Cheap compact wort pump

[ianw58]

I thought the same thing when I first read the description. Then I realized that they specifically avoided calling it food safe. With good reason... It probably isn't since labeling it so requires some serious hoops.

 

[mattd2]

I have only one to say about these pumps save your money and buy a chugger. I have been through 5 of these enough to buy a chugger which I finally did. Now happier than a pig in poop .

You do have perserverance I would have thrown in the towel at 2!
It is funny that some here have had no issues what so ever on these pumps, and others have repeated failures. If you don't mind me asking, and can remember, what power supply (secondary voltage, current, US/China supplier) did you have?

 

[Krusher]

so im guessing it's a no go?

 

[Mojzis]

I think the consensus is that it's probably not food safe, and not worth the risk.

However why not email the seller?

 

[augiedoggy]

I think the consensus is that it's probably not food safe, and not worth the risk.

However why not email the seller?

The tan p38 pump is food safe and now theres both a more powerful 24v version and the 12v version on both amazon and ebay...
I have to say after reading this whole thread I find it kind of funny how some have it mounted so low with increased headspace and complain of flow... also one guy was only running at 3/4 power with a 9.5v power supply... These things as well as the inside diameter of your valves, fittings and hoses all have a huge effect on power output.... And it kinda stands to reason these tiny pumps dont handle solids well they are for liquid... you cant really blame the pump for contaminants.

 

[punkiwishiwere]

I have only one to say about these pumps save your money and buy a chugger. I have been through 5 of these enough to buy a chugger which I finally did. Now happier than a pig in poop .

How were you using your pump? I would like to use mine, as suggested by many in this thread, only to recirculate water for my HERMS HLT. If these things are sh!t for even this, I could stand to save $20.

 

[augiedoggy]

I did some more research and the manufacturers of these types of pumps say these pumps are not to have the flow restricted for long periods of time (using a ball valve to restrict flow will cause them to strain and overheat) This would explain why some have had issues with them overheating and seizing...
Ive had aquarium pumps do this when the water level in my sump got too low and they start to run dry. I wonder If partially grain plugged lines are also to blame in some cases.
I purchased two of the 12v ones but if they work well I may buy the stronger 24v versions since I splurged and spent $12 on two pwm variable speed controllers that are rated at 12-30v to control the flow the right way. Plus I think they will complement the electric brewing panel Im building well with all the orders Ive placed for pids and switches and relays lately, ebay, bargain fittings and the shipping guys are loving me

 

[Krusher]

ok guys i emailed 2 of the sellers

this what i said
Is this food grade .i want to pump some lemonade for storage tank to tap

Seller one said
hello dear friend
good day to you
thanks a lot for your kind message
i feel sorry that it cannot
sincerely
jane


Seller two said
Hello,

This pump is made for potable water so this should work for your application.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Thank You,

 

[augiedoggy]

ok guys i emailed 2 of the sellers

this what i said
Is this food grade .i want to pump some lemonade for storage tank to tap

Seller one said
hello dear friend
good day to you
thanks a lot for your kind message
i feel sorry that it cannot
sincerely
jane


Seller two said
Hello,

This pump is made for potable water so this should work for your application.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Thank You,

If you look at the pics posted for the tan p38 pump you can see the magnet is ceramic coated because its food grade... I just ordered a 12v-24 black 12lpm version which is also fda approved for food use for 28 bucks on amazon today.... its the same one as the black one that is on ebay for 125.00 bucks and used to be 25 bucks before the ebay seller realized the demand was greater than anticipated and jacked the price up... this is mentions here in this thread too about 10 pages back I think.... the other three pumps mentioned are the topsflo which is 60 to 70 bucks and is food grade as well as the two other cheapy black 12v pumps which have exposed magnets and are not food grade.
the white version of the p38 12 and 24v pumps are also food grade.

 

[augiedoggy]

ok guys i emailed 2 of the sellers

this what i said
Is this food grade .i want to pump some lemonade for storage tank to tap

Seller one said
hello dear friend
good day to you
thanks a lot for your kind message
i feel sorry that it cannot
sincerely
jane


Seller two said
Hello,

This pump is made for potable water so this should work for your application.

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Thank You,

If you look at the pics posted you can see the magnet is coated because its food grade... I just ordered a 12v-24 black 12lpm version which is also fda approved for food use for 28 bucks on amazon today..(topsflo).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F4TVYJS/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20.
its the same one as the black one that is on ebay for 60-135.00 bucks and used to be 25 bucks before the ebay sellers realized the demand was greater than anticipated and jacked the price up... this is mentions here in this thread too about 10 pages back I think.... the other three pumps mentioned are the cheapy black 12v pumps which have exposed magnets and are not food grade.
the white version of the p38 12 and 24v pumps are also food grade.

 

[Krusher]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24V-Mini-Pl.../251323747688?pt=BI_Pumps&hash=item3a84100d68

anyone know bout this one?

 

[johns]

This pump also comes with a disclaimer "Pumps cannot continuously work at high temperature".

 

[Krusher]

So question so do you guys think the little tan pump would be able to push wine threw a 5 micron 10 inch whole filter and the threw a 1 micron filter?

 

[Indian_villager]

So question so do you guys think the little tan pump would be able to push wine threw a 5 micron 10 inch whole filter and the threw a 1 micron filter?

At a pitiful rate......maybe.

 

[augiedoggy]

I would buy the 24v version that's almost twice as powerful. Better yet spend the extra $10 and get the black food grade topsflo pump from Amazon. That's twice as powerful as the 12v tan one... I bought both but I'm still assembling my electric brew setup and I'm waiting for the pwm controllers from china.

 

[KPSquared]

I just picked up the p38i pump and a cheap 10amp DC controller off eBay.

I know its been mentioned but. . .

The ATX power supply on your old home computer (everyone has at least one lying around or go to your local electronics recycle depot) can be easily converted into a full time DC power supply.

Huge current available (DC motors like current) and a super clean 12 volt signal.

I'll post pics once I get mine built!

 

[augiedoggy]

All it took to get one of the atx supplies from my spare parts box to work was to wire the green and black wires together with a switch...

The 24v versions are the same price though so I wish I had seen them sooner...
I have plenty of 24v supplies from the machines I service.

 

[alien]

I just picked up the p38i pump and a cheap 10amp DC controller off eBay.

I know its been mentioned but. . .

The ATX power supply on your old home computer (everyone has at least one lying around or go to your local electronics recycle depot) can be easily converted into a full time DC power supply.

Huge current available (DC motors like current) and a super clean 12 volt signal.

I'll post pics once I get mine built!

They don't always deliver huge current on the 12V line though so check the specs of whichever one you have.

 

[Krusher]

ok guys think im just going to buy this pump i think going to use it to pump wine threw 2 hold house filters
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001FAA5Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[johns]

ok guys think im just going to buy this pump i think going to use it to pump wine threw 2 hold house filters
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001FAA5Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

My question would be is it food safe?

 

[KPSquared]

Almost for sure not.

 

[augiedoggy]

My question would be is it food safe?

No it is almost certainly not. It would advertise that if it was.

 

[ianw58]

Hi! My name is Ian and I am a cheapskate. I tried to make a little tan wonder do the work of a real pump, but I failed. I have been clean and pumping for four batches, now...

I brewed yesterday.

I decided to pull my Chugger Pump apart this morning and give it a real cleaning.

Man, was I surprised at how well built it is and how easy it is to take apart and service!

I now realize that the little tan wonder that I burned out was just not suited for the task I forced it to handle.

I can't speak for March Pumps, never having used one, but I am hooked in Chuggers. Save your pennies. Don't waste time with these "wannabe" minis. Get the real deal. Having been there, it is absolutely worth it!

 

[KPSquared]

I want to recirculate today. I won't have real pump money for a while. As soon as I do, I'll buy one. Right now, my $20 will get liquid going in the right direction. . .

 

[two_hearted]

My tan pump is still going strong pumping hot liquor and recirculating my mash. I don't let it get near hops though. My chugger handles those.

 

[Krusher]

they say its safe to pump drinking water threw

 

[KPSquared]

I think I'll only recirculate with mine abd just gravity drain into my keg.

 

[Mojzis]

they say its safe to pump drinking water threw

Most drinking water doesn't get near boiling and isn't usually acidic....

 

[two_hearted]

Most drinking water doesn't get near boiling and isn't usually acidic....

when are you pumping near boiling acidic water through your pump?

 

[Mojzis]

when are you pumping near boiling acidic water through your pump?

When you use a food grade pump to transfer wort to chiller (as I do every time I brew) or fermenter from the recently boiling kettle that would be near boiling.

If you are pumping finished beer through a filter chances are it will be more acidic....correct?

Or am I wrong here? I guess i'm slightly confused at your question.