Tim;
Maybe, depending on the characteristics of the pump, one need not have the
diffuser at the bottom of the riser, but partway up the riser. My reason for
adding this is that some pumps quickly run out of volume as the backpressure
increases - until eventually all you are creating is heat with minimal flow.
Tim, I still worry about the advantages of the Vortex route. What are your
gut feelings or findings in this regard?
SS
From: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com [mailto:compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Tim Wilson
Sent: 08 October 2011 03:05
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] Re: Vortex Brewing Question
I'm replying to my own post to keep the information under the correct
heading. 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 point I made stating that a vortex can be created in more simple
fashion using only one riser and return pipe. The water is still allowed to
take the vortex path which it yearns to and this can be adjusted as to
direction and intensity by simply twisting the elbows on the PVC pipe.
There may be a possibility even probability that a vortex increases the
dissolved oxygen (DO2) in water negligibly, however in this situation,
scientifically, 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 one
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
glaze over but this is part of what I went through determining my air lift
diffusion 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
what they are comparing it to?
Just so you know, with my advice, they have all switched the air input to
the horizontal instead of under the riser pipe.
One needs to fiddle [or do the math] to get the correct diameter pipe for
the pump. EG. I just ran some trials using 3/4 inch, 1 inch and 1.25 inch
pipe with the same pump. The 1 inch and 1.25 inch created an identical flow
but 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 <mailto:compost_tea%40yahoogroups.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
pretty 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
does not have big chunks.
>
> Salutations,
> Tim
>
>
> --- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com <mailto:compost_tea%40yahoogroups.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
the brewer. If I let it cycle then I will need to think about pipe sizing?
Having 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 - 09:51:35 EDT