Need recomendation for pump and filters

[FrEwing]

I'm trying to set up my shop and need some recommendations for a pump and filter equipment. As one might expect - my finances are limited. Your ideas please.

[Jedd Haas]

For spirits, a small air-powered diaphragm pump. Eg, the Sandpiper/Marathon/Warren Rupp (all the same company) PB 1/4, in acetal with Teflon or Santoprene diaphragms and check balls.

For mash, there are several options, such as impeller pumps, lobe pumps, and centrifugal pumps. We have an air-powered stainless centrifugal pump, which is awesome.

For filtration, it depends on what you want to filter and the desired results.

[Jake Holshue]

I can tell you what NOT to get as we have replaced 2 of them. GRUNDFOSS. Couldn't recommend you stay away from them any more.... The true problem is you get what you pay for. It might be more economical in the long run to get a nice pump that costs 3x as much, instead of replacing them periodically.

[whiskeytango]

What about filters prior to bottling?

Iv been looking at some from Millipore and they are a pretty penny.

Has anyone had any luck with other more affordable sources? Maybe a converted in line water filter?

[Jake Holshue]

We use a 20x20 plate filter. You can find these on home wine making sites. Just use a fine micron filter pad.

[FrEwing]

Thanks all. I will stay away from Groundfos pumps. I have researched the Sandpiper Air-Double Diaphragm pumps and have found a few in the price range I can handle. The web site they were on is www.coleparmer.com Regarding plate filtration, I'm concerned about leakage as they do in the wine applications. Jake H, have you run into this problem?

[Jake Holshue]

Leaking is minimal, there is a catch/drain to collect the drippings. If you tighten it properly, should leak too much.

[FrEwing]

Thanks Jake, I'm not crazy about 70 proof leaks

[whiskeytango]

i have seen these posted before is anyone using them?

http://www.marchpump.com/ac-5ssb-md/

[FrEwing]

Thanks for the eyes up on that pump. The specs look good BUT that model is a bit more than I can handle at this time They quoted $848.

[Valerii_Fedorov]

As a rule, plates applying in wine producing and filtration of sweet liquers on the base of vegetable raw materials or in cogniac manufacturing, but only at technological stages when need to remove colloidal stuff. Since plates give some kind of small cellulose fibres (can not translate exactly, but i am sure you are understanding, what i mean), plates do not applying before the bottling. If it vodka, for instance, then before the bottling it is possible to apply two cascade cartridge filtrations: first - depth polypropelene pleated elements 1 mkm and second cascade - polyamide pleated membrane elements 0,45-0,8 mkm and vodka after the filtration will be with brilliance. There are many scheme of filtration before bottling including automatic installations.