Adequate Margin for Brew Pump?

[Derek1985]

I'm looking to outfit my already functional "mini-brewery" with a small 12VDC pump so I can incorporate a CFC.

I use my 2 gal Coleman "stacker" cooler as a mash-tun and am planning to make my 3 gal BK into an electric.

My question is this: What should the temperature rating be on the pump I use to maintain adequate margin for the pump? Many of the cheaper 12VDC pumps I am looking at are rated for 212F and I expect that boiling wort will be pushing the limits.

 

[lschiavo]

212 should be fine for a temp rating. More important is that the pump is safe for potable water at that temp.

 

[Derek1985]

212 should be fine for a temp rating. More important is that the pump is safe for potable water at that temp.

Can you elaborate a little?

 

[djonesax]

I'd ask the manufacturer but I would *think* if its rated for 212 then its likely OK for a few degrees hotter. Anyway, your wort is not going to get much if at all hotter than that since it will evaporate when it does.

 

[lschiavo]

Can you elaborate a little?

Sure. The pumps most everyone use for brewing are designed for that. The materials used in the pump housings and impelers are food safe through the intended temperature range.

A bilge pump or some other utility pump is almost certainly not and may leach some nasty stuff into your wort.

 

[Derek1985]

Sure. The pumps most everyone use for brewing are designed for that. The materials used in the pump housings and impelers are food safe through the intended temperature range.

A bilge pump or some other utility pump is almost certainly not and may leach some nasty stuff into your wort.

Understood. So you feel that a pump with a 212F rating will be adequate?

 

[lschiavo]

Understood. So you feel that a pump with a 212F rating will be adequate?

I have used one for years without issue for my HLT stir pump (I do occasionaly boil in the HLT). I use a Little Giant for my wort transfer pump. I looked but could not find a temp rating on it. As djonesax mentioned, unless you are under pressure you cannot exceed 212F so the rating should be fine IMO.

 

[dryboroughbrewing]

If you're looking at the little tan pump this is the thread for you:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=375904

That being said there's a 24v model with some more oomph for about the same price.

 

[Derek1985]

If you're looking at the little tan pump this is the thread for you:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=375904

That being said there's a 24v model with some more oomph for about the same price.

Thanks. That's just what I was looking for. I'm trying to make a small system for my 1 Gallon batches that resembles the setup for the Countertop Brutus 20.