Cheap compact wort pump

[mendozer]

phone chargers are but I could not find a 2A pack for the life of me. For 4-5 bucks, I felt better just ordering the ebay power adapter. small pennies to fuel China's economy

 

[Dave_K]

Aren't cell phone chargers 12v converters? I used one to power a computer fan in my diy stir plate. I would think that u could just wore an old charger to this pump....

If it's a car charger for your phone, yes, it is a 12v converter. But this is converting DC12v to an output more like DC5v. So you're only getting an output of 5v, which is what I use for my diy stir plate as well. This might be enough to get a 12v motor to run, but not to pump liquid with any sort of pressure (though I have not tried).
There may be other higher voltage phone chargers, but I haven't seen them. There are plenty of converters that output 12v from AC100-240v out there, so you may already have one that you're not using. FYI, it usually says the output on the DC converters if the sticker hasn't been removed.

 

[DesertPunk1981]

Just came across this thread, read quite a bit, but not all of it. Ended up ordering a few pumps a couple hours ago. Quick question, is everyone using 1/2" tubing? I assume most are due to the 1/2" connections. I'm wondering if you would actually get more flow using a smaller diameter on the outlet of the pump (increasing the pressure?).... Just curious, thanks


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[GilSwillBasementBrews]

Just came across this thread, read quite a bit, but not all of it. Ended up ordering a few pumps a couple hours ago. Quick question, is everyone using 1/2" tubing? I assume most are due to the 1/2" connections. I'm wondering if you would actually get more flow using a smaller diameter on the outlet of the pump (increasing the pressure?).... Just curious, thanks


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While it would increase pressure your flow would be less as the restriction in the line would decrease the volume of liquid at any given point in the line. If you use the size line that the pump has connections for you would get the maximum flow rate as a larger volume would occupy the space at any given point in the line.


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[Kmcogar]

I just bought this.

Huhushop(TM) Solar DC 12V 24V Hot Water Circulation Pump Brushless Motor Water Pump 3M 5M Low Noise csf (DC 12V) by Huhushop(TM) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DWORE5A/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20


Not sure if I went with the right one but, what type of power source should I get? It's says 12V DC AND MAXIMUM RATED CURRENT: 500MA.

Is this gonna work? Should I just get a power source that matches up with these specs?

For example:

12V 500mA Power Supply by Security Camera http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IS47D8/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

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[KPSquared]

Yes.

 

[Munkee915]

Sorry if this was answered earlier. I read the first 12-15 pages or so and then jumped to the end here. Has anyone had problems with wort clogging the pump? I'm looking at getting the beige one on amazon listed above to recirculate wort but im wondering if trub in the wort may cause it to clog and seize? My manifold does a decent job of keeping it out but not 100%.

Also, think this pump would be up to pushing wort through 25ft of 1/2" coiled tubing? Im looking to build a HERMS setup on the cheap and I'm hoping this little guy is up to the task.

 

[Danno81]

works like a charm!! Thanks everyone!!


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[mattd2]

View attachment 208594works like a charm!! Thanks everyone!!


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Why the short piece of hose between the valve and the pump?

 

[Danno81]

I cheaped out, & can't afford quick connects right now so I just used a short piece to connect the pump. Also i wouldn't boil with it on the kettle like that. I mainly plan on using it to transfer wort and water between my HLT, MashTon & Kettle& probably kettle to fermenter.


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[mattd2]

I cheaped out, & can't afford quick connects right now so I just used a short piece to connect the pump. Also i wouldn't boil with it on the kettle like that. I mainly plan on using it to transfer wort and water between my HLT, MashTon & Kettle& probably kettle to fermenter.


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Ahhhh... Makes sense, I didn't notice the propane burner under the keggle the first time I looked

 

[Kmcogar]

Sorry if this was answered earlier. I read the first 12-15 pages or so and then jumped to the end here. Has anyone had problems with wort clogging the pump? I'm looking at getting the beige one on amazon listed above to recirculate wort but im wondering if trub in the wort may cause it to clog and seize? My manifold does a decent job of keeping it out but not 100%.



Also, think this pump would be up to pushing wort through 25ft of 1/2" coiled tubing? Im looking to build a HERMS setup on the cheap and I'm hoping this little guy is up to the task.

I bought the one from amazon but I havnt used it yet. I'm waiting on one more part to get it going. Hopefully it arrives by Thursday. I'm planning on brewing a couple beers this weekend if so. I'll post my results from the total brew day. I BIAB and I'm gonna try to recirculate the mash wort to keep a constant temp and to test the pump. Wish me luck!


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[Danno81]

It should work great just make sure u wire it right


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[Kmcogar]

This little amazon pump worked great. No more picking up heavy kettles!


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[Kmcogar]

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[Brewitt]

I want to run an idea past you all. I have a Topsflo pump with the stainless steel connectors on the way. I have a three tier system with gravity feed from the HLT but I want to reduce the height of the system so the top of the MLT will be only about a foot above the top of the BK. The pump will solve that problem. I am going to attach a three way brewers hardware valve to the outlet of the pump and use one output to both recirculate the mash and to pump wort from the mash tun into the boiling kettle. The other outlet will go to the counterflow chiller. I figure with some turns of the handle and a quick switch of the triclover connector on the outflow of my MLT to the outflow of my BK I will be able to accomplish all of the operations using that one little pump. Anyone know whether the pump can handle this?

My understanding is that you can run these pumps are rated for 12V as high as 24V. Does anyone know if that is correct? Also, how much current can this thing handle? I'm guessing around 1.2 amps.

 

[Brewitt]

By the way, I know there was some question about prices for the Topsflo pump with Stainless Steel fittings from e-bay.<http://www.ebay.com/itm/Solar-Water-Pump-15-W-Stainless-Steel-Fittings-/321114864663?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ac3effc17&afsrc=1> I offered the guy $60 and he countered with $62 with free shipping. It is a lot more than the p38i pump but based upon reviews like this one from Amazon I decided to take the plunge.

4 Star Amazon Review:
I use this pump as my primary transfer pump in a HERMS beer brewing system. It is very powerful for such a small 12VDC pump, and is also very quiet. I often have to check to see if it has stalled during extended periods of use because I cannot hear it from the other room. This pump performs every bit as well as the $200 magnetic pumps most brewers favor, but it is a fraction of the price, it is smaller and it uses low-voltage DC power, which is marginally safer for DIY pumping applications than 120VAC mains power.

Pros:
- Powerful: 3GPM is great for a 12VDC pump, and it will build a surprising amount of pressure as well.
- Quiet: When properly primed and mounted, it is nearly silent.
- High Quality: this is made from high strength thermoplastic and feels very sturdy. Fittings are brass, which is a nice bonus at this price point, and makes it simply to swap parts in your system without dealing with barbs and clamps.
- 12VDC power: You are extremely unlikely to electrocute yourself while using or servicing this pump.
- Easy to start: 1/2" inlet/outlet means the pump fills and primes easily via siphoning.
- Easy to service: 4 screws, one seal and one moving part inside the head. Magnetic drive pumps occasionally get knocked out of phase, and it takes about 5 minutes to re-seat this one.
- Features: Auto-protection for dry operation, and overheating. Features not found on more expensive pumps.

Cons:
- Are the brass connections lead free? I hope so.
- This pump does not deal with air bubbles very well at all, and will sometimes stall if there are any stray bubbles inside your system. It can be difficult to re-prime it if this happens.
- Mounting - this is where I took off a star. Laying it on it's side exacerbates the stalling problem with air bubbles, but the wires come out from the bottom, so it can not easily be stood upright. There are no mounting holes or bracket available, so a custom mounting job is the only option.

 

[Spellman]

I would think it would do ok handling it. My advice, bring all vessels down to one level and get a second pump. I think you will be happier with those results. You could get by with the $20 tan pump to go from hlt to mlt if you are worried about the plastic (as far as I now the topsflo has a plastic head anyway, just metal fittings). I used to do this until I went with 2 chuggers for my eherms system. I have to admit I love the bigger pumps, but in reality you can do almost as good of job with the cheap ones. I needed more gpm for my recirculation needs, but I have still hung on to my tan ones, as I use one to recirculate the hlt when I do back to back batches and need 3 pumps. They are so stinking handy to have that I don't foresee ever getting rid of them even though I don't use them much. For how much they cost, they are an affordable game changer, and easily some of the best money I have spent on brewing.

 

[AnOldUR]

I bought the US Solar 3GPM pump with stainless fittings almost a year ago for $75 from Amazon. (Actually paid less than half that because of reward points.) I've brewed almost 30 batches with it and am very happy with how it performs. I liked it so much that I was thinking that I should have a backup, but saw the eBay version for $24 and gave it a chance. Have to say, other than not having the stainless fittings it's damn near the same pump. Performance wise, it may get a nod over the US Solar.

On a few occasions I sucked too much grain through the pump when starting to recirculate the mash and clogged the US Solar. So far no issues with the clone. It appears to pump a little stronger, but I haven&#8217;t done anything to test it. And as for the stainless fittings, they&#8217;re just adapters threaded onto the same type of plastic body and really don&#8217;t offer any significant advantage.

I outfitted both with the same CPC disconnects, in-line switches and female plugs, so they are interchangeable. These pumps have made my brewdays a lot easier. No more lifting heavy wort filled containers.

 

[Brewitt]

Thanks for your input, Spellman. I recently got a used Blichmann top tier system and am generally happy with the gravity setup for the HLT but I would like the mash tun lower so I came up with this idea. I will start here and see how I like it.


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[AnOldUR]

I still use gravity to go from HLT to MLT, but before the pump would also gravity feed to my kettle on the floor. Then I would have to lift up to my burner. With a 62 quart pot, the pump is worth it for that alone, but the ability to recirculate has been a nice bonus.

 

[Brewitt]

I brewed in a bag until last week. I used a keggle. Now I am doing traditional mashing and lautering. My pots are 26 gal. There is a lot more liquid to move. With the system I have I can hook the pump and hoses to the rack and just flip switches and valves. I'm really looking forward to that. I filter water directly into my HLT so I am not worried about pumping that in but reciculating for temperature consistency would be great. Maybe a use for the cheaper pump.

 

[Woodbrews]

I outfitted both with the same CPC disconnects, in-line switches and female plugs, so they are interchangeable. These pumps have made my brewdays a lot easier. No more lifting heavy wort filled containers.

Nice idea with the in-line switches and female plugs! I soldered my connections and plug the pump into my control panel, which has a switch, but I like your idea better. I also went with stainless steel disconnects, but the CPC ones are lighter and may be easier to use.

 

[Marc77]

I bought the US Solar 3GPM pump with stainless fittings almost a year ago for $75 from Amazon. (Actually paid less than half that because of reward points.) I've brewed almost 30 batches with it and am very happy with how it performs. I liked it so much that I was thinking that I should have a backup, but saw the eBay version for $24 and gave it a chance. Have to say, other than not having the stainless fittings it's damn near the same pump. Performance wise, it may get a nod over the US Solar.

On a few occasions I sucked too much grain through the pump when starting to recirculate the mash and clogged the US Solar. So far no issues with the clone. It appears to pump a little stronger, but I haven’t done anything to test it. And as for the stainless fittings, they’re just adapters threaded onto the same type of plastic body and really don’t offer any significant advantage.

I outfitted both with the same CPC disconnects, in-line switches and female plugs, so they are interchangeable. These pumps have made my brewdays a lot easier. No more lifting heavy wort filled containers.

I've been looking for a pump that I can put on QD's to move around easily. Have you had any problems with the ebay one you showed? It says it's rated up to 212 degrees (boiling water) which makes me wonder if your boil is really going have you had any problems? I'd like something economical but don't want to spend $$$ and watch my first batch melt the insides.

 

[Brewitt]

AnOldUR, I like those switches. Where are they from?


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[AnOldUR]

The CPC disconnects are a good fit. Light weight and compact like the pumps. I was lucky and scored a box full of used ones cheap from the classified section here on HBT.

Not sure about the temperature question. The US Solar is rated at 230 degrees and the imitation at 212, but I’m not sure why. They appear to be made from the same materials. For my application it doesn’t make a difference. I’m using the pump to recirculate and transfer mash, so the temperature is never above 170 degrees. I would expect that someone else here is using these pumps for whirlpooling and chilling at boiling temperatures?

The female plug and switch came from Amazon and are really cheap and easy to hookup.

 

[Mojzis]

I have the imitation topsflo also. Love it. Much stronger than the tan wonder (but not submersible). I have a female camlock on the input and move it that way. Easy.

I use it for HLT transfers, RIMS re-circulation through 6+ feet of tubing and from boil kettle>chiller>fermenter. I haven't had it get stuck yet after several batches, but it is sensitive to air in the line like the previous poster stated.. And no it doesn't melt at boiling temps. A few pages back I listed what the material was and it's temp limitations.

 

[Rockn_M]

I have the imitation topsflo also. Love it. Much stronger than the tan wonder (but not submersible). I have a female camlock on the input and move it that way. Easy.

I use it for HLT transfers, RIMS re-circulation through 6+ feet of tubing and from boil kettle>chiller>fermenter. I haven't had it get stuck yet after several batches, but it is sensitive to air in the line like the previous poster stated.. And no it doesn't melt at boiling temps. A few pages back I listed what the material was and it's temp limitations.

View attachment 211786

I have the same thing. What type of plug are using?


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[Mojzis]

Plug? Like power connector? I use the switch crafts to mount to the panel and just use wire ties to connect pump to the other wires for now. Eventually I'd like to put the expandable sheathing over it like the temp probes. Crappy pic but you get the idea.

 

[Spellman]

In my eherms setup the tan ones aren't quite strong enough to get good recirculation temps going through the heat exchange. I actually didn't try it as I already had 1 chugger at the time I built my new system. It would probably push liquid through, but at much too slow of a rate for that purpose. I had used one before for chilling through my garden hose cfc, it worked, but pretty slow.