Double-R
Well-Known Member
Little Giant 4-MDQX-SC
I can get one for 100$ brand-new in the box.
Pros and Cons.??
I can get one for 100$ brand-new in the box.
Pros and Cons.??
Little Giant Pump
- Thread starter Double-R
- Start date
Help Support Homebrew Talk - Beer, Wine, Mead, & Cider Brewing Discussion Forum:
Pro: big, large volume.
Cons: Polypropylene - 150 deg F fluid temps.
Some people use this with higher temps. Let's see what people think.
Key on these: MD-SC - magnetic semi corrosive liquids - 150def F
MD-HC - magnetic highly corrosive liquids - 200 deg F.
Cons: Polypropylene - 150 deg F fluid temps.
Some people use this with higher temps. Let's see what people think.
Key on these: MD-SC - magnetic semi corrosive liquids - 150def F
MD-HC - magnetic highly corrosive liquids - 200 deg F.
JKoravos
Well-Known Member
You can get an equal pump cheaper on eBay, if you keep an eye on it, but there's nothing wrong with that pump for homebrewing.
I use my polypropylene head pump with boiling wort. The softening point of PP is well above 212F. We use these pumps at low pressure and very intermittently compared what they are designed for. It will last a lifetime in a homebrew environment, with proper care.
I use my polypropylene head pump with boiling wort. The softening point of PP is well above 212F. We use these pumps at low pressure and very intermittently compared what they are designed for. It will last a lifetime in a homebrew environment, with proper care.
JuanMoore
Getting the banned back together
They are great pumps with a lot higher flow than the march 809's and are easier to prime. As said, since we're not pumping in a closed system the pressures are very low and as such the polypropylene heads will withstand boiling wort.
I forget my model number but mine has been working flawlessly for over a year. I got a 240V model for about $60. Circulate my HERMS with it at up to mash out temps and no problems.
You got a great price before they became a popular bidding item. I got my 2 for $165 each. Now you can't touch one for less then $230. I had a March 809 before and priming was a constant battle and flow rate for whirlpool chilling was not that impressive.
Priming is now a non-issue and the flow rate is so much better for whirlpool chilling.
I agree with all the comments and the flow rate and priming is a breeze. I have to tear mine apart though because the last 2-3 batches it has sounded terrible as I have been recirculating my whirlpool. No idea what it is but sounds like the head is going to explode.
Henrythe9th
Well-Known Member
I find that my md-2 sc cavatates above 185f, my md-5 -hc does pump boiling just fine
stamandster
Well-Known Member
Not to go completely OT but here's a 12v stainless pump for $34 from HF, not sure if the impeller is stainless though.
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-marine-utility-pump-9576.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-marine-utility-pump-9576.html
Superman3278
Well-Known Member
http://http://www.franklin-electric.com/wastewater/little-giant-wastewater/specialty/circulator/579200.aspx
This seems to be an appropioate product for homebrew transfer pump, as an alternate to the March 809 series.
This seems to be an appropioate product for homebrew transfer pump, as an alternate to the March 809 series.
SankePankey
Well-Known Member
That is not a mag drive pump. That means that the 'wetted' parts are not isolated from the gears and motors. Even if it is all stainless, you are going to be fooling with non-food grade materials and lubricating greases. I looked into several all stainless marine pumps and actually called the manufacturers to ask and they said "We call these 'dirty' pumps. They are certainly not food grade." Didn't call that specific manu, but just letting you know that isn't not all just about it being all stainless.
stamandster
Well-Known Member
Ahh I see. Thank you for the information!
SankePankey
Well-Known Member
The other types of pumps one can use that wetted parts are isolated are:
diaphragm pumps- but these are usually not rated for boiling temp (~150* max usually). Used in the wine industry more than beer because of that.
and
peristaltic pumps- great but not for higher flow rates. I use these kind for sparge pumps.
Submersible sump pumps work great for everything (CIP, Strike pump, mash pump) except moving boiling wort. The point of having something food grade, amongst other things, is that you can thoroughly sanitize it since it will eventually be holding chilled wort going to the fermenter. Everything before then is fine to use sump pumps for since it will be boiled afterwords.
diaphragm pumps- but these are usually not rated for boiling temp (~150* max usually). Used in the wine industry more than beer because of that.
and
peristaltic pumps- great but not for higher flow rates. I use these kind for sparge pumps.
Submersible sump pumps work great for everything (CIP, Strike pump, mash pump) except moving boiling wort. The point of having something food grade, amongst other things, is that you can thoroughly sanitize it since it will eventually be holding chilled wort going to the fermenter. Everything before then is fine to use sump pumps for since it will be boiled afterwords.
When you say mash pump, are you suggesting moving your wort from the mash tun to the boil kettle with a submersible pump? You couldn't submerse a pump in a mash tun. I have be to missing something obvious here....
SankePankey
Well-Known Member
No, it's not submerged. It's outside the tun, and it's used for mash recirculation.
JuanMoore
Getting the banned back together
You can gravity drain from the MLT into a grant and then use a submersible to pump out of the grant to recirculate or transfer elsewhere.
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