Using Brewblox and Sequences to Automate Keg Cleaning

Troubleshooting
1

Hi Elco,

We have been looking at automating our keg cleaning process so I used the brewery builder to mock up a system and the sequence feature to build each process step using variables to make it fairly easy to tune the system. A complete process sequence then runs each process step in the correct order with the appropriate wait conditions. Essentially, the manual and check valves in our current self-built manual system are replaced with solenoid valves and another tank and pump have been added.

This worked well and it looks like we could use this to control our system with a dedicated Pi, touch screen, and Spark 4. Each of the individual sequences is displayed as widgets alongside the graphical display, including the full process sequence, to monitor the process steps. I have a couple of observations however:

  1. When initially testing with specific durations coded in each sequence block, the countdown timer worked well which was a handy feature. However, once these values were switched to variables, the countdown timers quit working. Is there a fix for this?

  2. Each of the sequences has ‘Go to first instruction and disable sequence’ selected for Startup behaviour. However, if an edit is made in the instructions, the sequence starts running as soon as it is saved and can’t be stopped, only paused. This is inconvenient when the system is in operation and could cause more than one sequence step to run concurrently (which would be bad). Essentially, we would have to kill power to the pumps and valves to make an edit. Am I missing something that should be in the instructions to prevent this? We can use mutex with the digital actuators but it would be good if a sequence didn’t auto start after editing.

I realise this is an unusual implementation of Brewblox, and not necessarily what it was designed for, but it should work fine. And we already use Brewblox and Spark 4s to control and monitor our small 3.5 bbl brewery fermenters as well as my home one. We both heat and cool with glycol so already use Brewblox to control several pumps and small 12vdc solenoid valves.

Thanks in advance for any advice/guidance you can provide.