I'd like to follow-up on this question of brew rig conectors.
I'm an old-time AG brewer from the early 80's (grad school) who has not had the time to brew for 25 years. Going to be having more time going forward and plan to get back into brewing. Been doing a lot of research over the past week and there is an enormous amount of new technology available since I last brewed in 1987...
I'm planning on putting together some kind of an electric recirculating mash system and choosing connector types is the area I am focused on now.
So first, I see many use hose barbs and I would like to understand if there is any downside to using hose barbs if all connections will be made and unmade while the system is cool and empty (set-up -> brew -> clean -> break-down).
The only part of my system that I may need to take down while hot/full may be the March Pump (in the case that I decide to go single-pump, in which case I need to move the pump from recirculating mash to recirculating wort for cooling).
For the price of fancy SS connectors, I could practically afford a second pump (which would also provide a backup), but I would like to understand pros and cons of different connector types to disconnect/connect a pump:
BARB: seems like these would be an enormous PITA to disconnect but once the hoses are empty, is this practical? Any other downside?
CAMLOCKS: seem not be be suitable for 'one-handed' disconnect, but I am not sure how important that is in my case - any other pros or cons?
QUICK DISCONNECT: seem to be priced about like camlocks but support one-handed connect/disconnect - are there any downsides to these versus camlocks? Are they less reliable and any more prone to leaking?
TRICLOVER: seems that these are the 'Cadillac' of hose connectors. Are they the most reliable in terms of sealing well and preventing any leaks? Any other advantages such as ease and effectiveness of cleaning?
One more specific question: I may plan my system to handle pressure of up to 8 psi or so (max psi for March 815PL) - under this kind of pressure, am I correct that Triclover would be best (and barb would be worst)? Any opinions on whether Camlock or QD would be second best and how effectively they would be able to handle this kind of pressure?
Appreciate any help on this - as I continue planning my system I am sure I will have more questions, but for now I am just trying to decide on hose connectors (so that I can plan my MLT, HLT and BK fittings accordingly...).
-fafrd