[compost_tea] Re: Vortex Brewing Question

From: Tim Wilson <thegoodjob_at_hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:04:57 -0000

I'm replying to my own post to keep the information under the correct headi=
ng. I wish to point out that in Evan's post under wood chunks in compost he=
 addressed what I said concerning vortexes but seemed to have missed the po=
int I made stating that a vortex can be created in more simple fashion usin=
g only one riser and return pipe. The water is still allowed to take the vo=
rtex path which it yearns to and this can be adjusted as to direction and i=
ntensity by simply twisting the elbows on the PVC pipe.

There may be a possibility even probability that a vortex increases the dis=
solved oxygen (DO2) in water negligibly, however in this situation, scienti=
fically, applying physics, the DO2 is increased via the use of air lift(s).=
 Actually up to 10 times.

Concerning the use of diffusers, it has been measured by some science guys =
and by me that by using a diffuser at the base of the airlift riser pipe on=
e can considerably multiply the DO2, over using no diffusers at all. I have=
 posted a couple of papers outlining some studies on airlifts in the files =
section. One details some of the math employed, the other is not great but =
does mention the diffuser issue. They will probably both make your eyes gla=
ze over but this is part of what I went through determining my air lift dif=
fusion chamber.

I have posted some photos of efforts of some of my students to build simple=
, relatively inexpensive airlift [one is super super cheap $10] and vortex =
brewers using only one airlift and riser/return pipe. As you can see there =
is an acceptable vortex created. They have reported outstanding results to =
me with their gardens but I'm not one to count on testimonials. Who knows w=
hat they are comparing it to?

Just so you know, with my advice, they have all switched the air input to t=
he horizontal instead of under the riser pipe.

One needs to fiddle [or do the math] to get the correct diameter pipe for t=
he pump. EG. I just ran some trials using 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1.25 inch pi=
pe with the same pump. The 1 inch and 1.25 inch created an identical flow b=
ut the turbulence was greater with 1 inch and the flow was greatly reduced =
with the 3/4 inch. Go figure.

Salutations,
Tim
Get a duck

--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Tim Wilson" <thegoodjob_at_...> wrote:
>
> You can generally follow the instructions to building a vortex brewer but=
 save yourself a lot of extra effort by using only one riser pipe. Not only=
 is the vortex pholosophy subjectively questionable but you can obtain a pr=
etty good vortex with one pipe anyway. Do some research a think about it.
> http://www.microbeorganics.com/#So_You_Wanna_Build_A_Compost_Tea_Brewer
> BTW, sure you can dump the compost right into the water, so long as it do=
es not have big chunks.
>
> Salutations,
> Tim
>
>
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "somydi" <somydi_at_> wrote:
> >
> > I am new to brewing and in my research on making a 5 gallon tea brewer,=
 I am thinking of making a vortex type. The only information I am not sure =
about is if I should contain the compost in a bag or let it cycle through t=
he brewer. If I let it cycle then I will need to think about pipe sizing? H=
aving read so much on the benefits of compost tea, I am looking forward to =
making my own so any helpful ideas will be welcomed.
> > -John
> >
>




Received on Sat Oct 08 2011 - 07:43:14 EDT

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