Sparging with a Pump?

[SwAMi75]

So I'm really wanting to put together a nice system. My original plans called for a three tier system for a gravity fed sparge. I'm really wanting to do a two, or even single tier system though.

So, how does sparging with a pump work? Would you have to throttle the wort flow output with a ball valve, or something? That seems to be the only way to maintain the proper flow to me.....and if so, wouldn't this put a lot of strain on the pump?

I'm itching to build a more user friendly system, and really need to get some plans together. In the end, I think I'd like to end up with a HERMS.

Anyway, any help would be appreciated!

 

[Monster Mash]

They make an electronically controlled float switch that will turn the pump on and off to keep the level right where you want it.

http://morebeer.com/product.html?product_id=15196

 

[SwAMi75]

They make an electronically controlled float switch that will turn the pump on and off to keep the level right where you want it.

http://morebeer.com/product.html?product_id=15196

Yeah, I was looking at that. Am I right in assuming that throttling the outflow of the pump will put too much strain on it?

 

[david_42]

Throttling the output of the pump too much can cause problems. An alternative might be to use a speed control, which is what I do. I batch sparge, so I use the pump to recirculate and clear the mash after making water additions and stirring the bed.

 

[SwAMi75]

Speed control, as in a rheostat? That's another thing I meant to ask. Could you run one (like a dimmer swith) on a pump without jacking it up?

 

[Nate]

AC synchronous pumps are routinely throttled with no problems as long as there is some flow through them... running them at shutoff head for extended periods can cause problems. Actually, running most pumps, regardless of type, at shutoff head can cause problems. David, are you using an AC pump or a DC pump? Generally speaking, AC pump speed control is not infinitely variable because it involves varying the frequency and/or winding arrangement. DC pump speed is pretty easy to vary because it just involves varying the voltage.

 

[david_42]

I have a three-speed induction controller and an A/C pump, although a heavy-duty chopper-type would work. Make certain the pump is a relatively cool location, as induction motors can get warm if you use a chopper on them. A small fan might be a good idea.

 

[SwAMi75]

OK, please explain this "speed control" to me. You guys are going over my head.

 

[MrSaLTy]

Most decent pumps can be throttled by putting backpressure on it my restricting flow after the pump with a ball valve. look at the description here on this morebeer bump and you should get the picture.

http://morebeer.com/product.html?product_id=17311

 

[Nate]

Yeah, although speed control on the pump is an option, the easiest thing to do is just throttle the pump discharge valve or cycle the pump (manually or automatically). On my system, I either throttle the flow or manually cycle the pump... both have worked fine for me.

 

[Monster Mash]

Throttling the output of the pump too much can cause problems. An alternative might be to use a speed control, which is what I do. I batch sparge, so I use the pump to recirculate and clear the mash after making water additions and stirring the bed.

According to March pumps you should not control the speed of the motor with a rheostat, it will damage the motor. They recommend only using a ball valve on the output.

 

[Mikey]

An even easier way is to allow the pump to go full speed and flow, but put a diverter valve and line downstream that sends excess flow back to the HLT.

 

[SwAMi75]

OK, I'm starting to get the picture now. I'm a bit of a moron with it comes to advanced equipment. I'm pretty good with buckets and stuff, but beyond that.......

So would a pump be too much to push a little Phils sparge arm? I mean, would it require too much "throttling" to run it that slow?

 

[Biermann]

OK, I'm starting to get the picture now. I'm a bit of a moron with it comes to advanced equipment. I'm pretty good with buckets and stuff, but beyond that.......

So would a pump be too much to push a little Phils sparge arm? I mean, would it require too much "throttling" to run it that slow?

I have a March pump that came with my HERMS set up on my B3 sculpture, and it takes back pressure just fine, and doesn't seem to mind at all. I've never really tried it with a fly sparge arm--I think it would work, but that little sparge arm would probably start kicking out a lot of RPM's, and might take off like a helicopter, spitting wort everywhere .