Author Topic: 20 litre drum wash tower (Read 12108 times)

K.H · « **on:** July 08, 2012, 05:29:08 PM »

Pics as promised

Julian · « **Reply #1 on:** July 08, 2012, 07:28:56 PM »

Have you checked the flow from the sparge pipe?

If it's only under gravity, the total area of the first say, third of the holes look to be equal to the cross section of the pipe.

Other than that, I can't fore see any issues ... just needs to be painted pink and tested.

Tony · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:36:20 AM »

I like the mesh and the sparge pipe, nice construction

You said at the BBB it wouldn't take much pressure before leaking. Is that just the lid that fails to seal? I'm wondering if the top layer blocks up what happens - does the bio back up to the gravity feed container or leak out?

I quite like the idea of taking the lid off, scooping off the top layer and replacing, then carrying on.

There's nothing more frustrating with a tower that is pumped from bottom to top with accidentally sucking in a bit of HMPE or soap and knowing that will end up plugging the bottom of the tower.

Invariably even if I'm careful, whenever I change the tower's sawdust there is a plug of soap forming a bung at the bottom.

K.H · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2012, 08:34:43 PM »

No its certainly air tight,i pressurised it to test,its just that it wouldnt take the full pressure of a Tam

Tony · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2012, 11:39:50 PM »

Sounds like I need to grab it for testing, now when am I next up your way I wonder? That or wait for Pete to pass in his Jeep (he's got a place to look after down my way)

K.H · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2012, 07:08:58 AM »

Pete would be a good bet

Keef · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2012, 10:59:30 AM »

If you want to have a go at building one Tony, I have a couple of those drums here you can have.

Tony · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2012, 11:17:04 AM »

That's worth knowing, thanks

Keith was angling for me to test his at the BBB which sounds like a fine plan to me, as my existing tower is leaking a bit these days - just got to sort out it's transport down here.

K.H · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2012, 06:43:37 PM »

Angling? i was requesting that you did a full test and report back to my R&D dept,the fact you need one because yours has started leaking is just a happy coincidence

K.H · « **Reply #9 on:** August 01, 2012, 08:51:47 PM »

Does anyone use a say a 20 litre screw or clamp top under pressure?,i was thinking that transferring everything over would allow it to be pumped

nigelb · « **Reply #10 on:** August 02, 2012, 09:34:29 PM »

If you guys need something like that moved from the Cotswold to Hants I may be able to oblige. I'm of to the Isle of Wight with the family on Saturday (4th of August) and using the ferry service from Lymington. Let me know.

Nige

K.H · « **Reply #11 on:** August 02, 2012, 09:50:19 PM »

Thats a kind offer thanks Nigel

Tony · « **Reply #12 on:** August 03, 2012, 08:48:33 AM »

Hi Nige that would be great if you don't mind grabbing it on the way down. Annoyingly I'm out on Saturday meeting my folks - though we have a porch and greenhouse so could be left if it's not too out of the way - I'll e-mail you my address though I'm pretty sure you know where I live already

Tony · « **Reply #13 on:** August 03, 2012, 11:40:59 AM »

I wonder what it would take to allow pump pressure? I'm thinking for the start of testing I'll run a pumped system with return overflow.

I do have a 20-30l mango chutney drum with screw top, it would be possible to transfer bits over to that in the future.

K.H · « **Reply #14 on:** August 03, 2012, 08:39:15 PM »

Thats the route i would go,should allow you to run a pressurised filter,not a major problem if the seal needs replacing at a later date

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20 litre drum wash tower