what size pump for my recirc?

[titan100]

Looking for any help on what size pump to go with. We have a Keene A52 and understand flow depends on material types and size of material we will classify down to 1/2" it will be run in the desert So Cal most of the time any ideas. Thinking 1500 gph.

 

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[Prospector70]

Looking for any help on what size pump to go with. We have a Keene A52 and understand flow depends on material types and size of material we will classify down to 1/2" it will be run in the desert So Cal most of the time any ideas. Thinking 1500 gph.

I got two pumps feeding mine in my garage, 1000 + 750. Had to take the riffles out to get a good action, may try it again but everything in my garage is frozen solid atm. (pumps are inside) It's 3 below right now lol.

You can get a good 3700 gph bilge pump on amazon for like 50 bucks...

 

[titan100]

Thanks for the info what little I have found people say 1500 to 2000 gph but most say they turn down the flow at 2000 gph but I'm impressed with this site as there is way more members who post and reply here than other sites

 

[spillercanyon]

I have the same question, what size bilge pump would I need to run a 2.5 inch highbanker/dredge combo (not trying to steel this thread just trying to build a recirc myself)? I'm bringing the dirt home faster than I'm willing to pan it and would like to reduce the time to process the material. I would rather spend my time digging than panning, if anyone has suggestions.....

 

[socalal99]

I have the same questions about pump size with a A52 based high banker. Also, what type hose works best and where to buy one? Thanks!

 

[Prospector70]

I have the same question, what size bilge pump would I need to run a 2.5 inch highbanker/dredge combo (not trying to steel this thread just trying to build a recirc myself)? I'm bringing the dirt home faster than I'm willing to pan it and would like to reduce the time to process the material. I would rather spend my time digging than panning, if anyone has suggestions.....

I thought I posted this earlier, I must not have hit the submit button at work... (Or, maybe I put it in another thread!!! Uh-ohes lol)
Watch Doc's video. Lots of great info here.
tldr version get a 3700 GPH Bilge pump.
He also talks about hose sizes / types etc.
HTH, <3

Doc kicks butt, full of great info.

 

[goldenIrishman]

The amount of water you need is regulated by the materials you're running (size of classification ), the type of riffles you're using and the width of your box.

Larger materials will need more water to move them down the box effectively and the wider the box the more water flow will be needed to get it up to an effective level. The running length is NOT going to effect how much water you need. If you can classify down to 1/4 it will take a LOT less flow to move those materials through the box.

Your best bet is to get the largest pump you can find and install a valve to control the flow. It's always better to have more flow than you need on a desert re-circ system as you can always throttle it back with a valve. The more flow you have, the less angle you need to set the box up at too. Having a controlable flow will also give you more options for adjusting the box to get the best recovery.

I've been running a re-circ system here in Arid-Zona for a long time and love them. Just be sure that you make up a screen box to hold your pump. A simple box made from hardware cloth then covered with window screen will keep the "floaties" from clogging up your pump(s). Make it with an extra flap on one side and hand it on the side of your water supply tank.

 

[titan100]

Thanks for the tips we will report back on our hunt if we can avoid the aliens in the hills lol. Read a posting earlier about them and their death machines.

 

[goldenIrishman]

ROFLMAO!!!! Sounds like someone has been watching too many re-runs of the 1950s version of "War of the Worlds".

Keep us posted on progress Titan and feel free to PM me if needed. Us desert rats gotta stick together ya know!

 

[titan100]

no really I read that about aliens in the iron canyon hills on this site from another post LOL. Anyways out to the hills tomorrow first real trip out let you guys know how it goes.

 

[wingmaster]

Even with 1/4" material I would go more than a 2000GPH pump, I had a 1250 and a 750 and it wasn't enough without making the drop more than I'm comfortable with to have it clear good on my keene A51 which is a 10" wide sluice. You can always put a valve in to slow the water on a bigger pump but there's not much you can do with a pump that's to small.

 

[Prospector70]

OK How are you guys holding down the expanded metal over the carpet with the riffles out of the keene? I've got a couple of allen wrenches and some clamps but I need a better solution. Guess I'll clip up some of this stainless and bend something out of it.
How did others overcome this small obstacle?

Thanks,
P70

 

[SLNugget]

IMO your pumps will last longer if you use a bypass/bleed system to control volume and flow. Put the valve AFTER the sluice/highbanker etc. by using a Tee, with a return line to the pump container.

 

[Prospector70]

What do you mean after the sluice/highbanker? Thanks SLNugget.