Hey Stephen;
That is why the air pump needs to be matched with the volume of water and p=
ipe diameter.
I'm not exactly sure what you are asking concerning vortexes. From my stand=
point a vortex is great for creating a thorough mix with no dead zones. The=
re may be some other unknown aspects to what it does to water structure but=
that is not something I know anything about and not something easily resea=
rched (AFAIK).
Tim
--- In compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Steyn" <ssteyn_at_...> wrote:
>
> Tim;
>
> Maybe, depending on the characteristics of the pump, one need not have th=
e
> 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 backpress=
ure
> increases - until eventually all you are creating is heat with minimal fl=
ow.
>
> Tim, I still worry about the advantages of the Vortex route. What are you=
r
> 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 simp=
le
> 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 guy=
s
> 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 bu=
t
> 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 lif=
t
> diffusion chamber.
>
> I have posted some photos of efforts of some of my students to build simp=
le,
> relatively inexpensive airlift [one is super super cheap $10] and vortex
> brewers using only one airlift and riser/return pipe. As you can see ther=
e
> is an acceptable vortex created. They have reported outstanding results t=
o
> 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 fl=
ow
> but the turbulence was greater with 1 inch and the flow was greatly reduc=
ed
> 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 b=
ut
> save yourself a lot of extra effort by using only one riser pipe. Not onl=
y
> is the vortex pholosophy subjectively questionable but you can obtain a
> pretty good vortex with one pipe anyway. Do some research a think about i=
t.
> > 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.co=
m>
> , "somydi" <somydi_at_> wrote:
> > >
> > > I am new to brewing and in my research on making a 5 gallon tea brewe=
r,
> 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 - 12:31:34 EDT