Different pump options

[bcharlsen]

I don't know if this goes here but if it doesn't please tell me.


I'm looking for different pump types. I know of March and chugger pumps. But are there any other options I can try out before I drop a lot of cash on a chugger or March. I only brew a couple times a month, so I'm not looking to spend a whole lot right away. Any help would be awesome

 

[BrewCityBaller]

I don't know if this goes here but if it doesn't please tell me.


I'm looking for different pump types. I know of March and chugger pumps. But are there any other options I can try out before I drop a lot of cash on a chugger or March. I only brew a couple times a month, so I'm not looking to spend a whole lot right away. Any help would be awesome

There are some 12 VDC pumps on eBay that might be of interest to you. They are usually under "solar water heater pumps" or something to that effect. You will need a power supply for them, they aren't nearly as powerful as a March, and there's some debate as to whether or not they are food safe. BUT, they are under $50.

Those are probably your only options for scorching hot consumable liquid.

 

[Riot]

You can get those pumps in 24v as well, they are more powerful and the tan ones seem to be food safe by most accounts. They are about $20 from eBay plus the cost of a power supply for them

 

[beernutz]

I have used two greatbreweh pumps since late 2013 and they are holding up pretty well. They don't have the same throughput as March or Chugger pumps but they are a lot cheaper and work well for my 10 gallon batches. I believe when I bought mine I got both for $140 including adapters but they are more now and I don't see a twofer option any longer.

http://www.greatbreweh.com/Beer_Pump.html

 

[chudsonvt]

I bought one of these and did a quick test the other night. Seems like it moves enough for my purposes (I just built a low cost HERMS for 5 gallon batches on a two tier). Saturday will be the true test as I am doing back to back brews. If all goes well, I will buy a couple more to have more options (maybe single tier) and a spare.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Solar-Hot-Water-Pump-Circulation-High-Quality-Food-Grade-212-F-TE091-/321593119614?hash=item4ae071937e:g:NPYAAOSwaNBUcq8U

 

[BrewCityBaller]

I bought one of these and did a quick test the other night. Seems like it moves enough for my purposes (I just built a low cost HERMS for 5 gallon batches on a two tier). Saturday will be the true test as I am doing back to back brews. If all goes well, I will buy a couple more to have more options (maybe single tier) and a spare.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Solar-Hot-Water-Pump-Circulation-High-Quality-Food-Grade-212-F-TE091-/321593119614?hash=item4ae071937e:g:NPYAAOSwaNBUcq8U

Damn, $20?! I just bought one. If it works then it's a steal, if not then oh well.

 

[chudsonvt]

Damn, $20?! I just bought one. If it works then it's a steal, if not then oh well.

Right? That was my thought. But I also want to have at least one spare on hand in case of failure. I would hate to ruin a batch. If it failed between rests I would have some trouble. It would be tough to go from a protein rest to saccharification with other means. If you like it, I recommend getting another as well.

 

[bcharlsen]

How did you wire it up then?

 

[Murphys_Law]

I've been thinking of getting a pump and just bought one of those. Figured if it doesn't work I'm only out $20 so no big deal!

 

[chudsonvt]

How did you wire it up then?

Although the picture shows bare wires, mine came with a receptacle that accepts 5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID barrel connectors. This was incredibly convenient for me because I have a bunch of power supplies that have this exact connector on it. If that is what comes on it, then you could find a power supply with a barrel connector like this or just find a 12V power supply and solder on a connector. Something like this: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/PP3-002A/CP3-1000-ND/992136

Otherwise you can go with one of those plus one of these: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/EJ501A/EJ501A-ND/2439531

These parts may be available at radio shack (some of them still sell electronics parts)

Or whatever you want to use. You could just go with some quick disconnects that crimp onto stripped wire. You could even get those from the automotive parts store.

I hope this helps.

 

[Riot]

If yours comes with bare wire you can always just solder it in to the wires for whatever power supply you use and seal it with heat shrink tubing

 

[chudsonvt]

My testing went well. Almost too well, lol. I learned that I need to be very careful with my ball valve to regulate the flow and I have outgrown my lautering manifold. I am moving to a false bottom for the next brew day.

Long story short, I like the pump. I just ordered a backup.