Charles,
As Mikw Weaver pointed out, 1" Clearwater pumps are not self-priming.
Another way to avoid priming each time is to:
Position the pump so that it is level with the bottom of the WVO source
and the bottom of the reactor. This allows it to prime by gravity. I pump
WVO from a plastic barrel that is on a small platform ~ 16 inches high. My
pump and reactor are on platforms the same height. I used JB Weld to attach
a plastic nipple about 2 inches from the bottom of the WVO barrel ---->
line to the pump.
Air leaks do impair the pump's ability. I'd recommend threaded barbs w.
hose clamps for any hoses ... (rather than using pipe nipples to hoses).
Also check on a regular basis to make sure clamps are tight.
While teflon tape works great for water lines, it is not recommended
for fuel/solvents lines. The fittings will eventually leak and the tape
turns to goo. I was advised to use a slow dry, soft set, pipe thread sealant
when plumbing fittings in my reactor. After 8 months, no leaks. The fittings
are also very easy to disassemble for processor maintenance.
Best of luck,
Tom
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Weaver" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <biofuel@sustainablelists.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 9:44 AM
Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Pump choice
> We're using a clearwater with good results - but be careful to leave a
> little oil in it for priming purposes and when you plumb it
> use tape - any air leaks really impair its ability...
>
> Charles List wrote:
>
>>Hi All
>>
>>Thanks to all who have advised me this last few months, I am now a
>>biofueller! 105l batches, good product. Unfortunately, after 10 good
>>batches, my pump has started spraying out of the back of the impeller
>>housing. So I took it apart and the impeller has broken up and the
>>housing has been eaten through at the back, around the mechanical
>>seal. It was 30 years old or so, free and a plastic spa pump, so I'm
>>not too distressed, but I obviously don't want it happening again.
>>
>>I notice that the clearwater pump used by JtF is made of cast iron,
>>so should my next pump be made of metal? Also, is the impeller in the
>>clearwater pump plastic? As I know you can get some with stainless
>>steel blades, I wonder my impeller break-up was due to age or chemicals.
>>
>>Thanks
>>
>>Charles List
>>
>>
>
>
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