cavitating my pumps

[DEMPSEY]

As the group buy for Chugger's is under way I am having a problem with cavitation with my set up that I need opinions on and also to help others. I have 2 pumps which I have different silicone tubing and quick disconnect's for the tasks. When I disconnect a tube from the inlet and connect another tube I bring in air and so pump no work . My thoughts are to add a small bleed valve to the outlet of the pump to allow me to bleed off the air and so prime the pump each time. I already have a control valve fitted to the outlet so the bleed valve will be between the pump outlet and the control valve. Anyone got any other idea's.

[nigel_c]

Here's what I did with mine.


Put a small valve in. Worked out perfectly ( unplanned ) that if you open the output valve it closes the bleeder which helps prevent spillage.
I have to use it once or twice a brew day only. Better to be looking at it then looking for it I suppose.

[Garry]

Have you seen this?

[Garry]

Another trick: I find that when the inlet hose sags below the level of the pump, air bubbles will build up in the inlet hose. Simply lift the inlet hose higher than the pump until the air bubbles work their way through the pump and it's happy out 

[DEMPSEY]

Thanks lads I would have gotten all these questions answered earlier if we were all drinking in the same place and after a few pints we could have ironed out all the brewing design problems and after a few more,hey World peace