Flowmeters

[kladue]

What you need is a flowmeter not just a paddle type indicator if you want to know what the flow rate through the mash is. Flow rates above 1 gpm usally lead to compaction and flow problems, that is why I use a flow meter with max of 1 gpm. Sparge and runoff rates should be such that runoff and sparge times are at least 30 - 45 minutes for max efficiency. Coarsness of crush is a big factor to recirculation rates and efficiency, it is something that one has to work with to get a balance between flow and efficiency.

 

[John Beere]

I've read the theories and agree how a high flow rate could lead to compaction in a lot of setups, but it has just never been a problem for me - and I've never really tried to balance flow. I set the valve to around 50% and average 80% efficiency - can't complain.

My only concern is to know the wort is flowing, but I honestly don't even need that as all I have to do is give the silicone hose on the pump output a quick pinch to tell... I guess it just seems cool to have an at a glance visual that all is well.

 

[WBC]

All the posts so far are flow indicators not flowmeters. A flow meter has a ball in a cone shaped interior at the fluid pushes the ball up the taper so it has more room to flow and the ball is sitting in this flow at the height that its weight can attain. There are graduations that have been calibrated along this taper showing the quantity per unit of time. This model has too big of flow. I need a meter that would show in pints/milliters per minute.

http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/large_image.asp?img=3246108.jpg
http://www.coleparmer.com/catalog/Product_view.asp?sku=3246000&pfx=K&referred_id=2268

 

[kladue]

Are you looking for this kind of a setup, here is a link to a picture of the flowmeters on the old system. http://picasaweb.google.com/kevin.ladue/Flowmeters/photo#5237048447683664962

 

[WBC]

Are you looking for this kind of a setup, here is a link to a picture of the flowmeters on the old system. http://picasaweb.google.com/kevin.ladue/Flowmeters/photo#5237048447683664962

I sure am. I wanted pyrex glass because I was afraid the heat would ruin the plastic. Are you using these plastic flowmeters for sparging flow? My flow needed is .933 quart per minute or 14 gallons an hour. In pints I would want to be able to flow from 1 pint per minute up to 25 pints min. If in Milliliters, from 500 ML to 10,000 ML. As long as the flowmeter covers this range it would fit my needs.

 

[kladue]

The flowmeters have not shown any signs of distress after 4 years, max temp on pump side was 175 deg on the pumped wort side, the boler side is cold water. Flow rate scale on the flowmeters are 60 gph on pumped wort circuit and 12 gph on boiler feed water circuit. Something to keep in mind is the pressure drop across the flowmeter, head pressure in a gravity system may not be enough to reach desired flow rate with out help from a pump. When the system is in sparge mode both flows are set to 11 gph and level stays fairly steady in the mash tun until sparge water runs out.

 

[WBC]

The flowmeters have not shown any signs of distress after 4 years, max temp on pump side was 175 deg on the pumped wort side, the boler side is cold water. Flow rate scale on the flowmeters are 60 gph on pumped wort circuit and 12 gph on boiler feed water circuit. Something to keep in mind is the pressure drop across the flowmeter, head pressure in a gravity system may not be enough to reach desired flow rate with out help from a pump. When the system is in sparge mode both flows are set to 11 gph and level stays fairly steady in the mash tun until sparge water runs out.

I am using a pump anyway so flowmeters will work great. I think it will be a great tool for sparging rate although holding a graduated container for 1 minute under the outlet will give you a good idea of flow the flowmeter is much easier to use.