What's a good HERMS pump?

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jceg316

What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by jceg316 » Tue Mar 31, 2015 6:24 pm

Hello,

I'm thinking of turning my system into a basic HERMS. I have everything apart from a pump but not sure what I need to look for in a pump. What sort of headroom, power etc.

Thanks.

Lockwood16

Re: What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by Lockwood16 » Thu Apr 02, 2015 8:01 pm

Hi, I have recently converted my system to a HERMS, and have just brewed a couple of beers with it, one being a lager for a relative and it was great for step mashing.

To try to answer your question, I guess it may depend on the quantity of beer you are making, a larger pump may be more suited to pumping larger quantities, height differential of your system etc. I only brew small batches at present, ie 20 pints, as I am still experimenting with recipes, yeasts, mash profiles, etc etc, and if I make a poor batch (not yet, mind!) it takes less time to get through it!!

I bought the magnetic pumps from Angel home brew, Paul was great, good customer service when I had to upgrade pumps.
http://www.angelhomebrew.co.uk/en/17-pumps

They work a treat, just ensure you have a sufficient 12V Dc power supply, I did not use the plug in type power supplies on his website as I built a panel with PID controllers to control the HERMS kettle element. I did have problems with stuck mash on my first brew, but sorted that with a couple of stainless steel filters I made to fit inside the coolbox mash tun, and a small strip of the same mesh fitted inside the hose fitting to the pump. All my plumbing is close proximy between HERMS and coolbox. I went for the slightly larger pump Type 2, after originally trying out the Type 1 which has a smaller bore. It blocked too easily, prior to my modifications to my coolbox.

I hope this helps,

Beset regards,

Lockwood16

jceg316

Re: What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by jceg316 » Sat Apr 04, 2015 10:07 am

Thanks for your reply. I found an ebay seller who has pumps which are food grade. He says he has a 200litre brewery and uses this pump to transfer wort, and it should be fine for HERMS.

Your setup sounds interesting, do you have photos online anywhere?

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john luc
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Re: What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by john luc » Sat Apr 04, 2015 11:44 am

Would recommend Chugger pumps. They are dear but every one who has them never regrets buying them.
Deos miscendarum discipule
http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.ie

Lockwood16

Re: What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by Lockwood16 » Mon Apr 06, 2015 2:25 pm

HI jceg316, no I don't have any photo's online.
I am more than happy though, to share whatever information you may need to assist your build. The HERMS panel is standalone from the other control panel, which houses a PID controller to control the boiler elements, and a STC1000 to control the fermentation fridge. I did not have the foresight then to incorporate the HERMS system into my original control panel. You tend to want to improve things as you go on. I never intended to end up cultivation yeast slants, treating the water etc etc. It's just that you want to make the best beer possible and this what a number of people end up doing, and actually enjoying the challenge!

Best regards,
Lockwood16

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orlando
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Re: What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by orlando » Mon Apr 06, 2015 3:23 pm

I've used both the type 3 (TS5) and the type 4 (TD5) from here and quite frankly the type 4 are way better and worth twice the money. Both need priming so it's worth getting a couple of bleed valves to help but once you get over that they are a dream to use and can be throttled back to a trickle with no harm, didn't find you could get away with that with the type 3.
I am "The Little Red Brooster"

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Oggy' Bar
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Re: What's a good HERMS pump?

Post by Oggy' Bar » Sat Aug 29, 2015 8:37 pm

I use air operated Flojet pumps. I have been using the same 2 pumps for 7 years and never had a problem with them. I can regulate the flow infinitely. See my old posts for more info.

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