Cast Iron pump - usable for brewstand?

**conpewter** · 05-22-2008, 09:15 PM

Hey guys, I bought this pump back when I was just starting to think about building a rig (basically had a $20 bid on it thinking I wouldn't win...) and I am wondering now if this pump is useful at all to me. It's used to circulate hot water so that the furthest plumbing fixture in your house always has immediate hot water, so I know it works for potable water and up to 230* F. The problem is that I don't know what the acidity of the wort will do to the cast iron, if it will rust etc. and cause off-flavors. I am on a tight brewing budget so if I can't use this pump, I won't be using any pump and will continue to collect and pour.

http://www.drillspot.com/products/100598/Grundfos_UP26-64F_Circulator_Pump

**GilaMinumBeer** · 05-22-2008, 09:27 PM

That pump was designed for commercial water circulation. Not sure how well the interior coating will hold up against acids.

You could always talk to www.grundfos.com to fond out the minimum pH the finish can handle over time.

Boerderij_Kabouter · 05-22-2008, 09:31 PM

That is not a magnetically driven pump, which means their is a SLIGHT risk of contamination through the shaft seals. I think cast iron is a suitable material as long as you maintain it properly. Clean it thoroughly and I think it should work fine for you.

**conpewter** · 05-22-2008, 09:46 PM

Sorry back up a minute.... I looked again at the closed ebay auction and this is the item

BELL & GOSSETT CIRCULATOR PUMP
MDL # NRF 22
115 V
240F/115C

Which seems to be this pump

http://www.bellgossett.com/productPages/Parts-NRF-22.asp

http://www.radiantheatproducts.com/catalog.asp?prodid=511682

But I think the previous comments still stand as it's the same idea, cast iron body but some parts are stainless or otherwise, I probably need to take a closer look at it at home, any other thoughts on it?

**conpewter** · 05-22-2008, 09:50 PM

Eh... maybe i'm answering my own question here too...

Quote:

Bell and Gossett NRF22 circulating pump, NRF-22. 1/25 HP, 9.5 GPM @ 8 ft. head pressure. For non potable applicatons, hot water boiler, solar etc. Also available in bronze for potable water, see this link for more info.PRODUCT INFO

http://www.partsguy.com/cgi-bin/PartsGuy/NRF22.html

That's kindof a bummer, still researching though

**Great_Neck_Brewer** · 05-22-2008, 10:14 PM

I used to be a plumber and I've installed alot of those pumps on heating systems. As the atricle states it's not meant for potable water. The brass pump is made for potable water however, it is very expensive and you could buy two March pumps for the price of one of these. You also need to buy flanges and gaskets for the input and output feeds and they also are not too cheap.

**conpewter** · 05-23-2008, 05:01 PM

Thanks for your input. I only bought this since it was cheap on E-bay, I also see some of the brass ones on ebay but I think I may just cut my losses at this point and wait for a march pump. In the end I'll stick with gravity drain tech until I get enough money to buy the right pump. I'll probably re-list this one for anyone doing a heating system for cheap, at least I have the flanges for it now for the next person, McMaster had those for a reasonable price.