Propane distribution

A couple pictures of the assembled and painted propane gas distribution system installed on the brew stove.

Two burner test

I hooked up the two burners and operated both at the same time. I now know I can get them both to burn at the same time. Of course I still have to make sure I still get good performance out of each burner.


The next step is to get the gas plumbing properly sealed and attached to the stove. I have been working on some brackets but still need to add some holes to the frame.

Two burners

Ater receiving my burner I installed it in the burner shield. This burner was assembled at the correct angle to fit my burner shield so I didn't have to take it apart to make modifications like the first one. However, the mounting screw size was changed to a larger size than the first burner so I had to drill out the holes in the shield. This was a lot easier than modifying the burner angle though. Once installed I hooked the propane directly to the burner just to make sure there were no problems. Now it was time to put together a gas distribution system. I want to be able to operate any comination of burners from a single propane source.

I picked up some parts at the local hardware store. I assembled the pipes and valves hand tight and without sealant so I could do a quick test of the distribution system. I want to make sure I will be able operate two burners simultaneously.

Winter hibernation

I haven't posted in a while but that is because there hasn't been any brewing activity to report. Last Saturday, Februrary 4th, I ordered a new burner and lpg orifice from Brewers Hardware . I haven't received it yet, in fact it hasn't shipped yet. As I haven't heard anything from them I really don't know when it will get here. The communication is not the best but I guess a dependable quality product is really more important. That is why I continue to buy from them. I have started planning the gas distribution system in anticipation of receiving the burner. I will post some pictures as soon as I can get the installation started. On a side note: I was planning to purchase two burners thinking it would save on shipping but that isnt always true. The cost to ship one burner is about $11, the cost to ship two is $56. I can't figure that one out but I am at least smart enough to know I don't want to buy two burners on one order. I will wait to place a second order once I receive the first.
Update 02/14/02: I have received notification that my order has shipped.

9 Foot bottle caps

On Saturday December 31st I bottled the Holiday Ale (name changed to 9 Foot Winter Ale) that was brewed October 8th. I probably could have let it sit awhile longer but I figured 12 weeks would be enough. Plus, I couldn't wait to use the cool 9 Foot bottle caps I got from my daughter for Christmas. The caps went on just like the generic ones I have always used before. I will know in a few weeks if they sealed as well. I have always written the batch number on the bottle cap as a way to identify the beer, with the printed caps I needed a new method of identification. My wife, Teri, quickly thought of the self adhesive "dots" we had in a cabinet. It was a great idea. Could they be a precursor to an actual label?

the crazy 8 is good to go

I opened another bottle of the Crazy 8 Ale on Friday the 23rd. There was carbonation this time. What a difference that makes, flat beer just isn't very good.

The Crazy 8 is not ready

On Friday I opened a single bottle of the Crazy 8 ale. It was not carbonated and was flat with no bubbles. I looked at the remaining unopened bottles. There was some sediment in the bottom so I turned them all over and gently swirled them to mix the yeast back into suspension. I will wait about another week to check again.