasure to use. and Build is very clean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swede Posted November 14, 2012 Author Share Posted November 14, 2012 I've been working on putting together a new website with a bit of a cleaner look. It highlights the various models of control panels that are available currently. This new website will be evolving as new models are designed put into production. Feel free to have a look around .... www.mashinganddistillerycontrols.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artisan Still Design Posted November 14, 2012 Share Posted November 14, 2012 Many New features in your equipment too that walkthrough video was great, cant wait to see the advanced package in action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HedgeBird Posted November 15, 2012 Share Posted November 15, 2012 Ever consider making a version that would control steam powered stills? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swede Posted November 15, 2012 Author Share Posted November 15, 2012 I've been keeping busy doing the immersion heater style ones so far, where the elements are either direct immersion in the boiler or double boiler style where the jacket is heated with immersion elements. There is one design in development now that could be adapted to allow for still control without regulating the heat directly. You would still need to fine tune the heat manually via your steam control hand valve. If your steam heating specialist installed a solenoid valve in your steam feed, this controller could simply be configured to close the valve to pause heat/steam to the boiler for the auto heat/hold and shutdown. The solenoid would be on off only, no modulation available. This is the controller I'm thinking could be adapted... click this link ... it's still in development and not available quite yet. If this control panel was adapted to that use, you would still need to have your steam heating loop and boiler furnished with it's own standalone safety valves and controls like you have with a manual system. This panel would not designed to replace any of those systems. As you can see, I haven't put any dedicated designs together for a steam system at this point yet, but I do wonder though what the interest would be. Please feel free to email me or reply here if you or anyone for that matter has interest... swede@mashinganddistillerycontrols.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackheart Posted December 13, 2012 Share Posted December 13, 2012 Anyone needs feedback on Swede's defleg control system should PM me. I love it. Cant tell you the difference it's made in getting product consistency and efficiency. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swede Posted December 16, 2012 Author Share Posted December 16, 2012 Currently testing... this is the first build of the new integrated control panel. It does the following; -2 or 3 element control (steam control coming in the future as an option to element control) -standard jacket monitoring and over temp safety shutdown that the current production panels do -auto ramp and hold element control (for boiler/column warmup to operating temp) -column ready light/buzzer alarm with override -Integrated automated dephlegmator control -Column temp controller also fuctions as mash temp controller if desired for mashing in your boiler (just select mash or distill on panel) -auto tails runout/shutdown when complete -coolant pump circuit for controlling condenser cooling water pump (optional) -agitator control circuit (optional) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sudzie Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 I put one on my Christmas list, but it may need to wait until the end of January. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluestar Posted December 17, 2012 Share Posted December 17, 2012 Swede, how do you implement variable control? Currently testing... this is the first build of the new integrated control panel. It does the following; -2 or 3 element control (steam control coming in the future as an option to element control) -standard jacket monitoring and over temp safety shutdown that the current production panels do -auto ramp and hold element control (for boiler/column warmup to operating temp) -column ready light/buzzer alarm with override -Integrated automated dephlegmator control -Column temp controller also fuctions as mash temp controller if desired for mashing in your boiler (just select mash or distill on panel) -auto tails runout/shutdown when complete -coolant pump circuit for controlling condenser cooling water pump (optional) -agitator control circuit (optional) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swede Posted December 17, 2012 Author Share Posted December 17, 2012 Bluestar The variable control is selectable via a switch on the panel that selects PID or a separate PWM driver to control the element SSRs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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