Third Pump~Useful or Not?

[benbradford]

I recently came accross a march pump that was not the 809, but the ac-2cp-md... This is rated up to 190 and since boiling here in denver is 205, it would fit almost all applications, because just a minute after flameout, water is down to 190ish. I already have a 809 and a chugger pump in my three vessel rig, but want to know what kind of use the third pump could be? I could easily make a fourth vessel... Would that be practical?

Let me know what kind of designs and thought you have :rockin:

 

[fall-line]

The general consensus seems to be that the 3rd pump is not necessary, but can be handy and can greatly reduce clutter and simplify the brew day. The best example I can think of is JonW's rig here. With three pumps, he doesn't need to switch his tubing around, and it makes it easier to automate.

I am putting together a single tier with two pumps at the moment, but am definitely considering making the leap to three if I find the right deal.

As for that pump, I'd be a little concerned about using one not rated for boiling temps. If nothing else, I'd be concerned about my own ability to make a mistake and open the wrong valve, sending too hot liquid through it. It sounds like many others have used it successfully in a brewing operation though. Perhaps you could use it as the pump dedicated to the HLT, which would only handle clean water and not generally at boiling temps.

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

strictly convenience...

JonW clone we are building for a customer

 

[benbradford]

No benefits for partygle? What about double simultaneous batches? Circulating and sparing?

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

No benefits for partygle? What about double simultaneous batches? Circulating and sparing?

I suppose

 

[fall-line]

That clone is looking nice! Very similar to what I am building with my buddy at the moment.

It looks like you may have a good solution to a problem I'm trying to work out.. I'm interested to see how you are handling the gas manifold. It looks like the schedule 40 is running from the rear, under the diamond plating which will protect the honeywell valves, and then straight up to the burners. Where do you plan to put the ball or needle valves for manual flame control?

I'm looking forward to seeing more of this stand as it nears completion if you will share.

Thanks!

 

[OneHoppyGuy]

Thanks! As long as the customer is pleased...

it's all there on our Facebook page. The plumbing comes up through the diamond plate to needle valves. From there we will run flex line. We make up our own hoses in house so custom length and end fittings are no problem.

 

[fall-line]

Sounds like a good plan. I'll keep an eye on the photos to see how it evolves. Are you planning to run the pilot and thermocouple from those furnace valves up along side the flex line as well?

 

[vince805]

strictly convenience...

JonW clone we are building for a customer

That's a sweet looking stand!

 

[benbradford]

I think that I have decided to keep the third pump, put in a fourth tank, so that I would essentially have a 26 gallon system that I could brew 26 of one style, or 2 13 gallon batches of different beers at the same time

 

[pilzner]

I love my 3 pumps.....take a look

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/its-alive-287229/