Grannyknot
Well-Known Member
Sorry folks, I tried the search function, but couldn't find clear answers on these questions. I got a pump for Christmas, and used it for the first time last weekend. I used probably the bare minimum of its potential, just to figure it out. Basically only used it to pump wort through my plate chiller & into the fermenter. I have to say, it was a little overwhelming. It was pumping through there and filling the fermenter so fast, I had a lot of trouble regulating temperature. I use one of those blingman thrumometers to tell what temp my wort is at, which probably isn't the best method.
Anyway, fairly standard 1 pump setup. Kettle valve -> pump -> valve -> plate chiller -> long outlet hose either back up to kettle or into fermenter.
Here is my list of questions. Thanks,
1- Is the ciruculation of boiling wort, during the boil, a safe & effective method of sterilizing the plumbing, pump, & plate chiller?
2- Until I get a proper whirlpool fitting installed in my kettle, is it ok to just drape the wort out hose from my plate chiller over the top of the kettle, & hold it there with a clamp in order to achieve a whirlpool effect?
3- Ive seen a lot of protective shields installed on brew stands for pumps. Is the purpose of these shields to protect the pump from heat, to protect the motor from hot water/wort, or both? If it is more of a heat shield, what is the heat tolerance? I have the pump mounted (motor side facing down), about 20" from the open flame of a banjo burner.
4- If a heat/moisture shield is absolutely necessary for a pump, does anyone have a link for a good DIY shield?
5- When my pump is not running, but wort is in the line, I get a small drip leak at the inlet side. When it is running, there are no leaks. Is this common, or do I need to check my fittings?
6- With a pump, Id like to be able to cut down on kettle losses, and pick up more wort from the bottom of the kettle that I would normally just sacrifice to keep from having to tilt the kettle and risk a bunch of trub & hops going into the plate chiller. Ive seen the stainless pick ups on bargain fittings, but was wondering if anyone has a better alternative to those.
Anyway, fairly standard 1 pump setup. Kettle valve -> pump -> valve -> plate chiller -> long outlet hose either back up to kettle or into fermenter.
Here is my list of questions. Thanks,
1- Is the ciruculation of boiling wort, during the boil, a safe & effective method of sterilizing the plumbing, pump, & plate chiller?
2- Until I get a proper whirlpool fitting installed in my kettle, is it ok to just drape the wort out hose from my plate chiller over the top of the kettle, & hold it there with a clamp in order to achieve a whirlpool effect?
3- Ive seen a lot of protective shields installed on brew stands for pumps. Is the purpose of these shields to protect the pump from heat, to protect the motor from hot water/wort, or both? If it is more of a heat shield, what is the heat tolerance? I have the pump mounted (motor side facing down), about 20" from the open flame of a banjo burner.
4- If a heat/moisture shield is absolutely necessary for a pump, does anyone have a link for a good DIY shield?
5- When my pump is not running, but wort is in the line, I get a small drip leak at the inlet side. When it is running, there are no leaks. Is this common, or do I need to check my fittings?
6- With a pump, Id like to be able to cut down on kettle losses, and pick up more wort from the bottom of the kettle that I would normally just sacrifice to keep from having to tilt the kettle and risk a bunch of trub & hops going into the plate chiller. Ive seen the stainless pick ups on bargain fittings, but was wondering if anyone has a better alternative to those.
