quote:

Then why did you feel compelled to post supporting the pump?

I can tell you why I do: I think the issues are overblown, at least from my own experience. I can say I definitely don't reinforce the idea that 1/3 fail in the first month of use.

I think current count puts me at 6 of these pumps in my possession. All 6 together cost less than 1 good pump, because I only buy them when I have a 20%-off coupon. I have 1 with an issue, and it isn't even a safety issue, just an annoyance issue.

NEVER had one seize up.
NEVER had one blow a cap.
NEVER had one blow a circuit breaker, even a GFI breaker on a cord.
NEVER had one even leak since I stopped using teflon tape on them.

The one on my processor is used only while the oil is heating, so it sees about 3hrs of run time per batch, so it has close to 200hrs of run-time on it.

The one on the wash tank runs many hours per batch: probably 12 or more: its the only one that has been replaced once, as between 2 pumps it has seen 750-800hrs. I think I just flat worn the first one out.

All my pumps were bought in the last 3yrs: could all the "bad press" just be ancient versions that had more issues?

All the talk of what a POS they are has only caused me unfounded anxiety.

When the wash pump dies again, I'll probably replace it with a better pump, but its the only one I am concerned with. Its sees the most use, the ones that see 3hrs or less per week: those were $20 well spent.

In the one I've seen..for HF

no thermal fuse!! BAD.
I have seen one fail and cause a fire..but not after 10000 gallons of fuel but may be 500 gallons..
the pumps fault..not entirly..it should have a thermal fuse..basic UL safety..

NT pump have thermal fuse..this is good..but is this the best pump for the purpose?
I don't think so..better pump for a little bit more are available, but it does require searching.

cheap HF/NT pump $40...better pump Little giant Te-5-md..ebay $75 or so..
the Te--md is magnetic drive..NO SHAFT SEALS..higher temp rating than the HF/NT pump.
oh..HF/NT pump is a 5-10GPM pump vs the TE-5 which is a 30-40GPM pump. hum!!


now sure buying a new Te-5 pump..uh OUCH!! there not cheap..
but a way better pump..not enough look at a Te-7...50GPM!!
the Te-5 is 1/3hp pump..the NT/HF pump 1/2hp..the Te-7 is 3/4hp pump


so why is that people want to use the HF/NT pump?

-dkenny

quote:

Originally posted by dkenny:

so why is that people want to use the HF/NT pump?

-dkenny

I'd like to know!
They are also known as " QB" pumps here.
It seems to have become the standard " Darling" of Bio users around the world for reasons that escape me and others I know that have used ( or tried to use) them.

Many Bio makers seem to take great pride in their reactors construction and go to substantial lengths to source quality components to build them from but then not only settle for the cheapest, crappiest and least effective pump they can buy, they vigorously defend them!

Being the heart and soul of a reactor and with so many alternative choices available, I would have thought these things would be the least used type of pump.

Hello all,

This actually is a great thread. The reason it is is because it points directly to our strength as a group and our weakness as well.

I purport the 2 main reasons that the HF pump is so widely used is for two reasons. 1) Its the most affordable one. 2) People know the name, where to buy it, and it does work, although arguably for how long.

Reason 2 is the critical thing here and there is a MAJOR implication to it: There is little to no information about other pumps. Yes if you are a pump expert, or have lots of experience on a farm, or air conditioning, refrigeration or with electrical wiring, great, this discussion might propel you to look for a better pump or modify an existing one. But if you folks want to change the thinking of the masses, then the rest of us (me included) we need names of pumps and suppliers. Otherwise, you folks with this great experience are just hollering into the wind. To make matters worse - you are right, but nobody can hear you, and I for one, would love to hear you. It would make my struggles a lot easier.

Please also do not post ebay urls as these urls references expire in a week and then after that no on knows what the name of the pump is. At least post the name of the pump - that's the best start. Also, if you want to steal the picture from ebay, just click and drag (mac) or right click (PC) and put it on your desktop and then post it here.

Now I got to go and start looking up that TE-5 that dkenny mentioned.

Thanks
Doug

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Doug Weiner,

quote:

and I for one, would love to hear you. It would make my struggles a lot easier.

The best pumps I have used are in the grundfos CR series of vertical stainless steel multistage centrifugal high pressure pumps. I buy them via ebay for about £100 which is nearer $200 than $20. Sounds expensive? They are a thousand or three £ new, depending on the model. I like the CR8.

check the motor is the right voltage and phase for the supply you have.

There are variations in model so make sure all the wetted parts are stainless, generally 316. Make sure you know the flow rate for the model and that it will be enough for you. CR1 is a low flow rate. CR8 a higher one. I think the range goes up to 32 or 64; something awesomely huge that we are unlikely to ever need for anything I can think of. I managed with CR2 pumps for awhile
but they were a bit slow flow on a 400lt tank.

I can recomend them without hesitation as to perfomance, quality, durability and value for what you pay. Not the cheapest but certainly amongst the best.

Ant,
those might be great finds in the UK, but in the US? I'm not sure

for someone who wants to find a better pump than the HF pump in US..its easy..NT's pump..it looks the same..but did you know that it does have thermal protection?? I was greasing a noisy bearing in one a couple of months ago and spotted the thermal fuse..

the other pumps I mentioned..TE-5.5..
this pump ups the ante..oh think TEFC motor..( totally enclosed fan cooled 1 step down from explosion proof, I think). magnetic coupled..NO SHAFT SEALS..NO SEALS..just an outer o ring..uh 1/3HP ve 1/2 but 3 times+ the flow rate of HF pump..hum..safer..more pumping..hum a little more cost if the TE is bought used..compare to a NEW TE..forget it..should I mention the some the TE5 and TE7 also come the a stainless housing??

I would guess if you're just starting out and on a shoestring budget..use the HF, get the warranty. then think about upgrades..I know I did this way..
My setups use a Gould 3642(I think, 50+GPM), a TE5.5(magnetic drive), and an NT pump.

-dkenny

Originally posted by Ant

quote:

The best pumps I have used are in the grundfos CR series of vertical stainless steel multistage centrifugal high pressure pumps. I buy them via ebay for about £100 which is nearer $200 than $20. Sounds expensive? They are a thousand or three £ new, depending on the model. I like the CR8.

I think you hit the nail on the head with regard to price. I have not worked on pumps since I left the navy thirty years ago, but back then a suitable new pump would have cost 10 grand. You get what you pay for.

Grundfos is like the Rolls Royce of pumps, top quality, but expensive. Taco or B&G pumps are like GM or Ford, and the HF pumps are like the Yugo or Lada of pumps. You definitely get what you pay for.

ANT, DKENNY

Those were great suggestions for pumps, but what if you do meth recovery?