Some kind of inline device to tell me if wort stops flowing?

[badmajon]

I basically need something, anything, that tells me if wort stops flowing through a line. I just can't tell as the silicone tubing is opaque. Does such a thing exist? Either a visual cue or even better, something that makes a loud beep, would be good.

Thanks!

 

[dmcman73]

Yup, Bobby at Brewhardware carries an inline flow view sight glass. This is the camlock version (shows out of stock as of now): https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/flowsightcam.htm

If you have all Triclover fittings, he had this version as wel: https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/tc15flowsight.htm

 

[badmajon]

Yup, Bobby at Brewhardware carries an inline flow view sight glass. This is the camlock version (shows out of stock as of now): https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/flowsightcam.htm

If you have all Triclover fittings, he had this version as wel: https://www.brewhardware.com/product_p/tc15flowsight.htm

Thanks man. I need to go tri-clover, I'm tired of friggin' around with hose clamps and a screwdriver.

 

[boat_eggs]

if you use threaded connections and can mount it vertically this is an actual flow meter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/33135307974...49&var=540545512831&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[badmajon]

Thanks for that too. It's really annoying, I've had problems with my pump getting stuck (dunno why yet) and the worst thing is, I can't tell when it stops working. I have to periodically check and if I don't catch it fast enough it can break the pump as it's not good for a march pump to be running without wort.

 

[dmcman73]

Thanks for that too. It's really annoying, I've had problems with my pump getting stuck (dunno why yet) and the worst thing is, I can't tell when it stops working. I have to periodically check and if I don't catch it fast enough it can break the pump as it's not good for a march pump to be running without wort.

What pump do you have? Chugger?

 

[Riot]

You could try a flow switch wired to an alarm. You can get them in stainless relatively cheap, I use one to stop my RIMS tube from firing if the pump clogs

 

[Redlantern]

Probably could get some splice fittings and a small section of clear hose. Two or three inches would be plenty.

For something more active - could try this - it is a paddle flow indicator.

http://www.coleparmer.com/Product/P...erred_id=778&gclid=CNrLt8CeoswCFVhahgodYXwLeg

 

[Auger]

if you use threaded connections and can mount it vertically this is an actual flow meter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/33135307974...49&var=540545512831&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Be careful with stuff like that, that meter is only rated to 65°C, which is about 149°F. Not even high enough for typical mash temps, never mind boiling wort.

 

[Redlantern]

Be careful with stuff like that, that meter is only rated to 65°C, which is about 149°F. Not even high enough for typical mash temps, never mind boiling wort.

Probably same for device I found - polystyrene probably not best for application at temp. Went and looked it up after reading your post and found "low melting point" so suggestion not good for wort - maybe for wort chiller, but not wort.

 

[Auger]

For the OP - I know when my pump is running, and it cavitates or clogs, there is a definite and abrupt change in sound on the motor. Does your pump not do that?

 

[jmark]

Stainless Brewing has translucent silicone tubing that I've been using for a year or so now. It's see-through and I can easily see when there are big bubbles of air in the tubing. If you only care about the inputs to your pumps this kit may be a good inexpensive option.

http://stainlessbrewing.3dcartstores.com/Premium-Translucent-Silicone-Tubing_p_184.html

 

[WrQth]

You could try a flow switch wired to an alarm. You can get them in stainless relatively cheap, I use one to stop my RIMS tube from firing if the pump clogs

Could you post which stainless one you have in your RIMS system? I've be looking as the Blichmann Flow Meter from their Tower of Power but at $158 that's a kinda steep price.

 

[badmajon]

For the OP - I know when my pump is running, and it cavitates or clogs, there is a definite and abrupt change in sound on the motor. Does your pump not do that?

Nope, it sounds the same no matter what it does

 

[augiedoggy]

if you use threaded connections and can mount it vertically this is an actual flow meter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/33135307974...49&var=540545512831&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

This is what I use... There are pics in my build thread below. I have a sightglass in my rims tube as well but thats pretty useless as far as showing actual flow...besides showing if there is liquid in the rims and the clarity of it, its more of a bling/brewtoy

 

[badmajon]

This is what I use... There are pics in my build thread below. I have a sightglass in my rims tube as well but thats pretty useless as far as showing actual flow...besides showing if there is liquid in the rims and the clarity of it, its more of a bling/brewtoy

I looked at the link and it says max temp is 65C- you haven't had any issues with it?

If you guys also check out this link http://www.ebay.com/bhp/water-flow-sensor you can see there are a bunch of them being sold on ebay- I see some of them are Arduino sensors but I don't know about the rest of them. Would any of those work? What do they typically connect do- is the lead coming off of them supposed to go to a power source? Do the (non Arduino ones) just beep or what?

 

[kombat]

For the OP - I know when my pump is running, and it cavitates or clogs, there is a definite and abrupt change in sound on the motor. Does your pump not do that?

Same here. The pitch increases noticeably (by about a semitone for anyone musically-inclined).

 

[Phlyborn]

.

 

[schematix]

if you use threaded connections and can mount it vertically this is an actual flow meter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/33135307974...49&var=540545512831&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

As others have pointed out, the temp rating on this device is on the low side.

Also be careful as the threads are BSP, not NPT. BSP to NPT thread converters can cost almost as much as that rotameter itself, and you'll need 2.

For what you get the Blichmann ToP one is actually reasonably priced. It has a sensor you could even tie into a relay to shut off your heater and pump if you wanted to.

 

[dyqik]

As others have pointed out, the temp rating on this device is on the low side.

Also be careful as the threads are BSP, not NPT. BSP to NPT thread converters can cost almost as much as that rotameter itself, and you'll need 2.

1/2" BSP and NPT threads are the same thread pitch and nominal diameters (there are minor differences in some of the other parameters - profile and included angle). A NPT male fitting will generally seal perfectly well in a plastic BSP female fitting and vice versa without an adapter, although it's definitely not best practice, particularly if there's any serious pressure involved, or you'll be remaking the connection often. The same thing is done with the cheap 12/24V DC pumps with plastic 1/2" fittings. This doesn't necessarily work at all with other nominal BSP/NPT sizes though (3/4" is possible though), or with stainless threads on both sides.

 

[schematix]

1/2" BSP and NPT threads are the same thread pitch and nominal diameters (there are minor differences in some of the other parameters - profile and included angle). A NPT male fitting will generally seal perfectly well in a plastic BSP female fitting and vice versa without an adapter, although it's probably not the best practice, particularly if there's any serious pressure involved, or you'll be remaking the connection often. The same thing is done with the cheap 12/24V DC pumps with plastic 1/2" fittings. This doesn't necessarily work at all with other nominal BSP/NPT sizes though, or with stainless threads on both sides.

Good info.

I've heard the same from others that it "works". I suspect it wouldn't withstand a lot of pressure and the threads might be damaged after 1 or 2 dis-assemblies, but a $30 rotameter is attractive....

 

[augiedoggy]

As others have pointed out, the temp rating on this device is on the low side.

Also be careful as the threads are BSP, not NPT. BSP to NPT thread converters can cost almost as much as that rotameter itself, and you'll need 2.

For what you get the Blichmann ToP one is actually reasonably priced. It has a sensor you could even tie into a relay to shut off your heater and pump if you wanted to.

Mine is made of some sort of plastic or bakelite and threads onto regular standard stainless npt or straight fittings just fine... (just like the pps plastic tan p38I pumps I use.)

And no issues with the temps. the clear acrlic has developed a few cracks in the inner suface when you hold it up to the light at the right angle you can see them... these are unnotacible during use and i have used it quite a bit since I got it... I use to measure flow through my rims and adjust my pump speed.

Im pretty sure the fittings that came with my bayou classic kettles were BSP and were difficult to get to thread to standard fittings.

 

[eric19312]

Mine is made of some sort of plastic or bakelite and threads onto regular standard stainless npt or straight fittings just fine... (just like the pps plastic tan p38I pumps I use.)

And no issues with the temps. the clear acrlic has developed a few cracks in the inner suface when you hold it up to the light at the right angle you can see them... these are unnotacible during use and i have used it quite a bit since I got it... I use to measure flow through my rims and adjust my pump speed.

Im pretty sure the fittings that came with my bayou classic kettles were BSP and were difficult to get to thread to standard fittings.

I'm using same. I think Augidoggy recommended it in another thread. I have it on my mash tun which I run up to a maximum of 170F. That is where I care about flow rate as I like to recirc during mash at 2 GPM (direct fire MT) but lauter at about 0.3-0.5 GPM. No issues with melting at these temps. I've removed from pump and dissambled 2-3 times so far and no issues getting good seal on my stainless chugger head.