gph per watt

[Merleti]

How many GPH do you recommend per 1000 watts excluding head pressure?

 

[Hamaki]

Can you clarify your question? Is the 1000W heating? Is this in a RIMS setup?

 

[Merleti]

Rims set up with 1500 watt heater.

 

[Hamaki]

Assuming conventional mash, you can probably go as slow as 5 - 10 gph with no problem and not threaten to compact the grain bed. I don't know that I'd go any higher than 30 gph for fear of risking a stuck mash. Not sure what rate works best with BIAB but I hear that a stuck mash is nigh impossible.

I assume you're using a ULWD element or a high density 220 running at 110. I'd make sure that circulation is flowing smooth before switching on the element, just to be safe. Other variables to consider including surface area of grain bed, whether you're using wheat, rye or oats, rice hulls. I do about 15 gpm through my keggle + HERMS without a problem. Only use rice hulls on hefs and the like.

 

[Merleti]

The 1500 watt element will be running on 110. I have one of the food grade 12v China pumps rated at 158 gph. I plan on running my pump intake from a 10 gal cooler then about 1 1/2 feet of tubing to the rims and 2 feet back to the cooler. I'm using cam lock fittings so I'm sure my head pressure will cut me down to 80-90 gph. I also plan on heating the water to the mash temp before relying on the rims to maintain the temp.

 

[Hamaki]

I used a small 12V Chinese pump also, till it died. Don't remember what it was rated for but I was getting about 15 gph wide open with 24 inch lift + 25 feet of coiled 3/8" copper coil. Your RIMS will probably offer a little less resistance.

 

[TopherM]

Just get a chugger or march, and you don't have to worry about it.

 

[Merleti]

Since I don't get a chance to brew that often I've used my pump about 4 times. I'm using 1/2" tubing and it seems to do well even at 3 feet for now. If it fails I have a backup.

 

[Hamaki]

Since my $20 Chinese pump died I ordered a chugger . We'll see how much I have to throttle down to avoid compaction.