StillSmart

I'm wondering what a simple cost effective set up to recirculate cooling water looks like. I've seen submersible pumps used for hydroponic set-ups, but don't really think I need anything that complicated.

Any suggestions on where to buy an inexpensive pump that will last?

I run a stove top pot still with a liebig condenser.

This is my set up for circulating water. I have an aquarium pump which i put in the kitchen sink, this then pumps water from the sink into my condenser at the bottom and the water comes out at the top back to the sink.

When the water in the sink starts to get warm, I just refill with cold water from the tap

Hey mate, I use a 200L plastic tank with a submersible pump, works.great.

I too use recirculating water. I burnt out a few low spec pumps befpre I decided to use a Hozelock water butt pump. More expensive but it is worth every penny. Pressurises my entire coolant system to 1 bar. I use coolant flow controls on the outlet of each condenser and run them all independently.

The only exception will be the dephlegmator on my plated column as that will have an input flow control.

Many thanks... I will stay away from the cheap pumps!

Never gave you a real explanation. Many of the pond aquarium pumps work fine with a pot still, as they only need to feed a product condenser. The problem comes with the reflux coil. A lot of the smaller pumps don't provide enough flow AT THE HEIGHT of the coil.

Fine low down, but you need a pump that provides the lift. Many pumps are set up to provide large flow at low head height.

It is better to go over spec IMO. You have a range of options, look at bilge pumps, irrigation pumps and larger koi carp pumps for ideas. Possibly pumps for domestic appliances, washing machines etc.

Be careful as well to check the pump requirements. Domestic circulation pumps for example need a minimum head height on the INPUT side - probably no good if connected to a 200 litre tank of water.

I run a $50 550w I think it is, submersible pump from Bunnings in mine I'm guessing you don't have Bunnings though lol , had it for about 10 months and it hasn't missed a beat, and has more than enough power.

This is the best I can do for you.
It has a 3/4 outlet centrifugal pump. It has good flow, but bad lifting ability, therefore I had to elevate the tank on this set up so it could cope.
Ordinarily, it sits on a stand and dumps through a car radiator. A fan on the back of it pushes air through. I have used, at a guess, less than 50 liters of water for the last 12 months and its capable of back to back runs.

[quote]This is the best I can do for you./quote]

many thanks for the pic empty glass. I'm loving the car radiator! I undertand about the issues with height much better, and yes... I will buy 'more' than I think I need... I am very much in favor of slightly over engineered solutions/products that last a long time vs over-clocking cheap stuff and having it break after 2-3 uses.