Fri Oct 12, 2012 7:23 am
I love my Brutus 10 style non-automated stand that I build several years ago. I figured that I could always automate at a later date, but haven't felt the need as of yet. I am actually more interested in upgrading to a 20 gallon system and selling the smaller stand.
The main design changes that I implemented were:
1: Reduced the height of the Brutus stand to just over the height of a keg. The original design was a lot higher than it needed to be (top of kegs at nipple height). By maintaining at least keg height, you can always gravity feed if your pumps happen to go out on a brew day, but keeping it to a minimum makes doughing-in easier.
2: Increased the length 2 inches to ~6 inches between each keg. Functionally, it may reduce heat transfer between the various kettles, but probably not a big deal. The added distance between support bars became a big deal when building the stand and cleaning up the slag from welding. With 6" I could use an angle grinder brush attachment to do the cleaning. It would have to be done by hand otherwise.
3: External plumbing for the gas lines. I was just learning to weld, so didn't want to rely on my welds to hold flamable gas. It would freak me out to try and fix a leak after I have already hooked everything up to propane ... may not be an issue with a professional welder.
Although I haven't done it yet, I do plan on still welding in a control panel with on/off switches for the pumps.
Hope this helps ... I can send you pics if wanted.
Eagle Dude
On Tap: Barrel Fermented Berlinerweisse 3.2%; American Pale Ale 6.3%, Amarillo Blond 5%
Aging: Flander's Red in a 60 gallon Merlot barrel
Fermenting: Robust Porter 6.5%
