Chugged pump question

[stmicbarr]

I think I read somewhere that my pump can push wort up to 14 ft high, then it won't work. I have a parallel counterflow chiller with four 5 ft sections that I have parallel to the ground plane, but I'm considering hanging it perpendicular to the ground plane so that I can save some space. The wort would travel up 5', down 5', up 5' and down 5'. Net elevation change is 0', so would the pump still push up to 14' after it exits the chiller?

 

[Riot]

There are more factors at play than just height. Smaller diameter tubing will restrict the flow more and you lose height there, and as back pressure increases flow rate will go down. Having never used a chugger pump I really don't have a better answer than "there's one way to find out"

 

[Brettomomyces]

I use my chugger pump to go down 2ft into the pump, over 2 ft to the plate chiller (medium sized) and then out a 14' length of hose that goes 4 up to the top of my kettle and it pumps pretty quickly. Definitely reduced pressure, but plenty fast for me. I don't think you'll have any issues.

 

[wardens355]

Chugger Pump Curve

Unless your high point or discharge point approaches 16-17 feet above the pump discharge, you will get flow through your chiller. The actual flow will depend on the size/length of tubing and associated friction & minor losses. Short answer, you should be fine.

 

[stmicbarr]

Thanks! Will test out as soon as I can.