Chugger pump floe rate

[psham]

Just wondering if it is possible to increase the flow rate on a chugger pump?

I initially bought one in the group buy to use to whirlpool in my kettle, I've since bought another one as now have a herms system but testing both the whirlpool is a slow meander rather than a proper whirlpool and not getting a cone in the middle but rather a squashed pile of hot/cold/hop debris.

The whirlpool I get is nearly non existent if I hook up my counter flow chiller after the chugger and before inlet of whirlpool arm on kettle.

Any thoughts?

[DEMPSEY]

Only way is to reduce any resistance on the flow I would assume. If the weight of the wort is pushing naturally into the pump then that's the max you will get but if you have got bends on it then that will reduce any pressure.

[darren996]

What size is the exit point on the whirlpool arm, mine is 3/8 and leaves a nice cone. What volume are whirlpooling?

[molc]

Each turn and bend you have on the pipe will have a pronounced effect, as will the ID of your tubing and connections. The counterflow chiller will have a big effect too.

Try just pumping water straight out of the pump with no tubing and check your speed. It should be pretty rapid.

[darren996]

What Molc said.
I recirc through a plate chiller, the flow rate isn't as good as when going straight through the pump.
When wort is down to temp I disconnect the chiller, whirlpool for 10 and then let settle for at least 20 minutes. I get my fermenter ready and tidy up.  I get a nice cone and and a very clear wort. The whirlpool doesn't have to be very vigorous.

Here is my whirlpool arm, it's 1/2 pipe with a 3/8 tapered head. The smaller exit give a greater flow



Here is a vid with a keg kingdom pump, it's not as powerful as my chugger but it's not far off, there is 25 litres in the kettle

https://youtu.be/C3-g4FWUyEw

[psham]

Thanks for the replies lads. Dip tube in kettle is 3/8 going to 1/2 tubing to chugger going to 3/8 on the counter flow chiller and back to 1/2 inch pipe on whirlpool arm with a 3/8 tapered head.

Flow is good with nothing attached .
I also have a 50cm by 50cm 100L kettle so probably wrong shape to get a good whirlpool,  could do with 70cm high and 30cm wide.

Usually whirlpool 50 liters or so.