Chugger heating up

[humerus]

I have an automated recirculation system that uses a Chugger pump. The Chugger's flow rate is probably 10x what I need, which I throttle with a ball valve on exit.

I run the chugger for 1hr at a time, at probably a 2mm opening in ball valve. The chugger gets fairly warm throughout operation. I wonder if I am doing any harm to the pump by running at such a low flow rate with so much resistance in the ball valve. Any thoughts?

 

[TX_Brewing]

Not doing any harm at all, you can close the valve and not harm it. The only thing to not do is run them dry.

 

[mrwizard0]

I have 1 chugged pump that actually stops pumping when it gets too hot (the other one I have doesn't have that problem). So I tend to run a large box fan blowing across my pumps just to make sure they don't quit during my mash

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, from a few posts on hbt, shields can be an issue with Chugger motors if they interfere with airflow created by the internal fan...

Cheers!

 

[WScottCross]

The chuggers are magnetic coupled between the motor and pump head so you can run them with the ball valve completely closed without damaging the motor or pump. As everyone has said, make sure they can still breathe and they'll be fine.