Diaphragm Pump For Filtration

[sjcampbell]

I have a Flo-Jet LF122202 pump which has an inbuilt pressure switch set to 40psi, and a flow rate of 3.8 lpm.

I was wondering whether I could use this to hook up to a fermenter and pump through the filter. Will a diaphram pump cause too much foaming?

Just I have the pump on hand rather than buy a peristaltic pump.

Cheers
Steve

 

[razz]

Way too much pressure Steve, you will perforate the filter medium. Go for something with very low pressure (like a peristaltic) or check out the thread on gravity filtering.

 

[Bandito]

I dont see a problem. Pressure only comes into play when the flow is restricted and 3.8 LPM is about perfect. Surely 3.8LPM isnt going to constrict a pleated filter under normal use of one or two batches of fermented wort with hops in it? From memory diaphram pumps are sanitry - never seen one like that though. Nice price! Thats for sure $181. I thought diaphram pumps is what they used in breweries to pump beer but I might be mistaken.

Or is there something I am missing?

http://creativepumps.com.au/work/a_brand/f...et_lf122202.htm

Uses: Water Transfer, Spraying Applications, filtration and dispensing, etc

Since high pressure water cleaners like the Karchar output 5.5LPM and they also have a built in pressure switch, it seems that this is suited to spraying from the back of a tractor or other vechile as it is 12V.
But as long as 3.8LPM wont clog the filter I dont see an issue. Properly sanitising should be looked into as its rated at only 43degC, so being able to take the pump apart for cleaning would be good. The materials are good for food use and with cold oleic acid and phosphoric acid (starsan) as far as I see: Pump Head: Polypropylene Diaphragms: Santoprene Valves: EPDM.
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/polyprop...ance-d_435.html
http://www.vp-scientific.com/polypropylene%20properties.htm
http://www.fbs-online.com/Centre/Prod/EPDM-chem-com-res.htm