PUMPS?

[Bio-Texas-DFW]

Everyone, please list the pump(s) you're using, price, special features (self priming, 12V, hand crank, etc.) and where you got it.

Maybe even a general overview of how it (they) has preformed.

And what type of pump are you using for methanol?

(Thanks!)

[babyarm]

For my processor, I got a 1" clearwater from Northern @ $32
For my methanol, no pump (gravity fill)
For my transfer pump from barrel to truck, hand crank.

[Bio-Texas-DFW]

Gravity fed, please explain (I understand the term, but how exactly are you achieving this)?

[biomiles]

I have 2 harbor freight pumps, one for processor, one for drying tank, both have performed well. For collection I'm going to build a "sucker"!

[Bio-Texas-DFW]

biomiles, didn't I read somewhere that you were going to try an old AC compressor for collecting?

[babyarm]

admin said:

Gravity fed, please explain (I understand the term, but how exactly are you achieving this)?

Well, I simply put a spigot in my 55 gallon drum of methanol and built a stand or cradle and turn the drum on it's side. That way I can put my carboy underneath and open the valve to fill it. The carboy is already pre-measured so when it gets full I turn it off. Also, I keep the drum out back away from kids, dogs, wife, etc.

[biomiles]

admin said:

biomiles, didn't I read somewhere that you were going to try an old AC compressor for collecting?

Andrew - I tried that and it worked like one time, I finally bought a vacuum pump off of ebay for $123. The compressor would work if there was a way to keep it cool. It gets too hot and either shuts off on thermal overload or burns up the motor windings.
Miles

[Bio-Texas-DFW]

I see, thanks for the input ya'll.

From what I can see, I'll end up going with e-bay pumps and/or gravity.

[txcas]

I use two of these. One on the reactor and one on the bio drying tank.

To collect from the restaurant and to fill up my reactor I use this one, but if I had to do it again I would probably get this pump.

To get the filtered bio from a 30 gal storage drum to the truck I use this pump.

To get the methanol out of the 55 gal drum I use this one but will probably get something better in the future.

[Bio-Texas-DFW]

Are those pumps with engines self-priming (I don't think the advertisement said one way or the other)?

[txcas]

admin said:

Are those pumps with engines self-priming (I don't think the advertisement said one way or the other)?

Yes they are, but they need about a cup of oil in them for the priming to work.

[Bio-Texas-DFW]

www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42896

Here's the famous Harbor Freight clear water pump, but with self-priming ($69.99)