Air in March Pump

[splashmike]

Have recently moved to a direct fire mash in a keg recirculating with a March pump. I seem to be getting a lot of air in the pump which degrades the pumping capacity. I have to keep jiggling the lines to get it flowing. A picture of my set up is attached. Any suggestions on how to eliminate this? Thanks.

Mike

 

[Barnesie]

I used to use my pump like you have yours, but have noticed it performs and primes better with the outlet facing up instead of having it laying on the ground.

 

[beergynt]

Mount it vertically and cut down the length of hose, especially the inlet hose...

 

[rudzy17]

This is what you need on the output side of your pump.








It can be configured however you want it (either pump mounted horizontally or vertically). For my setup all I have to do is turn pump on and open the bottom valve to release the excess air in line and prime the pump. Once i have good liquid flow out of the bottom port I shut the valve and there ya have it. No more cavitation. Hope this helps!

 

[splashmike]

Thanks. Seems like I need to keep playing with the set up.

 

[eastoak]

a quick way to test configurations is to screw the pump into a square of plywood so you can orient the outlet in various positions quickly. i think you will find having the outlet pointing up works best.

 

[mavrick1903]

a quick way to test configurations is to screw the pump into a square of plywood so you can orient the outlet in various positions quickly. i think you will find having the outlet pointing up works best.

Exactly what I did. Once satisfied, I moved the setup over to diamond plate alum.

I need to add a T fitting and a second valve though, I think that would solve some of my frustrations.

 

[mavrick1903]

Also, SHORT runs are better. You might also consider attaching the hose to the female thread as opposed to a hose barb (for the inlet side). My best results have been with a SHORT (1') stretch of hose with no barbs on either end. output side is more forgiving with the head pressure after the pump.

 

[jcaudill]

Definitely put a priming valve on the outlet. But also - reduce the outlet flow until the air is purged from the inlet then you can open it up. It sounds like you could be pulling too fast.