March Pump Alternative

Richard · April 05, 2012, 01:23:32 PM

Also someone on here posted some info on valves, and ball-lock isn't much good for flow control beyond on/off.

fakr · April 05, 2012, 01:26:21 PM

yeah, I can see that for sure Senior, thanks.

So I guess I'd run into a hose collapse situation if I was puming out of the mash tun and restricting the flow from the mash tun valve?

I might need to invest in a small lenght of firm hose from the mash tun to the pump then...

JohnQ · April 05, 2012, 01:28:33 PM

Yes, you should always put on output sided, the way I read fakr's situation, he was still restricting on output side, it was where it was going into a kettle by putting it through the kettle valve in reverse. If he was talking about restricting input side by reducing the flow into the pump you are quite correct Jake, never, ever...the pump will run dry.

Yes Globe or Gate Valves are better than ball valves, but most people use ball valves.

JQ

fakr · April 05, 2012, 01:28:49 PM

Really Richard? I wonder if the comment was in the context of pressure transfers? I use ball valves to restrict wort flow from my mash to the kettle and from the kettle through the wort chiller.

fakr · April 05, 2012, 01:31:52 PM

ok, I see point about restricting flow on the output side of the pump. Thanks for the info. So if I use the pump to circulate wort in the mash, I'll need to restrict the flow going back into the tun, not exiting.

Good bunch of information guys.

Ian Grant · April 05, 2012, 04:20:57 PM

A ball valve will work fine for throttling your wort. Globe valve is more for thicker slurries. I'm not sure how easy it is to find a globe valve.

fakr · April 11, 2012, 03:59:49 PM

just received notice that the pump was shipped today.

fakr · April 16, 2012, 06:56:55 PM

first impressions of this little pump?

Its small, very small. I think I'm going to disconnect the wiring splice job and redo it with a quick disconnect. still haven't hooked it put but will later this evening. I'm hoping this is a tough little pump, but it sure is hard to think that comparing it's size to a march pump...

[attachment=1:16m90jou]pump2.jpg[/attachment:16m90jou]

[attachment=0:16m90jou]splice.jpg[/attachment:16m90jou]

fakr · April 16, 2012, 06:58:55 PM

could be the difference in metals, but the 1/2" Male NTP fittings on the pump do not screw into the 1/2" SS fittings I have...might have to clean up the threads with a file.

jeffsmith · April 16, 2012, 07:31:57 PM

These guys are now taking preorders for pumps with stainless fittings. I'm strongly considering one, but I'm interested to see what you think of it. I may just end up playing the safe route and going with a March.

chrismccull · April 16, 2012, 08:26:42 PM

Quote from: "fakr"could be the difference in metals, but the 1/2" Male NTP fittings on the pump do not screw into the 1/2" SS fittings I have...might have to clean up the threads with a file.

You should chase the threads with a dye.

fakr · April 16, 2012, 09:01:06 PM

Well looks like the ss fitting i had was the issue. An SS lock nut slides on and off nice.

Tried out the pump and it definitely works well. I primed it and while it was flowing put my finger over the exhaust. The pump didnt slow down or sound like it was stressed. Taking my finger slightly off the end and could spray a good 8 + feet so there is good back pressure.

All in all, i would say this is a good cheap alternative to a march pump. It's light duty but more than enough for the small craft brewer. I will be buying another one at somepoint.

This thing is small and light enough to hold in one hand i'll also use it for transferring from carboys to kegs. I'll stick it inline with a spare auto siphon i have (to prime it) and let it transfer from one to another on the same level.

Even if i had a couple of march pumps, i'd still have one of these as a spare and for transferring.

Chris Craig · April 16, 2012, 09:09:26 PM

I guess, I'll have to buy one then

fakr · April 16, 2012, 09:21:55 PM

Thanks to WJShaw for the great find! Thanks man!

fakr · April 17, 2012, 08:37:58 AM

I wanted to add another point.

I've ordered a cam lock type D fitting to attach to the input of the pump so I'll be able to quick connect the pump directly on all my ball valves. Its light enough that it wouldn't put weight strain on any of the ball valves.

The more I think about different uses for this pump, the more I like it.

I'll test a hot transfer during this weekend's brewing and will post the results.