Pump or no pump

[jamilz]

No wonder you have such a big smile on your avitar...

You're right, I think I had just finished pumping when that picture was taken.

[George]

My favorite thing about the pump is that it lets you design a really compact system. Everything can be on one level, or you can put the HLT at the lowest point in the system like I did. (Well, the pump is the absolute lowest point.)

It's also extremely nice to be able to recirc cleaning solutions through various things at the end of the brewday.

[BigBadBrad]

My favorite thing about the pump is that it lets you design a really compact system. Everything can be on one level, or you can put the HLT at the lowest point in the system like I did. (Well, the pump is the absolute lowest point.)

It's also extremely nice to be able to recirc cleaning solutions through various things at the end of the brewday.

That's a good point, George. I try to reuse as much of my hot PBW solution as possible while cleaning after brewing, but having a pump would make it so much easier. In fact, you could justify the cost of the pump in the cost of saved PBW. I'm sure the pump would pay for itself in a year. I think I just talked myself into getting a pump.

Brad

[Steve]

Personaly, I don't go for the pump idea. I think when I go out back to begin a brew session come hell or high water I don't want to be disturbed. I feel a pump is more over a wizz bang concept that can be effectively designed out of a brewery. If you use gravity to move your brew from vessel to vessel then no matter what happens ie power falure lack of power whatever you can still proceed. This type of brewery can also be built on a shoestring budget. You can even haul a gravity type brewery out into the sticks where all you need is your gas and water You can impress your friends or convert some nonbrewers wherever they are. I designed mine with these ideas in mind and I'm churning out beer that folks LOVE and talk about long after theyve tried it. On the other hand this whole idea of gravity brewing applies more to the HOMEBREWER not the comercial brewer. In order to fit a brewery in a smaller area like a building or pub or even a small apartment pumps become more of a nesessity to help streamline the entire setup and allow the brewer to work within the confines of the given space. But that's just not me.
Steve

[wrplace]

I wouldn't use a pump if I didn't have to use one.

Currently, my boil kettle valve on my B3 1500 stand is the same height as the opening of my fermentor. Gravity won't work for the transfer as I have added various restrictions in the line (hopback, plate chiller and CPC qd's) that slow the flow to a trickle.

[Brewbuddy]

I love my pump.
I like to see how much work I can make it do.
I do believe I am the laziest bastard there is.
My last brew session the heaviest thing I had to man handle was the spent grains when I was done.

[Gucci Pilot]

Since I have the 1550, have to use a pump. It's great for doing step mashes. I was doing a winter brew house clean up and I dismantled my pump and you can tell where the bacteria can hide out. Additionally, I always pump hot PBW through it after every batch. It's another thing you have to be concerned about when you clean.


Darin

[wrplace]

Since I have the 1550, have to use a pump. It's great for doing step mashes. I was doing a winter brew house clean up and I dismantled my pump and you can tell where the bacteria can hide out. Additionally, I always pump hot PBW through it after every batch. It's another thing you have to be concerned about when you clean.


Darin

Yep, sanitation is the first reason I wanted to eliminate my pump. After pulling the head off I say that the was a bacterial/mold mat in the outlet that would made a good challenge for Fear Factor or some such show. I used to just run some hot water trhough it after brewing. I've seen stuff grow in PBW, but that might work if you brew frequently and flush well before brewing. Now, I pull it apart after every brew session and let it dry completely before reassembly.