DIY float ball for sparge water?

[aangel]

So I'm currently attempting to improve my fly sparge results. I use no sparge arm - just a silicon hose sitting in the mash tun (connected to a 12V pump to my HLT). I've noticed that after I run the pump for a moment to top off the water in the mash tun, the hose sucks back some liquid from the mash tun - seems like a siphon is happening here.

To present this, I'd like to use a float ball sort of like how the Blichmann autosparge works. I can't find any cheap SS float balls though...would a drilled *wooden* ball work? Maybe if I used some kind of food-safe sealant?

 

[ImNoExpert]

I was going to use this on my rig but want to keep thew 1/2" ID silicone. I think this will work with the 3/8" tubing:http://www.grainger.com/product/NAUGATUCK-Tubed-Magnetic-Float-Ball-4LRZ5?functionCode=P2IDP2PCP

 

[aangel]

Eh, $25 for that vs $60 for the full autosparge, I'd rather get the latter. I'm looking at like a $3 wooden ball i can drill a hole into, and seal with silicon caulk.

 

[poptarts]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/52mm-Magnet...318?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3bb3720e
I use this, pretty cheap and easy.

 

[ImNoExpert]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/52mm-Magnet...318?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3bb3720e
I use this, pretty cheap and easy.

Nice find!

 

[PapaFoxtrot]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/52mm-Magnet...318?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a3bb3720e
I use this, pretty cheap and easy.

OK, I'm intrigued. How did you use that? Pic's??

 

[poptarts]

OK, I'm intrigued. How did you use that? Pic's??

Just like this. Works good for recirc on my HERMS and sparging to keep the hose from sinking.
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/SPARGE-FLOAT-BALL-ASSEMBLY-FOR-MASH-WATER-HEATER-P3720.aspx

 

[PapaFoxtrot]

Just like this. Works good for recirc on my HERMS and sparging to keep the hose from sinking.
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/SPARGE-FLOAT-BALL-ASSEMBLY-FOR-MASH-WATER-HEATER-P3720.aspx

OK, I thought you were using it for level control while sparging.

 

[ImNoExpert]

Now if I can just find one with a 19mm or 3/4" hole...

 

[aangel]

This might be a bit easier. Won't fit 1/2"OD tubing, but 3/8 won't have as much of a squeeze: http://www.ebay.com/itm/12mm-Hole-Dia-PP-Cylinder-Liquid-Level-Switch-Floating-Ball-White/400714165237?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D30242%26meid%3De3fbad2ee64a4a89aeb2f68e42842d0e%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D400714165060&rt=nc

 

[shutupjojo]

Was going to to do this until I discovered Locline. Fully adjustable so you can keep the
outlet tip just under the surface so you can monitor the level while sparging.

 

[augiedoggy]

I use a $4 stainless float switch which turns the pump on or off depending on level... its attached to a piece of locline which determines its height.

 

[aangel]

Augiedoggy I'll probably end up copying your design. How was your locline held up over time?

 

[Paradigm]

Eh, $25 for that vs $60 for the full autosparge, I'd rather get the latter. I'm looking at like a $3 wooden ball i can drill a hole into, and seal with silicon caulk.

I would think that would get pretty gross, I don't like the idea of adding wood. It's hard to maintain.

 

[douglasbarbin]

I would think that would get pretty gross, I don't like the idea of adding wood. It's hard to maintain.

Nevermind, you edited your post.

 

[Paradigm]

Sure did, you're fast.

 

[dunbruha]

I use a $4 stainless float switch which turns the pump on or off depending on level... its attached to a piece of locline which determines its height.

I'd like to add a switch for my pump. Where did you get this one?

 

[augiedoggy]

I'd like to add a switch for my pump. Where did you get this one?

on ebay.... heres the catch though for guys running the big ac pumps... the float switch is only good for switching 1 amp so you have to wire it to a relay if you want to use it.. I use 24vDC pumps which only draw an amp so I use it as a direct kill switch.

 

[dunbruha]

on ebay.... heres the catch though for guys running the big ac pumps... the float switch is only good for switching 1 amp so you have to wire it to a relay if you want to use it.. I use 24vDC pumps which only draw an amp so I use it as a direct kill switch.

Yeah, I have 2 chugger pumps. I was hoping you had found a switch that would work for AC. I found this one (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00909404Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20) but I don't know what 30 VA means...

 

[augiedoggy]

Yeah, I have 2 chugger pumps. I was hoping you had found a switch that would work for AC. I found this one (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00909404Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20) but I don't know what 30 VA means...

well the one I bought will work just fine too but you need to spend $5 or so extra on a relay to use with it.

 

[douglasbarbin]

Yeah, I have 2 chugger pumps. I was hoping you had found a switch that would work for AC. I found this one (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00909404Y/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20) but I don't know what 30 VA means...

Basically 30 watts. Which I am sure that the Chugger Pump is way over.

 

[dunbruha]

Basically 30 watts. Which I am sure that the Chugger Pump is way over.

Thanks. I guess I'll have to get a relay.