RipTide™ Owner’s Manual – V4
Blichmann Engineering, LLC 2018
For replacement parts visit blichmannengineering.com/genuine-replacement-parts
Operation:
Connect the pump to your system using heavy wall and/or braided hoses. It is highly recommended to
use ½” ID x .125” wall silicone tubing. This hose will handle the pressures and temperatures of the beer
brewing processes. Secure all hoses with clamps. If using NPT pipe fittings, always wrap the threads in
Teflon tape to prevent galling of the threads. Galled threads are not covered under warranty.
Prime the pump with liquid before turning it on. Never run the pump dry! It is easiest to prime the
pump when all hoses are empty, particularly hoses downstream of the pump. Open valve on the
pump and then the valve on your kettle to let flow begin. If liquid does not readily flow into your
pump slowly pull the ring on the vent valve to allow air to escape from the pump head. When you see
liquid escape from the vent valve holes release the ring and turn on the pump.
Adjust pump flow by turning the knob on the linear flow valve.
Tip: The pump head can be oriented 360° for convenient operation and elimination of extra fittings.
However, pump priming is best when operated with the outlet of the pump facing right or straight up
when looking at the head of the pump.
Warning: Hot liquid will escape from the vent holes in the vent valve when pulled. Wear a thermally
insulated glove to prevent burns! DO NOT open the vent when the pump is running.
Caution: Never install a throttling valve on the inlet side of the pump. This will cause cavitation on the
pump potentially leading to permanent damage to the pump. Use the valve on the outlet of the
pump to stop and control the flow through the pump.
Caution: Always plug the pump into a GFCI* protected circuit only! Do not immerse the pump motor
in liquids at any time. The enclosed motor housing will protect the motor from drips and splashes
only.
Warning: Never remove the valve stem or open the housing clamp during use! Doing so may cause
hot liquids to spray out of the pump head potentially causing severe burns. Always install the
retaining clip on the valve stem prior to use to prevent unintentional removal during operation.
Always stop turning if you see the threads!
Warning: Always secure hoses with clamps to ensure that they do not come off during use.
Warning: Never run the pump dry or permanent damage may result.
Warning: This product is intended only for home beer and wine making applications. Do not use in
hydronic or other applications. Never apply more than 15 PSI of static pressure. Operating outside of
these parameters or using in other applications, could void the warranty, cause equipment damage, or
cause personal injury.
Caution: As with all motors, exposure to excessive heat reduces the service life of the product. Do not
exceed 125 °F (52 C) ambient air temperature. Take care when mounting near heat sources to ensure
the exposure to heat is minimized and does not exceed 125 °F (52 C) when heat source is on. You
should be able to comfortably hold your hand on the motor at all times. Failure to comply with this
caution will result in damage to the equipment and may void the warranty.
