Please help with new AG set-up

[Killinger]

I've been running all-grain for a couple years, but I'm upgrading my system this week. I've replaced the CPVC manifold in my MLT with a SS braid, added a HLT (built from a cooler), a keggle, and a March 809HS. I've built a three-tier system.

The idea is to have one kettle for heating mash and sparge liquor, pump the liquor up to the HLT, let gravity feed it down into the MLT and then onto the kettle.

I've actually been using the keggle for a few batches, and I've had trouble getting every last drop out when running to the fermenter. It has a 3/8 OD dip tube and it doesn't siphon well through the 1/2 ball valve and subsequent 1/2 ID tubing. As part of my upgrade, I added the pump to help pull the wort (and hot liquor) out of the keggle.

My first test run of the new system produced maybe 1/2 GPM up to the HLT (5' rise). I replaced the keggle's dip tube with a 1/2 ID tube, and reran the test. The GPM increased significantly, although I didn't measure it precisely. I'd say it moved 3 GPM or better.

The problem is that the transfer rate dropped to nothing when there was about 2" left in the keggle, and I shut down the pump for fear of running it dry.

So, I have questions:

1. Have others had this problem with keggle/pump set-ups?
2. What am I doing wrong?
3. How do I get the rest of the liquor/wort out of the keggle?
4. How long can the March 809HS run dry before making like a phaser on overload?

Many thanks!

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Sounds like you have an air leak in you dip tube line somewhere. Try checking for leaks.

 

[Killinger]

I didn't tape the threads inside the keggle. S'pose that's my error?

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Maybe??? It is impossible for me to tell. That may not even be the problem, but it is something to check.

 

[Mirilis]

something else you may want to consider unless you already have the stand and dont want to is modify it to 2 tier. It will make your life easier with the mash / sparge. You still will only run hot water but at least you wont have to climb all those steps.

I agree it sounds like you are leaking air in your threads. If its not them I would modify the diptube to just barely be above the bottom of the keggle.

 

[Killinger]

I taped up the threads inside the keggle, and it pumped all the way to the bottom. Impossible to tell indeed.

Thanks again,