MK II Pump - easier priming on the fly

[suitbrewing]

I want to add parts to my Mark II pump which will make priming on the fly easier.

Having seen how this is achieved on the Blichmann Riptide pump I am wondering whether I can just add a T fitting where the bottom of the T will be installed with a bleeding valve. Am I missing something? Has anyone seen any stainless steel 1/2" bleeding valves?



Something along this lines:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Pne...a2-4e0b-b770-3eca78294708&transAbTest=ae803_5

 

[Homergah]

What's the orientation of your pump?

 

[suitbrewing]

Its horizontal and is currently seating one meter below the stand on which my HLT and Mash Tun are seating.

I tried to put together a drawing if it helps

 

[Homergah]

Its horizontal and is currently seating one meter below the stand on which my HLT and Mash Tun are seating.

I tried to put together a drawing if it helps

View attachment 611017

This is what would work. Bleeder straight off the pump, facing up. The air wants to go up.

 

[suitbrewing]

Thanks for getting back!

Any suggestions for a more sanitary bleeder?

 

[Homergah]

The ones you linked to are probably fine. Although I would try to find a ss one. You could actually just swage down to 1/4 inch and put a ball valve in for a bleeder.

 

[suitbrewing]

So I went to the hardware store today and bought nickel plated brass fittings to test the solution.
I will replace with SS bits once I am sure it works ok.

In the possible configurations below, I am worried that in option 1, bleeding will create a mess with wort/water spilling on the pump head, whilst in option 2 I will be able to bleed into a bucket.

Below is what I bought:

Configuration 1 - Bleed valve looking upwards

Option 2 Bleed valve looking downwards (I will also use the 90o angle bit here)

They also had this auto priming valve (could one just connect this instead of the bleed ball valve and expect the pump to autoprime? Who don't we all do this then????)

 

[Homergah]

Option one is the only one I would use. Making a mess is a concern. Maybe put a 90 on it to direct wort away from the pump. I'm not sure how I would do it with the pump mounted such as yours. You would eliminate a lot of the problem by having the pump rotated to the vertical position, which may not be possible in your situation. The hot water air release valve may work. I don't think it will, but you could always try it. They tend to foul fairly easy, so make sure you keep it clean inside. Which could be an issue.

 

[suitbrewing]

As I am a sucker for cheap Chinese staff, so I also ended up ordering the below!
If no one else is using these valves, I guess its not going to work, but what the heck, I will give it a try!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SS3...525.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6e164c4dI3mkXC

 

[Homergah]

As I am a sucker for cheap Chinese staff, so I also ended up ordering the below!
If no one else is using these valves, I guess its not going to work, but what the heck, I will give it a try!

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/SS3...525.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.6e164c4dI3mkXC

Me too, good butlers are hard to find in this country.

 

[suitbrewing]

Done! Works like a dream

 

[Homergah]

Awesome! Nice job!