setting up a pump

So I am about to get my system up and running and my last purchase is a pump. My question is what do all of you use to connect tubing to the pump and fittings? I am using cam locks so I would like the tubing to be attached fairly permanently. There has to be a better way than hose barbs

You already committed to camlocks so stick to that?



Of course, there's always the option of putting barbs on and clamping the tubing, but I find it a lot of easier to work with hose assemblies that can be disconnected from the pump during priming and cleanup.

I did the same exact thing that Bobby posted except 2-piece ball valve instead of a 3-piece (even the same pump).

A question from a relative "newbie": why is there a valve on the output side? I thought the output from the pump should be unrestricted? I'm probably misunderstanding the purpose of the valve.

pincorrect said:

A question from a relative "newbie": why is there a valve on the output side? I thought the output from the pump should be unrestricted? I'm probably misunderstanding the purpose of the valve.

Click to expand...

Input should be unrestricted to avoid cavitation. Output is usually ok, but may depend on the pump.

Also need to validate what size pipe the pump expects on the input side...I know the chuggers want 1/2".

I have no barbs in my system. I have 1/2" ID/3/4" OD silicone tubing stretched over the threads of type B camlocks (for straight runs), or I use a type B with a 1/2" stainless street elbow and stretch the tubing over the male threads of the elbow, for 90° runs (like coming off the ball valves on HLT/MLT/BK).

For example, if you change the type D camlock to a type B like this
the tubing goes right on the camlock threads. Otherwise, the pump section of my setup is similar to what Bobby pictured...

Cheers!

Ah, I had it backwards, then. Thanks for clearing that up.

The cam locks I sent you are set up with street nineties. Use those in place of a hose barb. 1/2" silicone tubing will stretch over the male end of the 90.

Ah ok, yea that would work perfectly. Ill probably throw a hose clamp on top of it just to be safe. What is everybodies views on vinyl tubing? Ive heard it can leave a "taste" in the water

drewmedic23 said:

[...]What is everybodies views on vinyl tubing? Ive heard it can leave a "taste" in the water

Click to expand...

I wouldn't use vinyl tubing anywhere on a brew rig.

Definitely go with silicone tubing, if for no other reason than being less prone to melting...

Cheers!

Definitely silicon. It doesn't make sense to spend a bunch on camlocks and stainless connections and then go cheap on the tubing in heat sensitive areas. They do make reinforced silicon tubing (think reinforced vinyl but food safe) if you want something more durable. However, your pump pressure needs to be rediculously high to warrant the $10/ft cost.

I use the 1/2" silicon with type C camlocks on both ends, an I use type E to screw into all of my valves and inlets. Everything works great. It was a little expensive, but not having to mess with hose clamps is AWESOME! I have a spare hose with an F and a C in case I need to extend.

Good stuff. Thanks for all of the tips