buzzbromp

Recipes 

I just bought a pump and was planning on trying to use it to recirculate the mash through a copper coil heat exchanger in the hot water tun for the first time. I was planning on draining the runnings a few times first before pushing the mash through the pump. I imagine some grains will still get pushed through. Do you have to worry about damaging the pump from grain impingement?

jfowler1

Recipes 

I have been running a HERMS system just like that and have had no problems with grain damaging/clogging the pump. What type of false bottom are you using in the mash tun?

tally350z

Recipes 

I normally drain about a quart or two, twice to help it settle then I connect my pump and recirculate. No issues.

__________________
Drunken Tortoise Brewery
Primary - Indian Brittish Ale, Belgian Pale, American BarleyWine, Partigyle from BarleyWine.

Secondary - Hibiscus Mead.

Kegged- Slightly Smoked APA,
Dry Irish stout.
Bottled - Rum Oaked Porter.

jbaysurfer

Recipes 

Wow, I have never once drained any runnings before running it through my pump. I use a false bottom and have never had an issue tbh.

__________________
First Brew was thanksgiving 2011, I'm at 46 batches and counting, and ran out of room in my signature to list them all.

mmmbeer

Recipes 

I too have never had a problem.

buzzbromp

Recipes 

Thanks for the replies. I have a typical false bottom. When i sparge and drain to the boil kettle I typically run a pint or two and throw back in to the mash. After that the runnings are pretty clear. I'll do the same before hooking up to the pump. I haven't actually used the system yet. I was just thinking ahead.