BRUCONTROL UF-1 User manual

BRUCONTROL
Process Automation Made Personal
Model UF-1 (v1 and v2)
UniFlex Brewing Control System
Updated October 18, 2021
Description
The UniFlex Control System is a turnkey, 30A, 240VAC, “plug-and-brew” controller for brewing
or distillation applications. This is the first modular based control system of its kind, allowing for
both user-definable options during order and a future-upgradeable architecture. For example,
the controller can be made initially or later upgraded to include the following options: choice of
power feed and plug(s), single or dual vessel power, single or dual pump/accessory power,
integrated user I/O, proportional power control, DIN rail mount, internal cooling option, and
plug-and-play temperature probes.
The UniFlex is built on a foundation of BruControl technology and integrates into the
BruControl application’s ecosphere. The UniFlex’s core is an ESP32 micro-controller, which
communicates with the BruControl application via Wi-Fi network. BruControl, along with
UniFlex, UniCon, UniShield, or DIY-built control interfaces facilitates a continuous upgrade and
integration path across the whole brewery including brewing, fermentation, refrigeration,
dispensing, and cleaning. This means a brewery can be incrementally updated over time to
include higher and more advanced degrees of control, monitoring, data logging, and
automation.
This Product Note provides information specific to the UniFlex. Features, functions, and
operations associated with the BruControl application is provided in the BruControl User

Manual. Before using the UniFlex, the user must review both this Product Note and the
BruControl User Manual in their entirety.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
This section, and warnings noted by warning icons can lead to serious injury or death,
equipment damage, or unexpected system performance if not followed. The user must read
these sections and understand them completely before use. Any questions or concerns must be
directed to BruControl technical support before use.
The UniFlex 120VAC power (NEMA 5-15P plug) MUST be plugged into a 15A GFCI (Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupt) protected receptacle. The UniFlex 240VAC power (NEMA 14-30P, 6-30P,
10-30P, or L6-30P plugs) MUST be plugged into a 30A GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt)
protected receptacle. Consult a certified licensed electrician familiar with National Electric Code
and local building code standards to ensure the receptacle being used is appropriately
equipped and suited for this application.
Operating the UniFlex in any manner other than described in these documents or explicit
guidance from BruControl Technical Support can result in property damage, injury,
electrocution, or death.
The operation of the UniFlex MUST fall within the specifications listed below. For example,
exceeding the specified current limits may cause damage to the unit or associated equipment.
Do not use the UniFlex for any application other than its intended use for brewing or
distillation. Always ensure the powered devices are properly set-up and prepared to receive
power. For example, heating elements must be submerged in liquid. Failing to do so could
result in damage of user’s equipment, parts, materials, and/or processes, including but not
limited to, damage, discoloration, corrosion, down time, equipment stoppages, process system
failure, and/or damage to adjacent and/or area of use or storage locations.
The UniFlex must be located safely away from sources of heat or liquid. It must be
mounted horizontally with the rubber feet down or vertically with the power cords hanging
down. It must be located in an area of adequate ventilation and the bottom vent ports must
remain free of obstruction. For passive cooling option models which contain an external
heatsink, the heatsink must not make contact with any other objects and must not have any
restrictions of its convective airflow.
Always handle power plugs and receptacles, temperature probe plugs, and Input/Output
connectors gently. Do not disconnect any connection by pulling on the cable or cord. Always
gently grasp the handle of the plug and pull straight in line with the plug direction.

The UniFlex must only be connected to equipment or devices which are purpose-suited
and have been installed by qualified personnel. Failing to do so may result in property damage,
injury, electrocution, or death.
Do not power-on or operate the UniFlex without the Wi-Fi antenna connected. Doing so
may damage the internal microprocessor or render it permanently incapable of
communication.
Do not use the UniFlex if any abnormal operation is suspected. Immediately power down
and unplug the input power plugs if the unit is generating any unexpected sounds, heat, or
odor.
The UniFlex has no serviceable components inside. Opening the controller enclosure may
render the unit inoperable and will void the warranty.
This product uses FDA and/or NSF approved food grade materials anywhere product
components make contact with edible / potable media, such as the distal end of the
temperature probes.
Warning: This product contains or may contain chemical(s) known to the State of California
to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
Specifications
•Power Input Supply Requirements
oSingle feed option: 240VAC, 30A via 4-conductor NEMA 14-30R receptacle (includes
ground and neutral)
oDual feed option: 240VAC, 30A via 3-conductor NEMA 14-30R, 6-30R, L6-30R, or 10-
30R receptacle (no neutrals) and 120VAC, 5A via NEMA 5-15R receptacle
oMust be protected by 30A dual pole GFCI circuit breaker
•Power Input
oSingle feed option: NEMA 14-30P plug
oDual feed option: NEMA 14-30P or 6-30P or L6-30P or 10-30P plug, and NEMA 5-15P
plug
o2m (6′ / 72 inches) power cord length(s) included
•Vessel Power Output(s)
o240 VAC, 25 amps maximum (5500W heater) per output
oSingle vessel: 1x NEMA L6-30R receptacles on 230 mm (9 inches) pigtail
oDual vessel: 2x NEMA L6-30R receptacles on 230 mm (9 inches) pigtails
•Pump / Accessory Power Output(s)
o120VAC, 5 amps total, via NEMA 5-15R receptacle(s) on 230 mm (9 inches) pigtail(s)

oCircuit breaker integrated in controller
oSingle receptacle is included, dual receptacle is optional
•Enclosure
oAluminum, with internal cooling fan (not splash proof)
oFront panel includes Wi-Fi antenna, temperature probe receptacle(s), I/O connector,
I/O power, power switch
oRear panel includes pass-through connectors for power and pump/accessory wires
and circuit breaker
oAluminum heat sink (on versions so equipped)
oRubber feet on bottom (optional DIN rail mounting kit)
oMounting: horizontal or vertical (power cords down)
oDimensions 290 x 170 x 100 mm (11.4 x 6.7 x 3.9 inches) L x W x H, excluding wires
•Temperature Probe(s)
o100 mm (4 inch) length, 6 mm (1/4 inch) diameter probe, with 3 m (10′ / 120 inches)
cord and right-angle plug
oUniversal probe design, allows for brewery integration via compression fittings (not
included)
oProbes are waterproof (can be submerged) and use shielded cable for noise
reduction
o1-wire technology, allows for up to 10 probes simultaneously plugged in (requires
separate adapter, not included)
o1 probe included with single vessel controller, 2 probes with dual vessel controller
oTemperature range -55°C to +125°C (-67°F to +257°F)
o±0.5°C (1°F) accuracy from -10°C to +85°C (14°F to 185°F)
•BruControl Interface
oESP32 based microcontroller with Wi-Fi and external antenna
oFirmware software upgradeable over-the-air
•Solid State Relay Option
oStandard (binary) SSR for duty-cycle type modulated control
oOptional proportional SSR for step-less type modulated control
•Cooling configurations
oExternal, passive heat sink option (required for proportional SSR)
oInternal, active (fan cooled) option
•Power Switch
oLatching illuminated circular switch on front panel
oInterlock design ensures vessel Power Outputs are disconnected from mains power
•Integrated Input/Output Option
o17 total I/O
o12 high current outputs (max limits: 12 amps total, 5 amps per bank, 2 amps per
output)
o4 inputs (digital or 12-bit analog)

o1 analog output (0 – 5VDC)
oI2C bus pins
oInternal 12VDC power available, up to 1 amp maximum
oFront panel connectors for I/O and external power (12 or 24 VDC)
Models
Versions
Version 1: UniFlex v1 contains circular ports for the optional integrated I/O connectors. The
power switch LED is green. This model requires the use of the setup dongle to enter Network
Setup mode.
Version 2: UniFlex v2 contains a rectangular port for the optional integrated I/O connector. The
power switch LED is blue. This model does not require the use of a setup dongle to enter
Network Setup mode. Leaving the right probe empty during power-up will cause the unit to
enter Network Setup mode.
Base Models
MODEL
DESCRIPTION
UF-1-14S
Single Vessel, 30A with single feed power (NEMA 14-30P plug)
UF-1-14D
Single Vessel, 30A with dual feed power (NEMA 14-30P and 5-15P plugs)
UF-1-6D
Single Vessel, 30A with dual feed power (NEMA 6-30P and 5-15P plugs)
UF-1-L6D
Single Vessel, 30A with dual feed power (NEMA L6-30P and 5-15P plugs)
UF-1-10D
Single Vessel, 30A with dual feed power (NEMA 10-30P and 5-15P plugs)
UniFlex Options
OPTION
DESCRIPTION
Dual Vessel Power
Second L6-30R to power a second vessel heater (includes second
temperature probe)
Dual Accessory Outlet
Second Pump / Accessory Outlet to power pump or other 120VAC
accessory (5A max)
Integrated I/O
Integrated user input/output bus with 17 I/O points to connect
accessories such as flowmeters, valves, volume sensors, pH sensors,
etc.
Proportional Control
Proportional SSR which modulates power to vessels (rather than
binary ON/OFF type SSR)
DIN Rail Mount Kit
Replaces enclosure base’s rubber feet with DIN rail mounting clips,
allowing for mounting to dual DIN rails (vertically or horizontally)
BruControl Advanced
License
Discounted BruControl software application (with UniFlex purchase)
for multiple/network interface integration
Additional
Temperature Probes
Plug and play, waterproof, 10’ temperature probes (up to 10 per
UniFlex)

UniFlex Components
Front Panel (v1)
A – Power Button (green LED)
B – I/O Power Connector (option)
C – I/O Connector (option)
D – Temperature Probe Jack(s)
E – Wi-Fi Antenna jack & antenna
Front Panel (v2)
A – Power Button (blue LED)
B – I/O Connector (option)
A
B
C
D
E

C – Temperature Probe Jack(s). Note: right jack (marked by asterisk) is primary
D – Wi-Fi Antenna jack & antenna
Rear Panel
A – 240VAC Power Input
B – Vessel Power Output #1 (if Dual Feed power model)
C – Vessel Power Output #2 (option)
D – 120VAC Power Input (excluded on NEMA 14-30P single feed units)
E – Pump/Accessory Power Output #1
F – Pump/Accessory Power Output #2 (option)
G – 5A Circuit Breaker for 120VAC Power Input
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

BruControl Workspace
Note that each item in a BruControl Workspace is called an Element (e.g. Alarm Element,
Temperature Probe Device Element, etc.) and these represent either functions (e.g. Alarms) or
devices (Temperature Probes). These should not be confused with heating elements.
A – Alarm(s)
B – Accessory/Pump(s)
C – Vessel Temperature Graph(s)
D – Vessel Temperature Device(s)
E – Timer(s)
F – Element Interlock (if dual vessel equipped)
G – PID Control
H – Duty Control
Initial Set Up
Unpacking
1. Carefully unpack the UniFlex, taking precautions not to place any undue stress on the
cables by torquing, pushing, or pulling on the cords or plugs. Inspect the unit, cables,
plugs and receptacles for damage.
2. Place the UniFlex on a horizontal, flat surface with rubber feet facing down, and ensure
nothing underneath interferes with the vents on the bottom side. See below for DIN rail
mount installations.
3. Carefully unpack the temperature probe(s), taking precautions not to place any undue
stress on the cables.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

4. Carefully unpack the accessory kit and gently screw the Wi-Fi rubber antenna onto the
gold threaded male antenna jack at the upper-right of the front panel. Fold the antenna
so it is vertical and pointed up.
5. Plug in the UniFlex power.
a. If single-feed (14-30P only), plug this plug into an appropriate 30A GFCI-backed
receptacle. If dual-feed, plug only the NEMA 5-15P plug into an appropriate 15
amp, 120VAC receptacle. Do not plug in any vessel or accessory power devices
yet.
Network Set-up
6. The UniFlex ships with Wi-Fi SSID and password set to “default”. Follow steps below to
change these parameters and connect the UniFlex to the desired Wi-Fi network for
communication with BruControl. Note that both the UniFlex and the BruControl
computer must be connected to the same network.
7. For UniFlex v1 only: Locate the 5-port splitter and the UniFlex Setup Dongle in the
accessory kit and gently insert it straight and fully into the temperature probe jack. Do
not force it, twist it, or insert it in on an angle. Insert the 3.5mm Setup Dongle into a
splitter port.
8. For UniFlex v2 only: The right temperature probe jack, marked by an asterisk, is the
primary jack. When this jack is empty, the UniFlex will enter Network Setup mode
following power-on. Therefore, do not plug anything, including the 5-port splitter,
during this process.
9. Power-on the UniFlex via the Power Button. Ensure the button glows green (v1) or blue
(v2) and the fan(s) are heard functioning.
10. After a few seconds, using a Wi-Fi enabled computer, phone, or tablet, browse for a Wi-
Fi access point with a “BruControl_######” prefix. Connect to this access point and
provide password “BruControl” if requested.
11. Open the computer, phone, or tablet’s internet browser, and open a new web page at
http://192.168.10.1. An “Interface Wi-Fi Config” configuration page will appear where
network parameters are stored. These are the settings for the Wi-Fi network BruControl
and the UniFlex will communicate through. Note this must be completed within 3
minutes of power-up, otherwise the UniFlex will return to normal operation.
a. Enter the SSID and password of the Wi-Fi network.
b. If using a static IP address, enter the IP, GW (gateway), and SN (subnet)
addresses into the appropriate fields, using xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx notation.
c. Conversely, if using a server-assigned IP address via DHCP, leave IP, GW, and SN
fields blank.
d. Save the settings and ensure they are accurately reported back with a “Settings
Saved” message.
12. Power off the UniFlex via the Power Button. Ensure the button ceases to glow and the
fans go silent. For v1 only: gently remove the Setup Dongle from the splitter and store it
for future use.

Temperature Probe Setup
13. Plug the temp probe(s) into the temperature probe jack on the UniFlex front panel. If
using one or two probes, plug them in directly. If using multiple probes, use the 6-port
splitter and plug it into the jack, then plug the temperature probes into the splitter.
14. Carefully un-wind the temperature probe cables and route them toward their
installation locations. Ensure the cables are kept routed away from heat and other
power cables to reduce the possibility of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
15. Insert the temperature probes ends into their respective vessel compression fittings.
Insert the probe as far as possible for the mounting location, ensuring the tip does not
contact any fitting or vessel wall. Gently tighten the fittings to ensure a good seal.
BruControl Installation
16. Download and install the BruControl application via the license Authorization email
included with the UniFlex purchase. Follow the directions included there, including the
SQL database installation steps. Alternatively, download here.
17. Download the and unzip the UniFlex Configuration files
(“BruControlUniFlexConfigurations.zip”) into the same folder as the BruControl
application files in the above step.
18. Make a folder on the installation computer: “C:\BruControlUniFlex\”
19. Download and unzip (extract) the UniFlex Images file (“BruControlUniflex.zip”) into the
folder made in the step above. There should be nine image files there now, which can
be moved later if desired.
20. Run BruControl (brucontrol.exe), then Activate the license via Settings (gear icon)…
License.
21. Also, via Settings, select the configuration best associated with the UniFlex model and
number of vessels in the target brewery. For example, “UniFlex_3V_BinarySSR” is a
UniFlex with a binary SSR, to be used in a 3-vessel brewery.
22. The background and images should be displayed. These configurations are pre-created
examples – these may be modified as desired, however making backup copies of the
original configuration files is recommended.
23. For UniFlex software configurations which do not match the physical configurations, the
different Device Elements will need to be added or removed per standard methods used
in the BruControl application.
UniFlex Connection to BruControl
24. Review the BruControl User Manual to understand how the application works.
25. Identify the UniFlex’s IP address. If using a Static IP address, it is known. If using a server-
assigned IP address (via DHCP), scan the network for it. Do this by logging into the
router/server and review the DHCP assignment or Wi-Fi clients list. The UniFlex device
will be noted with a prefix of “esspressif”. Alternatively, use an app such as ‘Fing’ or
‘Discovery’ to identify the UniFlex IP address on the network.