Solar Project Pump replacing my Totton Pump

[BurtonBrewer]

Hi Fellow Brewers.
Its been ages since Ive posted on THBF, but I can't help the need to shout about my new "Solar Project Pump" that replced my Totton pump on my new recent built 100 litre brewery.
With the new brewery I need to transfer hot liquor from the HLT upto the mash tun at 85c, the Totton max temperature transfer is rated at 85c max and does seem to struggle at this temperature. The Totton harbours air around the shaft at this temperature.

So after reading about the pump on here THBF, I bit the bullet and purchased a 14watt Solar Project Pump powered by one of these from Maplins;

http://www.maplin.co.uk/low-power-multi ... pply-32754

.

David and Goliath.
The Robust Totton pump.

The new pump fitted using 1/2 inch BSP tap connectors, it doesn't look big enough to do the job.
But................

Just need to polish and have a big tidy up.
.......the pump pushing out liquor at 100c at 11 litres per minute!

So far Ive got to give it the thumbs up guys!
:thumb:

http://shop.solarproject.co.uk/

Cheers.
Steve.

 

[Darcey]

Good times! I am yet to use my 12v version on the brewery. I am still using gravity for the moment!

D

 

[BurtonBrewer]

Hi D.
Ive been using gravity for the past 5yrs with good effects, at least you know where you stand with gravity :drunk:
Steve.

 

[BeerEagle]

Nice one BB. Next on my to-do list.
Just a quick question. Why did you go for the power unit from Maplin rather than the one from the pump company?

 

[evanvine]

I've been using the smaller "Solar" pump for over a year, it has been very reliable!

 

[BurtonBrewer]

Nice one BB. Next on my to-do list.
Just a quick question. Why did you go for the power unit from Maplin rather than the one from the pump company?

Hi BeerEagle.
The Solar Project power unit just wouldn't fit within the socket.

Hence the Maplin seperate plug and power unit.

Steve.

 

[BeerEagle]

Thanks BB, that'll save me a fiver. Cheers

 

[Vossy1]

Very impressed with the performance of that oh so little pump BB

 

[Mark1964]

We have used a solar pump from when we started using herms i cant fault it :thumb:

 

[prolix]

looking good there :thumb:

i use solar pumps love them, though it did not like it when grain got though once :shock:

 

[evanvine]

though it did not like it when grain got though once

This is true P, they do not tolerate solid matter!
Only 4 screws to clear them though.

 

[graysalchemy]

What a fantastic set up :thumb: :thumb: I think you have convinced me that solar pumps are the way forward. :thumb: :thumb:

 

[Cyclops]

Looks really good and a compact setup. Those solar pumps are great aint they :)

 

[dazer23866]

looking good there :thumb:

i use solar pumps love them, though it did not like it when grain got though once :shock:

there must be a way to build some sort of fine filter just before the pump

 

[graysalchemy]

Use a false bottom on your mash tun.

 

[RokDok]

Beautiful looking set up.

 

[evanvine]

Run a couple of litres off and return to the MT before you start pumping.

 

[Northern Brewer]

I've got both a Totton and 2 solar pumps and I have been very impressed with the solar too, vary easy to prime, don't seem worry about cavitation and impressive flow rate. I may just use the solar and a variable npower supply and do away with the totton and its bypass valves completely, retired as a spare.

I've got two so I can pump from the HLT to sparge whilst pumping from the mash tun to the copper, I've ordered one of these as a PSU, if it works well then should be able to get the two pumps balanced and easily replicate the different flow rates required each time I brew :pray:

 

[Vossy1]

I may just use the solar and a variable npower supply and do away with the totton and its bypass valves completely, retired as a spare.

You're as bad as me for making things redundant quickly :lol:

 

[dazer23866]

aww man i had convinced myself i needed a march pump and you had to post this
now what :wha: