The Evolution of My System
I started brewing extract in August of 2001.
After 3 or 4 extract batches I went to partial grain then to all-grain on
batch #7. Since going to all grain my brewery has been in a constant
state of evolution. I'm also a confessed gadget freak so building the
brewery is only half the fun of this hobby.
I started with simple infusion mashing in an igloo
cooler. After purchasing a pump to transfer liquids between vessels, I
added a heat exchanger creating a HERMS. After acquiring another free
motor I added a motorized mash stirrer.
Since the stirrer eliminated the fear of scorching,
this lead to adding a heater element directly to the TUN (see Mash/Lauter Tun
button for details.)
No Longer A HERMS
After the last changes I realize my system no longer has a name! Here are a
few systems I've seen so far:
HERMS = Heat Exchange Recirculating Mash System
RIMS = Recirculating Infusion Mash System
RHEMS = Recirculating Heat Exchange Mash Systems
HEARMS = Heat Exchange Automated Recirculating Mash System
None of these cover what I have now. While the principle of direct
heat to the TUN is not a new one, I've never seen a phrase coined to describe
this type system.
Most homebrew scale direct heated tuns are externally heated by gas.
Since mine is internally heated I wanted to incorporate this feature into the
new name. The best I could come up with is IHOP.
IHOP Mash System
IHOP = Internally Heated for Optimum Performance (Mash System)
Ok so it doesn't have "Mash System" in the name but hey, that's a
given. The biggest difference between any of these brewing systems is
the method of mashing and maintaining mash temperatures.
Benefits of IHOP
So far I see several benefits and no downside.
#1 Not having to mess with recirculating.
#2 Fast/Even temperature adjustments.
#3 Less clean up. I can set aside the heat exchanger.
#4 After looking over the pros and cons of all the other systems I've
seen to date, I've finally found a design for my SS converted keg
Mash/Tun. I'll post details of that when it is finished.
