Measureing water value when transfering with a pump

How do you guys quantify your liquid transfer volume when using a pump?
I am switching to a brew stand with a HLT and pump, and wondering what creative ways people use. I don't have a sight gage and my kettles do not have volume markings. I could mark my mash paddle with volume levels, but I was hoping to hear some brilliant alternatives.

I use a stainless rule. Its like a metal yard stick but i also have a 30g kettle that is 30" tall so the math is pretty easy.

Like this one but mine is 36"

http://m.harborfreight.com/12-inch-stainless-steel-ruler-66199.html

Might have to check mcmaster, msc, or granger for the longer one.

You could look into something like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-K24-Tur...r-Chemicals-Water-Random-Color-/141678131749?. Operating temp limit might be marginal for HLT output use, but there are links to other low cost flow meters that may be more suitable. I ordered one of these to play with for filling my BIAB kettle with strike (cold) water prior to heating.

Brew on

timdillon36 said:

I use a stainless rule. Its like a metal yard stick but i also have a 30g kettle that is 30" tall so the math is pretty easy.

Like this one but mine is 36"

http://m.harborfreight.com/12-inch-stainless-steel-ruler-66199.html

Might have to check mcmaster, msc, or granger for the longer one.

Click to expand...

I use the same method. In my case, I have a Malco ss 48' yardstick that is primary used in sheetmetal shops.

I etched volume markers in my kettles. There's an excellent DIY post in these forums on this procedure using salt, vinegar, and a 9 volt battery. It works really well!

You can find it here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=463099

BeerMakesPeopleHappy said:

I etched volume markers in my kettles. There's an excellent DIY post in these forums on this procedure using salt, vinegar, and a 9 volt battery. It works really well!

You can find it here:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=463099

Click to expand...

This

I have a bucket with litre markings I measure first runnings in. After everything has been saturated and the mash tun dead space is full whatever I add I assume I get back out on the sparge.

Dawg,
I have a sight gage on my HLT. You might think about adding one since you're making the move to a brew stand. Drill one hole on the lower bottom side of your HLT and mount a 90' fitting for some vinyl tubing kept straight with copper pipe. I cut a slot in the length of copper and filled the HLT with gallons to mark measured volume.
http://backyardbrewer.blogspot.com/2009/04/make-your-own-keggle-sight-glass.html
I just switched to a micro pump, as well. Been using ProMash for a couple of decades and use the Water Needed to figure out exactly how much to mash and sparge with. Most software and online tools will get you very close. Remember you'll have loos everywhere from grain absorption to equipment retention. After a couple of brews with this you can tweak you results.
Hope this helps!
Go Gators!