5 replies to this topic

[CaptRon]

So I can't afford a March 809 right now, but I really need to incorporate a pump into my brewery so I don't have to keep lifting hot water up high. I have a Laing hot water recirculating pump that I'm not using in the house any longer, so I was wondering if I could use it somehow. Here is a pic of a similar one: I think the challenge is going to be the design of the top part where there are 4 connections. I'm not sure how the thing actually works yet to see if I cap a couple of them to have just an in-line pump, but thought I would throw this up here and see if someone here is familiar with these to knwo if it is even worth my time to try and get it to work. I'd only be using this for moving hot water from my kettle to the mash tun, and from kettle to HLT vessel. Not for wort.

[Deerslyr]

Wouldn't you have to figure out how to bypass the temperature regulator? My understanding is that it kicks in to bring the temp of the water up to around 95 degrees.

[positiveContact]

Wouldn't you have to figure out how to bypass the temperature regulator? My understanding is that it kicks in to bring the temp of the water up to around 95 degrees.

that dial doesn't allow you to set any temp you want?

[CaptRon]

I'll have to look at mine. I know that the dial on the front is a timer so you can have it come on at certain times so it isn't running when you're sleeping. I think there is a temp adjustment though, but not sure.

[Deerslyr]

that dial doesn't allow you to set any temp you want?

I'm sure based on the function of the unit that there is a limitation that would be far below sparging temps... if you were inclined to use it in that manner. Again... he'd have to bypass some stuff just to use it as a pump.

[No Party JKor]

I'd be worried about the amount of flow you can generate against several feet of head. The way that circulator works is in a completely closed loop system, so technically it operates under zero head (except that caused by friction in the lines). Couldn't hurt to try it, but I'm a bit skeptical. OTOH, you can get pretty cheap mag drive pumps on eBay if you keep an eye out. I just bought a second one for $35 a few months ago. This one looks identical to the one I've been using in my system for the last few years. Works like a champ. I use it all the way up to boiling wort. March, Little Giant and even Iwaki are going for pretty high prices now, keep an eye out for the under the radar brands like Gorman-Rupp.