CIP Pump Choice

[Normans54]

Hi all,

I just bought a CIP bulb for my spike CF10 and need a pump for it. Most people seem to use submersible pumps but from what I have read, water used in CIP systems should be significantly hotter than what most submersible pumps are rated for. As a result, I was wondering if anybody has had experience with using a hot water circulation pump like this. If not (and a submersible pump is the way to go), do you find the lower max temperature to be a problem? Thanks!

 

[cfrazier77]

What is the gpm of your spray ball rated at? Most need more than the 9.5 this is rated at. I have an old submersible pump the can go up to 140, but it is not made anymore.

If you have the cash I would look at liberty pumps. They have models that can handle the heat and flow.

 

[matt_m]

I use my Riptide with my Chronicals. No bucket. I have a wye hose that runs from the bottom and racking TC ports to the pump then another that runs up to the spray ball (which is also my transfer hose for brew days.) I just start with about 2 gallons of hot tap water and PBW, haven't noticed a difference over 180F hot water.

 

[eric19312]

I use this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M7FC34L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works well enough to keep that ball spinning. I run it at 135F and so far no issues. But I start with a pretty clean fermentor (take the lid off and get rid of any krausen ring with a sponge followed by a good rinse) and don't have one of those cooling coils. I use a floating immersion heater and an inkbird controller to maintain the temperature of my CIP solution and let it run for 30 minutes.

 

[Tom R]

I use this one:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07M7FC34L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Works well enough to keep that ball spinning. I run it at 135F and so far no issues. But I start with a pretty clean fermentor (take the lid off and get rid of any krausen ring with a sponge followed by a good rinse) and don't have one of those cooling coils. I use a floating immersion heater and an inkbird controller to maintain the temperature of my CIP solution and let it run for 30 minutes.

(almost on topic)

I've been tying to figure out a practical way to keep my PBW hot while running CIP. What floating heater are you using?

 

[eric19312]

(almost on topic)

I've been tying to figure out a practical way to keep my PBW hot while running CIP. What floating heater are you using?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WH14PWX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
it is 1800 watts so I don't think will work with regular inkbird so I got this one

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temp...8&s=hi&sprefix=inkbird+,tools,150&sr=1-6&th=1
You might think 1800 watt is overkill but in the winter it might be 50F in the garage where I am doing the CIP. My bucket of hot tap water (2-3 gallons PBW solution) starts about about 115F by time I am set up. Running the CIP and heater at same time in cool garage it can take 15 minutes to get to 135F (no insulating jacket on the fermentor). But it gets to temp and holds it no problem.